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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Return on Enjoyment: Finding That Work-Life Balance

I find taking vacation or ‘staycations’ essential to my sanity. If you’re following my Twitter or Snapchat you’ll know that I’m always on the go doing something, events, speaking, dinner, travel. I love it, but tbh it’s pretty exhausting. Putting heaps of energy out (friends, work, or social) can take a lot out of you. In a recent TD survey, they found that us millennials have a hard time finding balance between financial and work commitments, and taking time to relax is a challenge. I can totally relate to this. TD found that 46% of millennials don’t take their allotted vacation days, mostly due to heavy workload (31%) and lack of travel funds (29%). Back when I was working in an agency, I hardly ever took vacation, felt pressure to work late, and when I did take vacation, found myself constantly checking my phone and responding to emails. I know I’m not alone here! The survey found, 90% of Canadian millennials agree that vacation time, even mini-vacations or “staycations”, are essential to keeping them happy. Taking time to recharge doesn’t have to be expensive, I find a good binge weekend with some cooking, takeout, and a nap (or two!) boosts me up. Having a financial plan and a budget will help you get that ROE – Return on Enjoyment. ? This weekend we opened the cottage, going there, even for a 24 hour getaway gives me leaps and bounds of energy. Don’t have a cottage? Make friends with someone who does (heh heh) or check out options like Airbnb or Glamping Hub for affordable getaways. Millennials like us can save for activities by creating a financial plan to account for funding life’s pleasures (or unexpected moments). We could all use a little more vitamin SEA, amiright? ? Other activities with…

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Social |Changes to Instagram Newsfeed ⤵️

Word on the street is that the new Instagram timeline is dropping tomorrow. Here’s what you need to know! Apparently 70% of us are missing posts we actually wanna see, this new algorithm will hopefully make it better. For advertisers, this means you really need to pay to play Hopefully, the changed algorithm will result in more likes for us all. Although, I haven’t been in need of many more links since finding the best powerlikes service on the internet. If your favorite musician shares a video from last night’s concert, it will be waiting for you when you wake up, no matter how many accounts you follow or what time zone you live in. And when your best friend posts a photo of her new puppy, you won’t miss it. – Instagram blog If you’ve been on IG the last 24 hours you might have noticed a ton of posts tagged #turnmeon or #turnonnotifications, this is people asking for you to make a slight change so you don’t miss their posts. It’s kinda annoying and tbh, I don’t want to notifications from everyone, there’s a bunch of people I follow that I should probably just unfollow. BUT, if you want to turn on notifications for your fav peeps, it’s v easy. ??thoughts on the meme of the day??: The interwebs is exploding with people urging other people to turn on post notifications… ? take it from me, unless you are dying for up-to-the-nanosecond posts about my nailpolish whims, you don’t need to turn it on tomorrow. #trustmeonthisonepeople. (PS This is @opi_products in Olive in Green, possibly my new favorite color!) A photo posted by Eva Chen (@evachen212) on Mar 28, 2016 at 10:07am PDT How to Turn on Notifications in Instagram 1. Tap the little ?? ?? ?? on…

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This is My Life | Special Day of The Year ☀️

I’m pretty excited because today is one of my most fav days of the year, the day we open the cottage! ????✌?️?????✋? We’re en route to Muskoka to see how it handled the winter and do some cleanup. It’s a fair bit of work but I take joy every moment. Being up there is so relaxing, the fresh air, lake, trees, country roads. It’s so calming. Make sure you’re following me on the Snapchat ? for a little bit of cottage life.

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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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This Is My Life | I have found that if you love life, life will love you back.

I’ve kinda neglected my blog the last week… Posts have been few and far between but I’ve still been active on all the socials. Over the last 10 days I won a Canadian Screen Award as an innovator in social & digital media (Voice Pioneer), I spoke at a conference in Edmonton where my name trended in Canada (ahhh!), spoke at the United Nations of Canada International Women’s Day event, and was a director on a TV commercial. So, safe to say lots has been happening! I’m happy and healthy and wanted to let you know, in case you’ve not peeped my daily Snapchat stories (follow here ?), read tweets, or seen posts on Instagram. I’m hustling hard to make 2016 the best year ever! So far, it’s been amazing. These flowers were on set yesterday and now they’re brightening my home office and filling it with a springy scent. I’ve FINALLY organized the spare room to have an office that’s tidy, with a great work station, and bright light. I’ve been spending more time at the 1188 offices since January but I’m planning to spend more time working from home and the cottage for the next few months. Title of this post is a quote by Arthur Rubenstein and it really resonated with me today because although i’ve slightly neglected my blog the last two weeks, I’ve been showing my life extreme love and appreciation. Each day I’ve put my head and heart into my work and feel like the universe is rewarding me with gratitude and more of what I truly want. On the day of Canadian Academy of Film & Television’s #AcademySocial Awards I had a complimentary psychic reading with Angel Morgan at the Spoke Club. I’ve not really been into that type of things but with…

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Mill Street Brew, Segway Tour, HTC Vive, Photoshoot

Hello spring, is that you? How nice was it waking up to warmer temps today?! So lovely! ☀️ Spring is just around the corner. Daylight savings is this weekend too! Weeeee.  I’m at the 1188 office today and the sun is making the office nice & bright. On Saturday afternoon I hung out with Mill Street Brewery and a bunch of bloggers & media for a brewery tour and to learn about the brand. It was super fun. The team at Mill Street is v chill and I loved getting to know them. If you follow me on Snapchat you’ll have seen the tour happen in real time. [Add me here!] Learned that 30% of the hops they use comes from […wait for it] NEW ZEALAND!  Love when there’s a Kiwi connection ???. The other cool thing we did together was ride SEGWAYS. This is my segway gang. It was super fun and we had lots of laughs. Felt like total nerds but tbh I don’t really CARE what other people think!    On Saturday night we were in the 1188 studio shooting for an upcoming project. It is v handy to have a BF with a studio! The guys set up all the lighting and we were rollin’. I quite like being behind the camera too! I got to try out HTC Vive and IT WAS ONCE OF THE COOLEST THINGS I’VE EVER DONE. It’s not out for another 6 months and it is truly a next level experience. I was drawing in 3D in a galaxy of stars where I wrote my name and made a pink glittery fire ball. I also tried fruit ninja and it was AWESOME. [vine id=”iXqhUKxxuiK”] Here’s to a great week, it’s beautiful out!    

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Life | Spring in February, I’ll Take It! 

Oh man yesterday was such a lovely day. I was  out for a walk in the sun, added some pink to my hair,  greeted the day with a smile. My Lumee Case arrived for iPhone, think ring light x phone case, it’s awesome. Upping my selfie game! Last night I hosted an event at WILDFOX for the launch of the fairytale collection. Today I have a photoshoot but am feeling a bit under the weather. Been a bit slack on blog stories this week but have still been updating all things social. Daily stories on Snapchat, Instagram and Twitter. Randomness on tumblr & Pinterest. This weekend I’m working on the finishing touches for a talk I’m doing in Ottawa next wee. I know it’s Thursday but I’m ready for the weekend to start now. Hope things are going your way 🙂

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Travel | Byeeeeeeeee Winter, Next Stop Cabo!

Well guys, I’ve been home for a few days and it’s time to get back on a plane and get outta here! Hopefully I spend WAY less in the airport than I did last week. Sean and I are going to CABO with Sunwing Vacations. Here’s a little sneak peek of what I’m doing there.  I’ll be sharing all kinds of updates on Twitter @casiestewart, Snapchat ?  (casiestewart), and even on Periscope. I’ll be sure to take you on a hotel tour, to the beach, and maybe out to sea in a glass bottom boat.

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Travel | Made it to Detroit for NAIAS 2016 w/ Ford

Good morning! Well, yesterday was QUITE A DAY. Broke my record for longest airport stay (18HRS) also had my first ever airport shower (in the Air Canada Lounge). I’m now in Detroit, MI for the North American International Auto show. Staying at the Westin and had a great sleep, their beds are AHHHmazing! Today is a jam packed day of media things at Cobo Hall in the convention centre. This is my third trip to the show and I’m looking forward to seeing new car technology, concept cars, and what Ford is launching for the year.   Follow along on Snapchat (casiestewart) & Twitter  (@casiestewart) for all kinds of up to the minute shenanigans and me making the most of every moment.  

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Quick Update from the Treehouse in the Woods

Helloooooo! This week has been absolutely amazing. My batteries are recharged and I’m fuelled with a fire that will last forever. ☀️?????? We have had so much fun out here. It’s truly amazing to connect with nature and disconnect (a bit). We’ve survived the last few days with no running water, a portable burner for cooking, and logs on the wood stove. Thankful for snow to melt! A photo posted by C A S I E S T E W A R T (@casiestewart) on Jan 5, 2016 at 2:05pm PST Woke up early to a pink sky so I trekked to the top of a hill behind us to appreciate it. Video on Snapchat ? casiestewart. TECHNICOLOR DREAMBOAT ✌?️???❄️☀️ Loved being in the woods the last few days. Getting into the swing of 2016 & will share my thoughts on treehouse living on the blog. This suit was my mum’s ski suit in the 80s ?✌?️ #discoveron #cottagelife #glampinghub #vintage #travel A photo posted by C A S I E S T E W A R T (@casiestewart) on Jan 6, 2016 at 1:21pm PST Heading back to the city today!  

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Greet the Day with a ? and the ? Will Respond

There’s a good chance you didn’t want to go to work today. The last two weeks were a weird time of year, you’re home and working less (physically/mentally) and it’s easy to forget what day it is. Or get fully dressed and leave the house if you’re anything like me.  If you’re reading this from Canada, it’s probably the coldest day of the year. Toronto is around -14 degrees ? and I’m heading up north to the wilderness to spend a few days in a treehouse. Crazy? No, awesome! Adventure! I’ve packed a ton of warmies and food. Good thing I’ve got those vintage snowsuits. Yesterday was a really rad day, bff brunch, cleaned house, ditched the ?, ran my fastest km, and made some great food. Feeling good about life, personal, professional, health. Mantra for 2016 is SUNNY AND BRIGHT. Was thinking last night and decided whoever said ‘the struggle is real’ wasn’t working hard enough. [symple_callout fade_in=”false” button_text=”” button_url=”” button_color=”black” button_size=”default” button_border_radius=”3px” button_target=”blank” button_rel=”” button_icon_left=”” button_icon_right=””]whoever said ‘the struggle is real’ wasn’t working hard enough[/symple_callout] Scroll down for some snaps I posted on Snapchat. ?  Wishing you an AMAZING day and official first day of work for 2016. Take that Monday! #mondaymotivation ????????????? A photo posted by Tania Ds (@thrive.therapy) on Dec 28, 2015 at 9:20am PST

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Travel | Detroit in January w/ Ford Canada

Early January (after the tree house adventure) I’m flying to Detroit, Michigan for the North American International Auto Show. This is my third time at the show with Ford Canada as part of their global blogger/media outreach. A couple years ago I attended the show and Ford snapped this great photo of me right before the auditorium filled up for a major media announcement. The NAIAS is very exciting and a super cool experience. I even made it into the Detroit Free Press, see here! Last year 5,000 journalists attended from 60 countries. Happy to be heading back! On Earth Day 2015 I was in Dearborn, Michigan to learn about Ford’s commitment to sustainability. Can’t wait to find out what secrets and launches will be revealed in January. TELL ME ALL THE THINGS. The press preview (Jan 10-12th) features 750 vehicles, interactive displays,  as NAIAS is North America’s largest and most prestigious auto showcase. I’ll be documenting my experience with Ford and sharing all kinds of BTS about launches, announcements, and other fun stuff we get up to. Make sure you’ve got me on the SNAPCHAT: casiestewart. This year we’re staying at the Westin instead of in Dearborn, MI. It’s been ages since I visited the D and have a little bit of time to explore when I arrive and the start of our media adventures. Canadian Bloggers Attending #FordNAIAS 2016: Andréane Viau Ann Bacciaglia Chad Cranston Daniel Bader Daniel Desforges Davindra Ramnarine Eric Novak Jennifer Van Huss Jessica Terry Justin Connors Kathryn Lavalee Knowlton Thomas Matthew Tully Mike Grenek Nancy Polanco-Chansavang Shannon Leverette Shannon Mischuk Vernon Chang I’m ready for a year of adventure and excitement!

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Murray Christmas & More

It’s Christmas week, again already. Crazy to think how time flies, feels like I was just saying this the other day. (Omg how old am I? I sound like my parents!) Can’t believe it’s trench coat weather!  Dug up this Ted Baker scarf today, reminds me of spring. Spent most of the morning driving around doing holiday things. Ford hooked me up with an Explorer for the weekend to help de-stress my holidays, and it totally worked. Dropped off stuff to donation centres, picked up something from Umbra, holidays gifts for the office. Learned how much a two-four of Jack Daniels is. See Snapchat before tomorrow for that one. The stereo in this Explorer Platinum is amazing, also heated massage seats w/ screens for back seats. In other news, I’m on the TV at Umbra. GO STOP BY THE STORE AND SAY ‘I KNOW HERRRRRRRRRRR’.  There’s ton of gifts there and that’s why I was back today. I had about 30 favs to put in my holiday video but that would have made it too long so we went with top 10. See the video here if somehow you missed it! If you're near Queen & John, pop into @umbra_ltd! Not just for great gifts, to catch me on the tv! ????☃ pic.twitter.com/hrBV0GVpnU — CASIE STEWART ☀️ (@casiestewart) December 21, 2015 In other news, Netflix really knocked it out of the park today with their holiday gift. A Murry Christmas Bill Murray Christmas sweater. Wow, wow, wow. @Netflix you have outdone yourselves! #MURRAYCHRISTMAS ?????☃ A photo posted by C A S I E S T E W A R T (@casiestewart) on Dec 21, 2015 at 11:51am PST Tonight I am a judge Respect the Agave, tequila bartender battle. It’s at the Addison’s Residence, love this venue, looks like a rich friends house! Hope…

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