CASIE STEWART

THIS IS MY LIFE • BLOG EST. 2005
LIFE

Awkward Portrait Studio – BFF Edition

Last week my two BFFs and I stopped by the new Awkward Portrait Studio by Awkward Family Photos to preview it before opening weekend. Lauren, Sarah, and I were joined by the lovely Greta (Lauren’s cat) for a super cute photoshoot. Scroll down for a link to my giveaway for your own session. 😁

Once you arrive at the pop-up you can pick your backgrounds and use any of their many props. It’s located at Richmond & Bathurst and each 30-minute studio session includes 2 backdrops and 10 digital photos. You can also buy printed photos, merch, or the official Awkward Family Photos book.

I have posted a giveaway on my Instagram for a FREE portrait session. ENTER HERE! The winner will be announced Friday. You must be following me and @awkwardportraitstudio. The session is for 30 mins and you can bring up to 8 people! Pets are welcome.

If I were to do it again I would plan much more awkward outfits and weird poses. They have iPads where you can view all the background choices and get inspired by awkward ways to pose. Some of them are seriously hilarious! I planned for us all to bring denim jackets at the last minute and I love these ones so much.

Awkward Family Photos – How It All Started

Childhood BFFs Mike and Doug started the website in May 2009 after Mike saw an awkward vacation photo hanging in his parents’ house. Thinking there were probably heaps of other people with their own awkward family images, they created a friendly place where everyone could share and celebrate their awkward family moments. Book your family or friends session here and see us on their website.

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Fitness

Cold Punge Crew: Unbounded Sunrise Social

Had the best day! Woke up early and went to Trillium Park at Ontario Place for the Unbounded Sunrise Social event. Watched the sunrise with a meditation, jumped around to music, went in the cold, then in the sauna, and listened to live tunes by the fire. It was perfect.

Went to a few of these events last summer, so fun. This year they had a Sunset Social but I couldn’t make it. If you’re looking for an event that doesn’t involve going to a bar or restaurant that will make you feel GREAT after, this is for you. The cold plunge community in the city, especially Unbounded, is so lovely. Positive people with an interest in wellness, having fun, and making the most of each day.

Benefits of Cold Plunge

There’s a bunch of benefits for the mind and body. Please remember, I am not a doctor and you should prob check to see if this is safe before you give it a go.

Aside from being great for stress & anxiety, it helps circulation. When you plunge into icy water, your blood vessels constrict, pushing blood toward your core to keep you warm. Then, when you get out, those vessels open up and send fresh, oxygenated blood rushing back to your limbs. This can help reduce inflammation and speed up muscle recovery. If you’ve been hitting or need a little extra recovery, cold plunge.

Cold shock releases endorphins, filling you with energy and positivity. It’s pretty crazy! Everyone at this event was smiling. The mental act of pushing through the pain of cold water will make you feel a natural high (for real). A 2-minute dip in cold water can be just the thing to clear my mind and boost my mood. Exposure to cold also stimulates the production of white blood cells to help fight off infections and help regulate your body’s temperature. Cold tub + sauna before bed = good sleep.

Follow me on Instagram, I’ll post when the next cold plunge event comes up!

Remember, you’ll never be younger than you are today so make the most of it! 😎

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Events

Kickoff to Summer – GrillzJam

This weekend, Shark|Ninja invited us to the incredible home of Toronto based artist Charles Pachter for a kickoff to summer. Panoramic views, great people, and the centrepiece of it all – a Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill. They were also giving away custom grillz onsite from Cappd. I didn’t win a custom grill but I would really like to have this outdoor grill on our patio. Especially Sean lol.

Had a great chat with Charles about his career and beautiful home, both a private residence and gallery museum. He purchased the lot 1996 and there was a Jewish funeral home in the back, “I really took a chance with this place when no one else wanted to“.

It was nice to see friends and eat snacks on the rooftop, just as the sun was setting. I had so many laughs my face legit hurt. Loved exploring the art, glass elevator, studio, and multiple patios.

I first visited this house in 2010 (see below) and to quote myself, “Honestly, the place is stunning. If you ever get to go there, go. Actually, find a reason.”

When I saw the theme was ’70’s mod/cool’, I knew my outfit right away. This silky jumpsuit has been sitting in my closet for months and I was waiting for the perfect moment to bring her out.

Thank you Cappd, Ninja Kitchen Canada, DM Public for a great time & Charles Pachter for having us in your home. All photos by Nick, bestoftoronto.net.

Show some love to this post on Instagram here!

FROM THE ARCHIVES: SEPTEMBER 13, 2010

👩🏼‍💻 According to the archives, I first visited this same home in 2010 for a Toronto Film Fest party. Reading old blog posts is such a trip. It’s like an old diary, written by you at some point, yet you don’t remember writing it, but it’s you, it’s your life. Looking back sometimes brings up memories and feelings, that are hard to face. Dwayne, who is mentioned in this blog post has since passed away, I hadn’t thought about him in a while. That was a good night tho. I’m pretty sure the paper wrote about the party. This post is a bit of a rollercoaster because I wrote the quote below which is cute, not cute, is the mention of a problematic former radio host.

“I would really like to star in a film, there is no doubt that I am a great actress. Ask Mum!”

Casie Stewart, blog, 2010

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Travel

Speaking: AI’s Impact on The Travel Industry

Daydreaming at the White Lotus hotel in Maui…🪷☀️🌴 Daydreaming for real because I used photos, magic, & AI to go there!

On May 22nd during Toronto Tech Week, I’m speaking on a panel about AI’s Impact on The Travel Industry. Look forward to sharing my thoughts about AI as a marketer & content creator. Details here.

I was at the Social Next conference about a week ago and the whole theme was AI in marketing. I’m fired up for this travel talk, it’s gonna be a spicy conversation!

AI & Content Creation

Now, how did I make it look like I was in Maui using artificial intelligence and a green screen? No Gatekeeping! I started with an image of me on a green screen, grabbed photo from the Four Seasons Hotel in Maui website (where White Lotus S2 was filmed), then pasted myself on the balcony. I added a filter using InShot app to the entire image (me + balcony)to make it look more of a vibe and like it was actually taken that way.

In order to make the landscape photo fit into a square for Instagram, I used a technique called ‘outpainting’ to fill in in the top and bottom of the image with AI. The app I used for this is called Photoleap, you can also do this in Photoshop using Generative Fill.

It’s amazing what can be done, but is it cool or is it scary? What does this mean for content? Content creators? Brands? Travel companies? How can AI be used effectively for travel?

If you’d like to learn more about AI or join to our talk about AI & the travel industry, register here.

P.S. As I was checking the SEO for my post, looks like I can now use AI to write meta descriptions with the Yoast plugin. AI IS EVERYWHERE!

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LIFE

Allure Magazine – Hello Flawless!

Today I’m featured on Allure Magazine in an article by Beth Sobol about peoples love for beauty products that are now discontinued. For YEARS my go-to face makeup was ‘Hello Flawless‘ by Benefit Cosmetics. I never left home without it, ever. In the article I called it ‘Photoshop for your face’, it really was THAT GOOD.

A couple years ago, I found it at a liquidation pop-up in Muskoka after being discontinued for years. Read my story, and a few from some die-hard beauty product fans on allure.com. Thanks Beth!

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LIFE

I Can See Clearly Now

This month started with the Solar Eclipse in Aries, right in the middle of Mercury Retrograde. I booked an astrology reading for the Aries Full and my fav astrologist, Kait Fowlie, gave me some things to think about and reminders that I’m on the right track.

Toronto only had a partial eclipse but it was so wild to watch it happen! The sky went dark like nighttime but it was the middle of the day. I was outside for the whole event and did a cold plunge on the roof during the minutes of darkness.

I’ve been focussed on my workouts lately, my weeks have been filled with yoga, pilates, running, weight training, and lots of long walks. I even started a tap class! I am very out of practise as it’s been 20+ years but it’s a super fun way to burn calories. I love it!

My fav season (Taurus!) is just around the corner and my birthday is in a couple weeks. Here’s to seeing clearly and making my dreams come true!

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Cannabis

Jane Dope – Casie Collection!

Look at this vintage beauty! The art (of me!) was created by Jane Dope, a lifestyle company started by Cannabis industry legend Abi Roach. They’ve got all kinds of cute merch featuring some of Canada’s leading Women in Weed. Personally, I really want to order this specific bikini with w33d on it.

Introducing the Casie Collection from Jane Dope, designed to celebrate the athletic, outgoing, and undeniably fashionable side of every Jane Dope woman. This collection features a vibrant array of tees, accessories, and stash bags that perfectly blend functionality with flair. Each piece is crafted for the active lifestyle, offering both comfort and style whether you’re hitting the gym, exploring the outdoors, or just keeping it casual. The Casie Collection embodies the spirit of the dynamic woman on the go, making it easy to stay stylish while embracing life’s adventures. Perfect for those who live their life with energy and style, this collection is your new go-to for all things chic and sporty.

In case you’re new here, I’ve been openly part of this space since the early days of legalization, read an article about me on Lift.co here.

Need a little stash pouch for your purse, makeup, or anything? Get this one! I often carry a huge purse while I’m on the go or travelling so having these little bags to organize my stuff is essential. The journal below is an image of my friend Jacqui Childs, love it. Check out all the collections here.

Abi, thank you for including me in Jane Dope! I heard that they’re coming our with a line of makeup and maybe some other stuff. Make sure you’re following Jane Dope on IG here!

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Travel

Sailing in Bahamas 2024

I went sailing in Bahamas! Earlier this month I flew south to spend a week with mum on their boat in the Exuma, Bahamas. It was so beautiful! From the moment I saw that blue water I knew I was somewhere special!

I flew from TO to Atlanta then landed at the Exuma airport on a sunny Friday afternoon. My driver was there waiting to deliver me to the parents in George Town, Bahamas. They picked me up and we took the. little dinghy over to their sailboat.

The next day we sailed 4 hours to Lee Stocking Island to spend a few days in this stunning + remote location. It was stunning! We went to an island with iguanas and then to another island where we had the beach all to ourselves!

Grateful for my friend Danica, designer of Bathing Belle swimsuits for hooking mum and I up with these GORGEOUS swimsuits. Every suit I wore on this trip was by Bathing Belle, her shop is is in Roncesvalles, Toronto and you should totally check it out.

She’s got tons of prints & styles, you can get a custom suit, or have your suit adjusted to be the perfect fit. Highly recommend! I’ve posted about Bathing Belle before here.

see more photos!!

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LIFE

Spring Isn’t Far Now!

In just a few days the sun will set at 7pm, and we’ll be one hour ahead. I can’t wait. Have been loving the sunshine and warmer temps lately. Spring isn’t far!

Here’s a few things I’m Enjoying:

  • This tiny portable tripod has been so useful! Fits in your bag, is sturdy and you can pop it up easily for photos. Who needs a photographer!
  • If you’re looking for a little something to boost your mood every single day, check out the Smiley BB ring by Santa Isla. I met the founder when I was a speaker in her college class, we stayed friends, now she has this amazing company. I wear my smiley almost every day!
  • I used to spend $$$ on my gym each month and discovered I could do the same classes, plus yoga + more with ClassPass. I’ve been using it for about 6 months now and seriously love it. If you wanna join me for a class sometime. Sign up here for a free month + 20 credits!
  • While I’m here sharing the goods, if you’re shopping online and don’t have Rakuten, what are you doing? Sign up here and get cash back on purchases. It adds up!

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LIFE

Flowers Will Bloom, So Will You

It feels like spring feels like it’s playing hide and seek, last week we had double digits temps and today we’re under a blanket of snow. There’s only 3 weeks before the time change and we’ll have brighter days. Good things come to those who wait, right?

My workouts have become my go-to therapy. There’s nothing like a good sweat sesh to boost those endorphins and kick winter SAD to the curb. I’ve been hitting the gym, yoga & pilates classes, and lots of long walks outside. These moments of movement are like a burst of sunshine on a cloudy day.

As I’m here hustling through the last stretch of winter, I’m to sending good vibes your way. Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, know that warmer days are just around the corner. Spring might be playing hard to get, but we’re not backing down.

Stay warm, stay active, and remember – the flowers will bloom, and so will you. 🌷✨💖

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