2 Upcoming Speaking Things: Jan 19th & 25th – Get Tickets!

warhol, art, speaking, business, casiestewart

If you missed my post over the weekend (here), I’m super excited about 2017 and the year is off to a great start!  Last week is LA was just what I needed to motivate and inspire. LET’S DO THIS.

I have two speaking gigs this month and both are FREE to attend. You can get a ticket on the links below.


January 19th – Breaking Down Investments @ Brainstation

January 19th I’m speaking on a panel with Tangerine Bank about investments. I’ve talked about my finances a few times of the years and this panel focusses on RSP and investment stuff for millennials. Tickets are free, there’s a Q&A, and you can enjoy refreshments with us at BrainStation. ?

Register for a Free Ticket 

tang


Jan 25th: Writers Recap CES + Smith Lowdown Focus + Ingress Nex Band

I’ll be joining a panel of journalists talking about wearable tech trends coming out of CES.  I’ve spoked at WWTO a few times and they get a HUGE crowd. There’s already 400+ people registered.Pizza Pizza and beer from Lake Wilcox Brewery will be served.  ?✌?

Register for a Free Ticket


Yes! This Is Your Life, The One You Created

Yes! This Is Your Life, The One You Created

? This week in LA was a relaxing, reset, recharge. It started w/ a Sunday sound bath & breath workshop where I set my intention for the next few days. ??I spent a lot of time alone this trip, driving a convertible all over LA, one-on-one visits w/ old friends, discovering new things, random shopping, last minute airbnbs, and a fancy ? dinner by myself before flying home.


Today we hosted Emily’s 9th birthday party ? (whoa kids!! ?) and after I started thinking about work. And it made me feel good! I love Sunday cooking and tomorrow I’m making a soup for my job. Sometimes I think to myself ‘this is my life?’ and I’m *finally* starting to (hello 2017) say ‘YEAH GIRL IT IS YOUR LIFE, YOU CREATED IT‘.


I’m feeling energized and inspired by everything around me right now, similar to when I started my blog almost 12 years ago. Whoa dinosaur, April 2017 is 12! ?

I’m really exited for 2017, to try new things, and put even more action into stuff that brings me pure joy.

Feeling a fire in my soul and warmth in my heart and what is another word for #blessed bc, well y’know what I mean. Here’s to making every single day feel like vacation. ?

DTLA: We’re All Stars Here ?

Woke up in Beverly Hills and checked to make sure the car was there, it was! (I parked on the street and thought it was a safe spot but in the morning I learned that was actually a red zone. All good!

Left my airbnb to drive around Rodeo Drive before  going to The Academy, The Broad, and the Arts District. I’ve been busy so will break things up a bit, heaps of photos! ☀️???✈️


My goal for this LA trip was to spend time doing what I want when I want. I needed a reset. I needed a break. I wanted to explore LA, see friends, and take in the whole experience while driving a convertible. Well, check that off my 2017 list baby because it’s exactly what I’ve done. Yay! ?


TRAVEL | Vegas, Baby! #CES2017

TRAVEL | Vegas, Baby! #CES2017

First trip of 2017 starts bright and early tomorrow morning. I’m heading to LAS VEGAS!

I’ll be joining a bunch of journalists + influencers from North America for CES and my trip is sponsored by Harman Kardon (JBL, Bang & Olufsen etc). They’re hosting us at the Hard Rock Hotel and on Friday night they’ve got STING playing a concert in the hotel bar.

I AM SO EXCITED. 

Aside from my set itinerary, I’ll be exploring the conference floor, attending talks, and rounding up all the hottest tech trends.

▶︎ Later this month I’m speaking on a panel at WeAreWearables Toronto about tech trends from CES. Get a ticket for it here! I’m also checking out VR stuff for Sean’s company Occupied VR.

I can’t wait. CES is so freaking exciting. I went a couple years ago, tech heaven! It’s also a bit warmer there than Toronto. I’m also hoping to check out the Neon Sign Museum and maybe do a helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon.

After Vegas, I’m driving to LA with a friend and staying in Venice Beach for the week. I can’t wait to document this trip.

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU! 

casiestewart, casie stewart, toronto, 2017

Did you have a nice time over the holidays? I did! I took a break from blogging and IG to recharge my batteries and I feel so alive! It might help that yesterday I went for a b12 shot and IV of vitamins at REVIV. In 2017 I am excited to focus on doing great work, telling stories about tech, and helping others.

As I was driving yesterday the sun was going down and it was so bright and beautiful I stopped to catch it lighting up my face.

Lovin’ that first Sunset of 2017!

Over the holidays I did a couple volunteer shifts for different charities including cooking & serving lunch at Evangel Hall on New Years Eve w/ the #GivingBackVibes crew. [We did this last month too, see here.]

Jen and I with a HUGE salad

I fulfilled my dream of wrapping presents at the mall before christmas w/ Nneka Elliot at TD centre in support of StepStones For Youth. The day before I volunteered to help sort clothes with the NuScreen Digital team at Brands for Canada. I feel so good that I was able to give some of my time to help others. You’re going to see more of this in 2017.

I went home between Christmas and New Years to spend some quality time with my parents. Set both mum and dad up with new tech gadgets and had lots of laughs over great food. They’re only an hour away so this year I want to spend more time hanging out.

On New Years Eve, Sean and I went to Ikea to get some organizing stuff and things for Em’s room.  We watched the Minimalism doc on Netflix a couple days before which kickstarted a HUGE purge on the entire house. It feels so good going into 2017 with more room and less clutter.

The bed I ordered from Amazon is all set up in the Boudoir (nickname for third floor) and it’s the blogging studio I was dreaming of. I’ve got a couple more lights for my home photography setup and can’t wait to take more portraits this year.

Got a b12 shot yesterday after a drip of vitamins at Reviv. They’re the global leader in IV infusion and booster shot wellness treatments.  The IV boost I got is a mix of vitamin and nutrients that restores your body w/ minerals, anti-oxidants, and electrolytes. I might check out their LA or Vegas locations this week! 

Megaboost at Reviv on King West

This morning I went for a run in my neighbourhood. I’m so loving the Junction Triangle! I usually run on the West Toronto Rail path which is being extended all the way to King Street/Liberty Village. I learned this weekend that The Drake Hotel is building a spot in the area right beside the Tower Automotive Building, where the the new Museum of Canadian Contemporary Art will be.

I’m feeling really excited and optimistic about this year. Thursday I’m heading to Las Vegas for CES then I’ll be in LA all of next week.

Mum wanted me to share this with you as a reminder you can do anything you want in your life. You are the author of your own life story.

Sending sunshine through the internet with love,

Talking Influencer Marketing on the #UrbanizeTHIS Podcast

Talking Influencer Marketing on the #UrbanizeTHIS Podcast

This week I was a guest on the final episode of the UrbanizeTHIS Podcast with Matthew Slutsky & Ara Mamouran. We had a blast recording and a bunch of laughs before and after. I chatted about the web, influencer marketing, social media, and real estate.

Click the play button below to listen! 


I got to try on my first pair of Spectacles from Snapchat since Ara has a pair. I AM SO JEALZ OMG. I didn’t connect my Snapchat to test out recording but they felt cool. These glasses allow you to handsfree record videos and post directly to Snapchat. FOLLOW ME ON SNAP: CASIE STEWART

 

I am hoping to try and track down a par at CES in January! I’ll also be in LA so if the Snapchat Bot is anywhere near, I WILL FIND IT!

Subscribe to the UrbanizeTHIS podcast here. I you have a topic suggestion or guests you’d like to hear from Tweet @aramammo or @iSlutsky. (Yes that’s his REAL NAME! ?)

 

Made a Thing: Little Wooden Laptop Table

Made a Thing: Little Wooden Laptop Table

This weekend I did more than just watch Netflix, I made a thing! On Friday night I saw this cool bed table laptop stand thing found it on Etsy. It was $60 but then $40 in shipping and I was like HELL NO. So I decided to make one!

Original inspiration from Etsy

Saturday morning I went to Home Depot and picked up 1/2″ copper pipe, 4fittings, and 4 steel flange. I asked a dude who worked there for help to save time and he cut the pipe for me too. I didn’t think about cutting the pipe so this was a huge help!

If you’re reading from the UK, you can buy copper from aluminium warehouse or somewhere similar instead.

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I used a large cutting board we had around the house as the table top. Next time I’ll use a bigger piece of nice wood from the bunch we’ve got at the cottage. I think rougher edges would look nice.

All the pieces cost just under $50 and it didn’t take long to put this stuff together. The glue is to hold the pipe bits together and I let it dry overnight.

So happy with how this turned out. I saw it, wanted it, and made it! I’m no expert on DIY, yet but I’ve got a long list of things I want to make for the house and cottage.

This does however mean that I am going to have to invest in some more tools! Most important of all, I need to find a good cordless drill. The staff over at Coolest Gadgets made a comparison of the top-rated cordless options, so I will definitely be checking out their article for some inspiration.

Making things gives me so much joy, I used to spend heaps of time in the garage with my dad growing up. This DIY category is about to grow.

2017, am SO ready for you!

Finished product! I think it looks great!

casie stewart, blogger, toronto

DIY | Make It Marble in 3 Easy Steps

Blog Day Afternoon

This week I’ve been doing work around the house and on myself. I actually look forward to this winter wonderland weather each year so I stay inside and complete projects I’ve had on my to-do list. Thanks to Amazon Prime, Ebates, and Uber Eats I can get free 2day shipping, money back on purchases, and my fav food delivered. Why leave the house? 

Today my new glasses arrived and some furniture from Amazon. Amazing!


Would like to take a min to say THANKS everyone who joined the #InstaxHolidays twitter hang last night. We were trending in Canada for a WHILE and earned millions of impressions! There were 15 winners with $3,500 in prizes.

This weekend I’m installing a new bed frame (yay Amazon!) and have a couple DIY projects I really hope I can pull off. It’s like you make the Pinterest board, get the supplies, then give it a go. More often than not my projects don’t nearly look as good as they should! We will see.

I’m really focussed on planning for 2017 right now and have a couple projects in the works. Blogging might be a little sporadic over the holidays but it’s been like that for a decade so no real news here.

Hope you are warm wherever you are and making the most of this holiday hangout time.

Sending sunshine through the internet. ☀

My Fav Tech Gifts from the 2016 Telus Holiday Guide

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

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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.

Her face! She’s concentrating so much!

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! 

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Fitbit 2 Charge  – $199

I gifted mum one of these for her birthday in September and she was so jazzed about it. She’s been wanting one for a while and was excited to track her steps at work and throughout the day. I downloaded the Fitbit app from the PLAY Store and connected the device to mum’s Samsung in a couple minutes. My friend told me that you can change your band on your Fitbit charge 2 so if you get bored of your strap, you can buy another!


PureGear 4ft Metallic Braided Cable, Rose Gold – $24.99

I used to be losing cables and chargers all the time but this cable has been with me everywhere the last 12 months and I’m so proud to still have it. A good/unique charging comes in handy more than you know. This is what yours might look like after a lots of travel and adventure, a little run down but still working great. Piece of leather around it is a little Cord Taco from Amazon.

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You can check out the WHOLE gift guide at telus.com or pop into the Telus store when you’re out and about. If you’re going to Yorkdale, make sure to show your RBC Avion Card for free valet parking + coat/bag check.

In other news, make sure you register for tonight’s Twitter party to get your hands on one of those Instax cameras! Click here and add your Twitter handle in the boxes.

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21 Days Till the New Year – Why Wait to Make a Change?

https://www.gaiam.ca/default.aspx

Went for my first yoga class in a while today. I feel so good. Found a studio that’s a 7min walk and beside a great coffee shop. I also downloaded a countdown app for my next trip (California!) and set a countdown till the New Year. There’s 21 days till 2017 and since it’s been such a sh*t year for heaps of reasons, I’m gonna try and make the last bit really great.

IF NOT NOW, WHEN?

In case you’re just tuning in, I had breast reduction surgery this summer and have been a bit slow getting back to it. The recovery was not too long/hard but big stretches with arms over the head were not in my favour. I did some aerial yoga about 3 months after but not full on yoga-yoga. Plastic surgery is something that I had been thinking about for a long time so I made sure to do as much research as I could before committing to a procedure. One of my friends has recently had a breast reduction operation at the luxurgery facility in New York. I cannot wait to meet up with her soon so we can swap stories about our procedures.

Today was the day.

Registered for a noon class at YOGA YOGA and set out to make it a good one.

A couple weeks months ago I picked out some great yoga gear from the new Gaiam website as a gift from the brand. THANK YOU! Today I opened all the packages and put on new stuff for class. WOO HOO.

YOGA YOGA is a vinyasa yoga studio in the Junction Triangle super close to my house. Had it not been a snow storm I’d totally have been there in 2mins via bike.

Felt good to stretch. The class was warm and it was nice to see a familiar face in our teacher Sandy Braz (owner). Namaste, girl!

One of the items from Gaiam was this non-stick yoga towel (turquoise) for extra grip. I didn’t use it today, but the thing I like about it is you can pack it for travel and use instead of a mat. As you can tell it’s pretty new… ?

The yoga carrying bag (black) is great. You can also wear backpack style. Has a small zipper to easily fit a wallet and keys. For $15 makes a great gift for the yogi in your life! [see here]

Gaiam has a big sale on rn FYI: $10 off $50, $25 off $100

Wore my entire Gaiam outfit and the bra is definitely my new fav thing. It doesn’t move and holds your bits all in one place. This is the FIRST yoga class since surgery and I’ve not been able to wear just 1 bra to a fitness class in a VERY LONG time. It felt so good.

  • Luxe Yoga Pant – These are pretty thick as they’re ‘compression’ fabric. Great leggings for around town but a bit hot for hot yoga. I was sweating A LOT.
  • Iris Layering Bra – This is the best sports bra I’ve had ever. It’s also good for running! Had worn this before today.
  • Clover top – Love the back details on this top (below). Will be so nice for spring/summer.

gaiam yoga gear

Feeling pretty good over all that I went for a workout. I also set intentions for the week and did some meal prep/baking.

Other things I’m really feeling right now:

  • Signed up for ebates and bought a pair of glasses at eyebuydirect.com. Wasn’t sure about it but then I got back $2.39 on my $30 purchase. Ebates also gave me a 20% discount code.
  • Still loving AmazonPrime and made a whole list of things to order for the 3rd floor bedroom reno. You can use ebates there too!
  • Beach Body 21-Day – I saw my friends from Instigator Communications were reppin’ this workout so I asked for a copy. It arrived JUST in time for 21 days till New Year.
  • Photo Studio is A+ – had my sister over for a photos shoot and I can make headshot magic at home anytime now. I’m so impressed with this ring light (Amazon obvs haha).
  • CALIFORNIA – In January I’m spending a few days in vegas then a week in California. I can’t WAIT. On my own schedule this time to checking a few things off my bucket list!

The next 21 days are going to be GREAT.

casiestewart, blog, blogger, toronto, canada, travel, tech

#InstaxHolidays | Printer + Camera Giveaway & Twitter Party Signup!

#InstaxHolidays | Printer + Camera Giveaway & Twitter Party Signup!

Two things I totally love things about blog life are travel and new tech. Nothing like a great adventure or new gadget to kick things up a notch!

This week I got the new Instax Sp-2 printer and this lil’ thing is so awesome. It’s a sleek printer that takes any photo from your phone or tablet and prints it on Instax film. It makes a great holiday gift for someone you love or yourself because you can print out your all your selfies for the fridge/fam. I already have so many of these prints around the house!

I’ve joined forces with a couple blog friends to do a sweet giveaway worth $350 that includes the Instax SP-2 Printer, an Instax camera, and a bunch of film. We’re also hosting a Twitter party with $3,500 in prizes.

Scroll down and enter both ASAP!

You know I’m a big fan of the Instax camera ever since I directed the commercial for it last year (this one). This new printer is next level, you seriously print ANY photo from your phone or tablet in t-10 seconds.

It’s super easy to use right out the box and you don’t need to be tech savvy to operate it. Pop in the film cartridge, line up the yellow stripes, charge it up with the USB cable, and you’re almost about ready to roll. Just download “instax SHARE” from the App Store or Google play and connect wifi to your phone or tablet.

The thing I like most about it is the design, you can store it on your book shelf or dresser as decor.

These photos are amazing keepsakes. I have so many in our home. It’s super easy to enter the giveaway, sign up  below!


instaxgiveaway-1


Twitter Party Prizing: $3500 Value!

  • One Grand Prize: SP-2/camera/film prize pack
  • SP-2 + X70 Camera + 1 Pack of Regular Film
  •  2 Prize Winners of – SP-2 + Xmas pack (2x$270)
  • SP-2 + Holiday Bundle (3 Packs of Film and 20 Border stickers)
  • 4 Prize Winners of – mini 70 + Xmas pack (4x$200)
  • Mini 70 + Holiday Bundle (3 Packs of Regular Film and 20 Border stickers)
  • 8 Prize Winners of – mini 8 + Xmas pack (8x$130)
  • Mini 8 + Holiday Bundle (3 Packs of Regular Film and 20 Border stickers)

Sign up for the Twitter Party by clicking this blue button ↓


casiestewart, happy holidays

 

Disclosure: I am participating in the FujiFilm campaign managed by SJ Consulting. I received compensation in exchange for my participation in this campaign. The opinions are my own, obvs. Love this little printer! 

instax, sp-2, amazon, casiestewart, fuji printer

Send Money in Style with PayPal’s Holiday Cards Designed by Jonathan Adler

paypal, jonathan adler, casiestewart, money, giveaway, contest

When it comes to holiday shopping, I do it from my couch with PayPal. If you follow my tweets you’ll know my love for online shopping borders on obsession! 

Scroll down to read about PayPal’s holiday digital greeting cards AND leave a comment with something on your wish list this year. I’m gonna surprise two people with some holiday spending money in their PayPal account. ??

I have a few loved ones on my gift list who love shopping online as much as I do. This year, I’ve decided to surprise some of them with money in their PayPal account so they can go out and treat themselves to a shopping spree. Weeee!

I was jazzed to see PayPal launched designer digital gift cards with New York based designer Jonathan Adler when you send money as a gift. If you’re not familiar with Jonathan Adler, his company has designed luxury homes, hotels, and restaurants around the world. His website has basically everything I want my dream house to look like.

Jonathan Adler’s unique holiday card designs make sending money easy and fashionable — something you don’t normally find in gift cards/traditional holiday cards.

You can also add a message to make it even more personal. Here’s one of mine!

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“Money makes the world go round, which kind of makes it the perfect present. Sending money digitally as a gift never felt truly personal or stylish — until now,” 

“With PayPal, we have created something that with just a few clicks, lets you send money easily and chicly. It’s a gift people are as excited to receive as they are to spend.” The digital holiday gift cards — six in total — include festive greetings for Christmas and Hanukkah with fun text like: “Joy to the World”, “Merry to the Max” and “Glamorous Greetings” and an appreciative card which says: “You Rock”!

– Jonanthan Adler in PayPal’s release 

Here’s how PayPal Holiday Cards Work:


I’ll send a PayPal surprise to a couple of people who leave a comment w/ something on your holiday list. You can never go wrong with the gift of cash!

casiestewart, happy holidays

 

 

 

Post sponsored by PayPal Canada.

* These cards are available in 17 countries, including the U.S., Germany, Great Britain, Australia, Canada, Russia, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Austria.

#tbt Photos Make a Great Gift

#tbt Photos Make a Great Gift

This week my computer had a non-fatal heart attack. Luckily I’ve got a backup of all my files. During my 3.5hr stopover at the Apple Genius Bar yesterday we wiped my Macbook Pro clean and started fresh with the operating system. It was so full before that it could not even. It’s so much faster now, I’m never letting that happen again!

I’ve been looking through thousands of photos on my backup drive and came across these ones of my mum and sister. We hung out in the beaches one afternoon a while back and for christmas I edited and framed a few of them for my parents.

One year I had a bunch of stickers made with Social Print Studio and stuck them on everyones cards. Once you download the SPS app you connect Instagram, and easily print your photos in frames, on wood, cards, stickers, life size prints.

This year I’m working on 2 projects one for holiday cards and another photo thing for my fam. I’m a little behind but going through these photos is good motivation.

Can’t wait to spend some quality time with these ladies over the holidays!

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loveyoumum_sign

Auchentoshan + Sam Roberts Band at Common Sort

Auchentoshan + Sam Roberts Band at Common Sort

I’ve been a fan of Sam Roberts Band since the debut album with ‘Don’t Walk Away Eileen’ and those long glorious locks he had . Each summer he closes out Labour Day weekend at the Kee to Bala in Muskoka and we usually take a crew from the cottage. They’re a really good live band, amazing acoustic, and even better up close!

This weekend, Sean and I were guests of Auchentoshan Whisky for a private meet & greet + acoustic show at Common Sort. It was honestly so fun and I finally got to MEET SAM ROBERTS. YAY! (I posted an excited selfie on Twitter.)

There was a huge line, thanks to Auchentoshan we had VIP!
Sean w/ Sam Roberts Band bros

The show was at 5pm and we arrived a bit early to sample cocktails from Auchentoshan. Sean’s dad loves this brand. I quite enjoy whisky in the winter, a nice sipper to warm you up on a cool night. Auchentoshan is single malt Scotch whisky, triple distilled near Glasgow, Scotland.

The band played a few tunes then took requests from the crowd. As you can see I was RIGHT up close. There were a couple kiddos jamming in front of me and a huge crown behind.

Hit play on these tweets to watch! 



After the show, Sam (first name basis now heh heh) grabbed his drink and walked right down to the kids for photos. I gave him a cheers and said ‘that was great’. I felt a bit like a dork but whatever! 

SO CUTE! Caron’s son Owen having his photo w/ Sam Roberts

A day before the show I posted a giveaway on Twitter for 2 VIP tix to join us. My winner was Stephanie, aka @stefiedrew from the internet who writes  ‘The Tallest Mermaid‘ blog. She is a babe and brought her BF Adam.

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We took an exit through the gift shop and Sean picked up the new  Sam Roberts Band record. His company, (weare1188.com) was up for a ‘Best Post Production’ MMVA for a Sam Roberts Band video in 2014. A friend of ours has worked almost on all of their vids! 

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You will be pleased to know the record is good and looks very cool. I’ve never seen one quite like this. There’s a second one in the package that’s pink!

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Thanks Auchentoshan for the invite, cocktails and experience. See more photos from the event at #DistilledDifferent and follow Auchentoshen on Twitter / Instagram. For info about the brand pop by auchentoshan.com.

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Post sponsored by Auchentoshan!

Feeling Better Finally

Feeling Better Finally

After 72 hours of couch + takeout + binge watching I feel a bit better. Back at the office today and have actually had quite a productive day. I did however answer the phone at nearly 2pm with ‘good morning!’. Being sick really sucks. This moring I felt like I had so much to do and the house is a mess and I’m still not 100%.

Thanks everyone who sent well wishes. Appreciate it! I’m still in love with my new light! Snapped this on my phone over the weekend. It’s so bright you can’t even tell I’m sick!

Early night, home by 7pm ??? + Pho + Netflix. Any lesser known series or movie recos? I feel like I’ve watched everything.

A photo posted by ? C A S I E S T E W A R T (@casiestewart) on

Tonight I’m picking up a tree for the office at Bacardi’s Holidega. Later this week I’m having my sister over for a photo shoot. Hopefully by then I’ll be back to my old self w/ lots of energy!

Here’s to a great week!  

Netflix Binge weekend + Lots of Soup

Netflix Binge weekend + Lots of Soup

I spent most of yesterday in bed or in the couch.

Today I’ve been watching Marcella on Netflix. A drama series about a female detective trying to solve a serial killer mystery based in the U.K.  I’m on ep3 but will probably finish the season today.  This little JBL speaker is usually in my travel bag and is perfect for watching Netflix in bed on my computer.


Earlier this week Ricola sent an advent calendar and it is saving me right now. Sean has been such a dear, made me soup & toast while I’ve been in bed nearly the entire day.

I finally set up my Saje Wellness humidifier thing and it smells like a spa in here.


The other show we’ve been watching is HBO’s Westworld. It’s a futuristic show about an alternate reality game. A tweet I posted last night was RT’d by the show and over 100ppl showed love for it.

I’m really keen to find a new book. If you have any recos please let me know! I like twisted dramas with murder mystery. Or chick lit!

How to Have a Stress Free Holiday Shopping Experience

How to Have a Stress Free Holiday Shopping Experience

On Friday night I went shopping with Emily for some snow pants downtown. I honestly don’t know what I was thinking because like,

  1. 1) it was Black Friday,
  2. 2) I couldn’t find a park,
  3. 3) it was annoying carrying stuff.

I should have gone to Yorkdale.

I tested out RBC’s Avion Holiday Boutique before it opened the other day and they’ve really put some thought into making your trip to Yorkdale a pleasant one. RBC Avioners get complimentary valet, coat check, parcel check, snacks, drinks, gift wrapping, and a nice spot to be chill at. You can also test out their new VR Experience.


Once you’ve left the car with Yorkdale Valet, waltz into the Avion Holiday Boutique, and check your coat. Grab a coffee, water, and sit down in a white leather chair, with a cold cucumber infused water, and delicious cookie. [Same cookies they have on Porter Airlines!] Scroll your list using free wifi and make a plan.

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Look for the RBC Avion Holiday Boutique across from Pottery Barn at Yorkdale

Sometimes when I’m out and about all I want is to sit down, collect my thoughts, and have a glass of water. Y’know?!

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This cheese spread was at the launch event, there will be other snacks there when you go!

Before leaving the boutique, go on a 2minute beach vacation via VR. It’s really quite amazing how the sights and sounds of the beach will calm you down. 

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Steve Dolson in VR

Take your experience next level by downloading the Avion Passport App (text “AVION” to 722722 or search in app store).

In the app you get exclusive offers, faster gift wrapping services at the RBC Avion Boutique,  and you can text valet to bring the car around,  ?


Thanks RBC for inviting me to be a partner and share this experience.

Great job on the RBC Avion Boutique! For info about getting yourself on the RBC Avion VIP train, visit this link. The card is packed with travel rewards and you can use now your RBC Rewards at Best Buy and the Apple Store. Read that blog post here! 

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Thanks Steve Dolson – LXRY Magazine for the snap!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

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Work Hard. Play Hard. Sleep Easy. Join The #DreamWaterHoliday Twitter Party Wednesday 8pm! $500+ IN prizes

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Nothing like a good sleep, eh? Last month was really hectic with lots of travel and tbh, it made me so tired. Different time zones, hotels, sleep patterns, it really tuckers you out.

Wednesday at 8pm I’m hosting Twitter party w/ Dream Water Canada and I’d love you to join. We’ve got $500 in prizes including a $250 spa package. We could all use a little pampering this time of year!  

Tickets are free and I’m asking you register your Twitter handle so we can contact winners with no stress. 

I usually travel with melatonin to regulate my sleep/help me feel refreshed and this summer I tried out another herbal supplement called Gaba Gaba.

A couple weeks ago I was sent a few samples of Dream Water which contains both supplements and 5-HTP that helps them all work better together. The first time I tried it, I noticed I started to feel sleepy in about 10-15 and was out like a light in I’m guessing 20 (idk I fell asleep lol).

Dream Water is a tiny into a 2.5oz shot with the ingredients below and sweeter. I first saw it in the USA but you can find it here now at Shoppers, Walmart, and select retailers.

Remember my old room that faced the lake?!

If you have any experience with Dream Water or questions LEAVE A COMMENT! It feels so nice to say that after not having comments for over a year. It’s like the phone lines are open again!  

Tonight I’m going to see Ross Petty’s ‘Sleeping Beauty‘ then going home to drink some Dream Water. ??

Visiting the Google Shop within a Shop + $250 Best Buy Giveaway

Visiting the Google Shop within a Shop + $250 Best Buy Giveaway

About a week ago I was out the door bright and early one morning for the media preview grand opening of the first Google shop in North America at Best Buy in Mississauga.

I love going to this type of event! Ever since I was a little kid, my dad used to take us to stroll around Future Shop, look at all the gadgets, test stereos and TVs. I think I have him to thank for my lifelong love of tech.

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The new Google shop at Best Buy, Heartland Town Centre

Google Shop is a ‘shop within a shop’ that’s got all kinds of Google goodies and product demos. I visited one of my favourite beaches in new Zealand via the Portal, tried Fantastic Beasts in w/ Google Daydream VR, and was sent home with Google Chrome.

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Amber Mac testing out Google Daydream VR
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My new Chromecast! Set it up as CasieCast ?

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?? I thought this was a neat thing to do over the holidays! Hangout with Santa in the Google shop. Select your city at g.co/instore to find your closest location.

Before touring the store I chatted Best Buy’s Angela Scardillo, VP Marketing & Communications. The main thing I learned from her was how they’re really trying to make tech approachable. Their new round of ‘experience stores’ have a more immersive experience where you can touch, feel, test things.

The new store design has raised access flooring that expands and contracts expand so they can actually move the store around and change the shopping experience.

The new flagship Google shops are now open at Best Buy locations in Mississauga, Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver.

Angela also showed off her Google Pixel phone and I really want to try one. It takes great photos and organizes them in your phone like Google Images. I’m still thinking about it days later…

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To celebrate the new Googley space at Best Buy, we’ve giving away a $250 gift certificate.  To enter leave a comment, visit FB, follow us on Twitter, or send a tweet. You have to be in Canada to win and sorry no Quebec.


a Rafflecopter giveaway


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Partnered with Best Buy and Google Canada to bring you this post. I love them both! Yay. Remember when I blogged about Google as my BF? 

KitchenAid Canada + CBCF – Show Us Your Foods! ??

KitchenAid Canada + CBCF – Show Us Your Foods! ??

This weekend I joined the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation & KitchenAid Canada in their campaign to help raise awareness + donations. ?????????? Since 2002 Kitchenaid has raised OVER $3.9 MILLION for the CBCF

It’s easy to join in:  ?? 1) make foods ?? 2) ? 3) post ? 4) donate ? ? showusyourfoods.ca

I nominate you to bake/make a great set of foods and share them on the internet. Here’s a little behind the scenes of styling my photo. My new ring light is so amazing. It’s doesn’t come with a stand but Sean had one at the office. 

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Capital One Canada – What Type of Leader Are You?

A couple weeks ago at the Enactus World Cup with Capital One Canada I did a survey to see what type of leader I was. I love doing these types of tests. (I have a tattoo based on a personality test I did a few times in high school & university.)

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What I love about the Enactus program is how it’s helping create young leaders around the world collaborate, implement, and celebrate, ideas. Their businesses are having an impact on global food, water, and sustainability. These leaders are socials conscious innovators, who take matters into their own hands, they look at the world and think ‘how can I make a difference?’

Aside from being super inspired by this experience, it was also awesome that Canada WON the competition on home soil in Toronto. Read about their innovative hydroponics system that’s bringing fresh produce to Canadian communities HERE.

My first result in the Capital One Survey survey was ‘Visionary Leader’ but I think there’s characteristics of all the different types I can identify with. What kind of leader are you? Take the survey below to find out!


My Test Result – Visionary Leader: Big goals + big picture = big payoff!

“The dreamer who likes to operate at 30,000 feet. You have a vision of what the world will be like in the future and you set about to make things happen. There’s no idea too big for you to tackle.”

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I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. In primary school there was a rule implemented where you needed a gym bag to put your clothes in for class. So, I went home that night and made a bunch of drawstring bags on the sewing machine with mum. The next day I had three sizes and sold them to kids at school.

In grade 9 I wrote a book and stared a publishing company. In grade 12, someone from Conestoga College came to my school to do a presentation, that night I came home and said to mum ‘I’m not going to university anymore, I’m going to college for Marketing and I start in September“. I took marketing because I KNEW if I honed in on those skills, combined with my natural abilities, I could work anywhere in any industry.

I think this result resonated me because I believe in not following the grain, setting big goals, and innovating to make them a reality. If you look at the last 10 years I had a vision of my blog and what I would be doing one day. I had NO CLUE know how big social media become, but I knew a decade ago, there was a shift happening.


One of my fav leadership quotes in innovation is this one by Henry Ford about ‘faster horses’. I’ve stressed the importance of innovation for years. Remember this episode?

Capital One conducted a leadership study and these are key results to note:

  • * 1/3 of Canadians wouldn’t consider working for a company that didn’t have a social responsibility (charitable) program
  • * 3/4 Canadians believe socially conscious business leaders are the most effective
  • * 80% of Canadians feel it’s important the company they work for is involved in the community
  • * 84% of Canadians think it’s important for a company’s leaders to show that they are giving back to the community

Working with Capital One Canada and learning about Enactus made me really think about creating more and focussing on the big picture. If you’re keen to learn more about the Enactus program or get inspired through teams involved, visit enactus.org. Capital One Canada believes in education and supports several community investment partnerships, learn more here. Capital One Canada sponsored this post but the stories are mine, all mine! ?

Time to get crackin’ on that big idea!

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Holiday #GIVINGBACKVIBES at Evangel Hall

Holiday #GIVINGBACKVIBES at Evangel Hall

Had a great morning cooking up lunch w/ friends and serving to people at Evangel Hall. Scroll down to see us in action. We’re doing #givingbackvibes again on New Years Eve if you wanna join. ☀️

If you are looking to do some volunteering over the holidays they’re always looking for people. You can also visit the website and buy candles from their in-house candle shop to support. Visit evangelhall.ca for details!

My babe @lexniko

Getting set up in the kitchen!

Shout out to Gloria for setting this up. It’s been so great prepping lunch here today. Hi Carolyn Van!

HUGE salad
Fresh baked apple pies! ????
MOFO Hat from Movember Canada ????????



Blog Life: Sometimes I Don’t Feel Like It #12

Blog Life: Sometimes I Don’t Feel Like It #12

Yesterday I updated the look of this ol’ bloggy and it’s really making me happy. Over the past 6 months I’ve been working lots (which is good but tiring), recovered from a major surgery, and was in a car accident. I don’t usually share much the blarghhhh days I but there’s been a few lately. It’s not ALLLL sunshine and rainbows, I am HUMAN!  I feel like post-election world has been really getting me down. Every single time you turn on the tv, internet, Facebook bad sh*t is happening. It’s sad and exhausting. ?

Do you ever just feel like you need a f’n break?!

AND THEN, on the opposite end of the spectrum you scroll FB/IG and it seems like people have these perfect lives. Last night I spoke on a panel about beauty & aging and something I mentioned is the ‘Facebook Self’ we all put out there. You know the one I mean! The curated version of beautiful photos, the clean house, smiling well-behaved children, the perfect meal etc. Well LIFE ISN’T ALWAYS LIKE THAT. It’s messy lol. I hardly ever share the house bc there’s always a clothes pile somewhere. Pile on the holidays and it’s all kinda overwhelming.

This weekend I’m volunteering to serve lunch to 80-100 in need at a mission with some friends. I’ve been looking forward to it all week. Bringing joy to others, you can’t help but have some yourself.

Sunday I’m part of a big ‘Boss Babes Brunch’ w/ some power ladies which will be fun and inspiring. 

With my recent obsession for Amazon I got a huge ring light and photo setup for home so I will be playing with that too.

New ring light!

This post is #12 in a series of blogposts I’ve written when I don’t really feel like blogging. I find blogging about it helps me blog through the feelings. A blog is pretty good therapy haha. BLOG LIFE GUYS, IT’S OK.

Scroll ‘Em All: Sometimes I don’t Feel Like It #1-12

Anyhooooo, follow me on the ol’ Snapchat or IG Stories and I will try to bring some sunshine your way. Tomorrow we are serving salad, jambalaya, cornbread, and apple crumble pie, that alone will make anyone happy!

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Get Your Money Sitch Sorted and Plan Your Future

Get Your Money Sitch Sorted and Plan Your Future

What would you do if you lost your job!? Main source of income? Would you be ok for a month or two OR would you be freaking riiiiight out?

Over the years I’ve mentioned my finances a few times and how I dealt with debt and that whole ‘money’ thing. In a study from the Financial Planning Standards Council (FPSC), they found 2/5 Canadians worry about $$$ at least once a day. 1/4 worry “almost constantly.” They also learned, 4/10 Canadians said they’d run out of money in One in five Canadians said they’d only last A WEEK.

casiestewart, finances, lake, cottagelife


After I finished Uni in Australia, I came back to Canada with mounting debt and no job. I took a couple weeks to find my first job and moved to Toronto. It didn’t take long to realize I wasn’t getting ahead but falling further, and further behind.

That’s when I met with a financial planner on the show ‘Maxed Out’, who was able to help me with financial management Anyone remember that show?! ?? Meeting her changed my life and was also kinda embarrassing. The show was on the W Network a few years and then it popped up on Oprah’s network for a couple months. Every time I’d kinda put thinking about my money situation on the back burner, someone would mention they saw my episode and it was back on my mind.

The host and I made a plan and by the end of the episode (6months had passed) I had a new job I was finally on the right track. My goal was to pay back all my school by the time I was 30 and I did it at 28! It was hard but I’m so glad I stuck to my guns because the feeling of not having to deal with it anymore is priceless.

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The first step to getting your finances in gear is having a plan. Hard to get somewhere if you don’t know where you’re goin’! If you’re looking to get a new home and subsequently purchase insurance, you may be working with an average premium of $1,496 per year so planning is key! Working with a financial planner relived my stress and made my debt slowly melt away, month after month. We figured out a plan that fit my unique situation and set it in motion. If you think you could benefit from the services of specialists in wealth management jacksonville fl, why not get in touch with them and see how they can make positive changes to your financial situation?

Finding A Financial Planner


Not sure what to ask? No worries! Author + finance expert Kelley Keehn covers the bases w/ 10 Questions to Ak Your Financial Planner below.

The FSPC also has a handy tool that makes it super easy to find a reputable financial planner in your area to help you out. Find that perfect match to help you get that dream house/kitchen or vacation of a lifetime. Find a financial planner HERE.


2/3 of Canadians believe the economy – and their own financial situation – has either stagnated or worsened over the past five years

Most Canadians don’t feel they make good financial decisions (less than half @ 41%) and making a plan on your own can be daunting. Working with aCFP® pro means you’ll make the right decisions with your money, lower your stress about it, and start that journey to financial freedom. Get started by visiting fpsc.ca/find-a-planner. ??

I wanna see you ditch those money worries and so does Financial Planning Standards Council (FPSC), so they’ve sponsored this message. If I could help people with this stuff I would! ?

POST SPONSORED BY Financial Planning Standards Council.

Forgot to Cancel Amazon Prime But Embracing It = Ring Lights!

If you haven’t seen my tweets over the last few days I’ve been kinda obsessed with Amazon Prime. I forgot to cancel the ‘Free Trial’ and got charged the full ~$100 Amazon Prime amount for the year. Yeah duh. Whatever. I’ve decided to embrace it and tbh it’s amazing. [This post sponsored my bank account.] 

I ordered a whole bunch of things this week including a big ring light, tripod, studio backdrop, citric acid, and an iPhone ring light. The acid is for making bath bombs! It was $5 for a small canister at Bulk Barn yesterday so I checked Amazon and bought 2 pounds for $10 AND it arrives today.

A couple people asked me about my little baby ring light for my iPhone. It was from Amazon and is on SALE FOR $14.99 ($16.99 CA). The package was all in Japanese (?) and it came with batteries.

ORDER →  Universal Camera Ring Flash

Took photos in this post with it. Last night I was speaking on a panel about ‘Aging Gracefully’ with an event for Restylane/Galmerma. [I got a couple fillers this year if you missed that post.]

CASIESTEWART, IPHONE, SELFIE, RING LIGHT, BEAUTIFUL, BLONDE
SELFIE / PRODUCT SHOT
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IPHONE SELFIE W/ RING LIGHT + SNAPCHAT

I got a few other things this week but I haven’t opened them yet. Thinking about using them to make a video but idk so, no promises. That’s all for today.

THANK YOU FOR FOLLOWING. DO YOU LIKE THE NEW LAYOUT????

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Travel | Escape & Discover – A Surprise Weekend in Sudbury, ON

Travel | Escape & Discover  – A Surprise Weekend in Sudbury, ON

This summer I went on a really fun adventure with Ford Canada. They sent us these great luggage bags and told us to pack for a weekend. We had no idea where we were going and in my fret of nervousness the night before, went crazy I decorated my bag. In a group of 20 or so bloggers, it wasn’t hard to know where my bag was at all times. Dare to be different! ???

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They sent a driver to pick me up bright and early on a Saturday morning when I was whisked off to a Ford Dealership to meet the gang and find out what was going on. After some snacks & coffee it was time for the reveal.

I was handed an envelope with this card and a boarding pass. I did NOT think we would be going anywhere by airplane. Good thing I didn’t pack full size lotions! My team and I jumped in our next car and went straight to Porter Airlines. It felt a bit like The Amazing Race when 4 groups all went separate ways to different destinations.

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There was a Comicon happening downtown in Sudbury that weekend. Noticed a lot of really cool street art. The paper is called the ‘North Bay Nugget’ ? ?. Went for a hike in the Duchesnay Falls. Ate a seriously huge poutine.


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We spent the night at a great little 3bdrm beach house bed & breakfast on the lake. We had planned to try loads of water sports and I had packed my wet suit and my dryrobe equivalent, but after a toe-dip inspection we decided it was a no go. The water was pretttttty cold.

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I had been to Sudbury as a kid but I didn’t remember much. It was pretty neat to see the Big Nickel. We checked out a few other sites around the city before checking into accommodations.

One of my fav moments was when we decided to hang out in Sudbury a few hours longer, we got pizza and went to the mall. When I’m in a small town I love checking out the local shopping centre to see what stores they have and other attractions. WELL, did we score or what?!

They had these little animals you could rent to drive around the mall. It was mostly kids but four had a hilarious 2o cruise. After we got pizza at Greco’s. It was that deep dish kind with so much dough but it was amazing.

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The Escape was a great car to drive, SYNC3 is amazing for music & GPS, Eco-Boost saves gas, and we had more than enough room to road trip w/ 4 passengers. I really enjoyed how Ford made the event a mystery and kept all details secret about where we were going. For info about the 2017 Ford Escape visit ford.ca.

I look forward to our next adventure together!

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Tech | The FUTURE is HERE: Siri Can Now Send Money via PayPal

Tech | The FUTURE is HERE: Siri Can Now Send Money via PayPal

Last week I met up w/ Jen aka @jennandthecity for after work drinks, we’ve been meaning to hang out for ages and our schedules finally aligned. It was my first time checking out Bar Reyna in Yorkville which has a gorgeous back patio that feels like an escape from the city.

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I picked up the tab bc we were in a bit of a hurry and a couple days later, Jenn sent me money via PayPal using Siri. I’ve had PayPal for ages and it’s my fav way to shop online, this new integration makes sending money to friends super easy. If you’ve ever had to pay someone back or been waiting for someone to pay you back, it can be super awkward and/or annoying. Luckily your girl Siri makes it super easy. 

Starting November 10th, for the first time in Canada, iPhone users can tell Siri to send or request money through an integration with the PayPal app.


Once you’ve got the PayPal app [download here if you don’t have it yet!] and your phone is on iOS 10, you’re ready to roll. Wake up Siri and ask him/her to send money to a friend.  Contacts who match the name will pop up, select the person, and voila, Siri will send it.

You can 100% send money to someone who isn’t on iPhone and if they person doesn’t have a PayPal account, they’ll be prompted to set one up.

Lending money to friends can end bad, on average PayPal found that 30% of Canadians have lost a friend over an IOU. Been there? Me too.

In the PayPal Money Habits Study by Koski Research, they found more than 53% of us Canadians find it awkward to ask friends or fam to pay us back. It’s probably because we’re so nice.

‘Sorry but can you pay me back the money you borrowed? ??’ – me


To give PayPal integration a go, download the app from the Apple Store and make sure you’re on the new iOS 10. If you have any questions about using PayPal with Siri, visit the Help Center. Here’s a look at Jenn’s first go using it.

PayPal, is always looking for ways to make it easier for us to manage or move our money. This new Siri integration now is avail in 30 countries and in a variety of languages. No reason not to pay your friends back now!

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*Post sponsored by PayPal Canada but opinions all mine. I was stoked to know about this coming to iPhone be I legit love PayPal and use it all the time. 

*PayPal Money Habits Study conducted by Koski Research, 2015. Between May 14, 2015 and June 25, 2015, over 4,000 participants from the U.S., Canada, Germany and Australia participated in the 14-minute online study. Additionally, a five-minute online study was conducted by Koski Research between June 22 and June 28, 2015 to over 4,000 participants from the U.S., Canada, Germany and Australia.