CASIE STEWART

THIS IS MY LIFE • BLOG EST. 2005
LIFE

Tech | Canada’s Leading Digital Media: NextMedia + Digi Awards 2016

digiawards, casiestewart, ambermac, taylor kaye, nextmedia

Last week I was a speaker at NextMedia, Canada’s leading digital media conference. the 2 day conference focusses on creation, distribution, and monetization of digital media content and technology.

Our panel, moderated by Amber Mac, was Blurred Lines: Best Practices for Disclosing Paid Content. I’ve mentioned it a few times how this is a hot topic. My thoughts are that if you are working with someone or got the product/thing as an in-kind donation or gift,, just say so.

If you always work on things you genuinely like, being authentic is easy.

This isn’t a great photo but it was a memorable moment. Jake said people who will just work for any brand and do it for the money are ‘brand whores’. It’s hard to trust someones opinion if they don’t really have one and they’re just slingin’ stuff at you all the time.

Amber asked me to be a presenter at the Digis which is the award show closing out the conference.  In it’s 10th year, the awards celebrate Canada’s most successful digital media companies and creators.

I wasn’t nervous at all until it came time for rehearsal and I had to read a teleprompter.

Which, by the way, was easier than I thought!

I presented the award for Best Branded Content. The winner was Lilly & The Snowman from Cineplex.

In other news, I left getting a dress to the last minute. So, I popped over to my go-to girls at Studio Fitzroy to rent something. Remember in the summer when I blogged about their dress rentals? That biz was SO SUCCESSFUL they’ve opened a dress rental spot on Dundas West.

I tried on a whole bunch, listened to music, and was offered champagne. It’s the most lovely little shop and feels like visiting your cool friend with all the great clothes. See  all avail dresses at shopfitzroy.com/rentals. Thanks ladies! 

I picked a gorgeous long number from For Love & Lemons. It was so comfortable with a bodysuit on the inside and pockets to keep my phone & lipstick. Didn’t have to carry a purse! Necklace is the Jenny Bird YAYA Choker I wear all the time.

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Hung out w/ Taylor Kaye most the night. Check out her ‘Will This Work?’ series on YouTube with her kids, so cute.  I love events like this so much because I get to catch up with entertainment people I don’t see that often. It was so great to chat with old colleagues from CTV, Much,  and MTV.

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This week I’ve got an event with the American Marketing Association and I’m working with RBC for an event on Thursday. Saturday I’m at YouTube Canada to moderate a panel during indie Week.

Let’s hope this beautiful weather sticks around a little while longer. We haven’t closed up the cottage yet, next weekend!

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LIFE

Winners of The 48 Giveaway – See You at The Office!

Winners of The 48 Giveaway – See You at The Office!

It’s time! I feel like it’s time to grace the world with some good news and great views. The winners of The 48 office space giveaway are announced below. I’ll be reaching out to a few more of you to join me at the offices for a tour and toast in the next few weeks.

The 48 Office Suite Giveaway – Winners

Grand Prize Winner: Cara Rice

– 6 months mailbox
– 8 hours in executive suite
– Invite to cocktail event with +1
2nd place: Martin Rubio
– 4 hours in executive suite
– 6 month executive mailbox
– Invite to cocktail event with +1
3rd place: Michael Brassel
– 2 hours in one of the smaller offices
– 6 month executive mailbox
– Invite to cocktail event with +1

Runner Up Prizes:

I will be contacting a handful of people to join me and the winners at The 48 for a cocktail hour and tour of the office.

The 48 is a beautiful place to work with a variety of other services and amenities to make your new workspace the best place to get things done. Aside from a great view and location at 1 King West, you can get 24/7 access with Valet Parking.

You can use this beautiful big boardroom for important meetings, focus groups, team lunch, or shooting the next episode of your soon to be trending YouTube show.  ?✌?

The Boardroom at The 48

Once you’ve sorted out the details of your new office, you’ll get access to the hotel gym, discount on One King West dining, preferred hotel rates, and more. Need catering? No problem!

The internet is fast and each office has a TV you can connect to your phone or laptop to use as a second screen or display monitor.  The kitchen has full amenities including fridge, stove, and sink for entertaining guests, friends, and or clients.

You’ll always look like a professional with someone at the front desk to greet your clients or answer your dedicated line.  “Office of [insert your name], how may I direct your call?”

Once you exit the elevators the space is welcoming and bright. The washrooms are big, beautiful, and very mod.

If you’re looking for somewhere to set up your laptop, have a big meeting, or work on that book, check out The 48 in the prestigious One King West.

The newly renovated space has a bunch of offices with amazing 360 views of the city.  Whether you’re looking for long term, short term, or super short term aka a few hours here and there, they got you. The space is also great for office parties or events.

Visit the48.ca for info or to book a tour/office. See my previous post with more photos here. This could be you! ???????

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Tech

Travel | Walking Wynwood w/ New iPhone 7 Plus from Telus

On my travels last month I was in Miami for a short visit so I took a tour of the Wynwood Art District. I’ve been dying to go there and check out the walls.

Telus hooked me up with with the new iPhone 7 Plus before my trip to the Florida Keys so I left my DSLR at home and went iPhone only. Telus has been rated the BEST National Carrier for iPhone and has  a variety of plans avail to make sure you get the phone you want. You might be looking to upgrade after all my travel photos! For info about the iPhone 7 Plus or awesome features of iOS 10, visit telus.com.

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TBH this phone camera is the absolute BEST I’ve ever had. I strolled around Wynwood for about hour taking photos of walls, doors, various alleys, and art in alleys. When I got to the airport I edited them all using Camera and no apps or filters. I am so impressed with this little thing! 

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The sky was a little crazy this day because Hurricane Matthew was passing by, it made for a good street art backdrop though.  The iPhone 7 Plus has 2 lenses 1 is a reg iPhone camera and the second lens is a telephoto. With the iOS 10.1, Apple released Portrait Mode which uses the telephoto lens to isolate the subject like a professional camera (DSLR). It’s incredible. Works amazing to take photos of friends but also is killer for close up shots of products, nature, just about anything with dimension.

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Lots of photos in this post so have the short version here, click below for like 20 more!

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LIFE

100 Pieces of Sponsored Content + New Ad Standards for Influencers

I’ve been trying do a better job of keeping tract of my actual blog related work. Since casiestewart.com is a mostly a diary about my life, it can be hard to determine what is sponsored (work) and what isn’t. I share heaps so maybe you miss the little disclaimer line now & then.

I like to keep a good mix of non-sponsored content mixed in with the spon con. Last year I set up casiestewart.biz as my online portfolio website and I UPDATED IT THIS WEEKEND. There’s 100+ examples of sponsored things I’ve done over the past few years. Crazy how they all add up! Found this quote on Forbes over the weekend and it’s what motivated me to stop scrolling social media and put in some quality time building my website. I’m finding/remembering stuff all the time so there’s a bunch more to add.

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CASIESTEWART.BIZ/WORK 

casie stewart, blogger, sponsored content, #keepit100

This week I’m on a panel at the NextMedia Conference talking about this stuff with someone from the ASC, Facebook, and an agent who represents influencers. It’s sure to be a good discussion and spark even more around the topic. In a prep call for the panel, Janet from the ASC said:

“We have simply introduced a new Interpretation Guideline to require disclosure of any material connection, because we identified a gap in the coverage of the Canadian Code of Advertising Standards regarding bloggers and influencers.”

nextmedia, sponsored content, casie stewart, amber mac, toronto, paid content, blogger, influencer
You can still get a ticket. Click for details.

Influencers and sponsored content are a very hot topic right now with new rules in Canada from the ASC based on the USA FTC regulations on testimonials, endorsements, and reviews. If you are interested in the you can find them here. DEFF WORTH READING.

I’ve got a few more things to share on this topic, it’s surely not going away. Until then, make sure you take a peek at my work at casiestewart.biz/work!

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Behind the Blog

Subscribe to Behind the Blog – My Newsletter is Coming Soon!

Subscribe to Behind the Blog – My Newsletter is Coming Soon!

Over the next few weeks I will be pulling the details for a newsletter I’ll be sending out in January called Behind the Blog. It’s for anyone with e blog or online business interested in learning about creating content, managing a website, having an online business, or other tech stuff like apps and gadgets. There is so much that you will probably have to learn though, and I know that I am still learning a thing or two. No one is perfect, even if I like to think that I am. However, I do think that I am good enough to teach you a thing or two, and hopefully, you will find it beneficial. For example, I might at some point talk about how you need to get a web hosting company involved (for example, a company like the one found at a hostiserver.com). I would like to believe that you would find something like this useful.

It won’t just stop there though, I have loads of other things that I can tell you about in my newsletter. I’ll make sure that it’s all relevant for creating content, managing a website, having an online business, or other tech stuff like apps and gadgets. So it will be totally worth your time if this is something that you need a little bit of extra guidance with. I promise I’ll be able to help you. I won’t spam you and I really hope I can send it twice a month. Somehow when I am the busiest I feel like I should add another task to my life. I feel like sharing this information with you will help me be more organized. I’d love for you to subscribe/share.





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LIFE

November Sunshine On Your Face ☀️

November Sunshine On Your Face ☀️

It’s so nice out today. Left the house early w/ Sean to get the new car sorted. I love the new trucks sunroof and he loves everything else.

Still reading The Best Kind of People by Zoe Whittal. It’s good, nominated for the Giller Prize which is awarded on Monday.


We grabbed breakfast at a cute little spot called Pheasant Table after picking up a couple magazines.

I love how cute Emma Stone looks on the cover of Vogue with a pixie. I don’t think she actually cut it but not 100% on that.

Last night I got a tattoo! Ok not a real one but a semi-perm that lasts 2 weeks by Inkbox. It’s for the election. Can you guess what it is????! Look closely. 

Went cruising in the East end and to the beach at Cherry Point. (Which apparently now being ‘Lower East Side) The sun felt so nice on my face. The leaves are all different colours and falling in the breeze. The water was cool but the air is warm.

 I love this city so much. I also love the sunroof? Did I mention that. It’s so great for taking photos out of ?!!!

We might go to the cottage for a couple days but if we don’t, won’t mind enjoying the weather downtown.

Hopefully you are out soaking up some of this great weather. Looks like it’ll be 10+ degrees most the week! ☀️??

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LIFE

Twitter is Very Much Alive and Here is Some Motivation

I’ve had a really great time on Twitter the last 24hours. Sometimes people say ‘Twitter is dead’ but that goes right out the damn window when there’s a live event.

The Twitter chat Daniel and I hosted with Kobo was a trending topic in Toronto and then Canada last night earning 3 million+ impressions. Then, after the chat I tuned in for the World Series Game 7 to see the Cubs win and HOLY COW what a game. I am happy the Cubs won bc my friend Tony Pierce aka @busblog is a die hard fan. ⚾️ ?

This morning I watched Cam, Head of Comms at Twitter, chat about the election on CTV. I felt like last night was a preview of the tweet storm about to go down on Tuesday night when the US gets a new President. I’ve been invited by Twitter Canada to watch it at their office and I can’t wait. Casie Stewart Live from The Nest! I’ve shared my love for live event tweeting for over six years from my days tweeting Jersey Shore & The Hills at Much/MTV, to every award show since, the Olympics, Superbowl, The Bachelorette, and more. It’s gonna be really intense.

I just watched this video andI’d like to thank my old friend (and apparently new neighbour!) Christine Estima for this performance. I’m spending the afternoon writing and organizing the book I’ve been working on because THIS YEAR I AM DAMN DETERMINED TO DO IT. I signed up for NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) and I’m MAKING IT HAPPEN. Watch this video, it’s 5min that will hopefully stick with you, it has with me.

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Sending sunshine through the internet for you.

 

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LIFE

It’s The Most Wonderful Time of The Year!

Honesty, I woke up this morning and put on Michael Buble’s Christmas album with NO SHAME. Ripped the halloween decorations off the walls and mirrors. I’m ready for the season! I won’t rush putting up all the decorations just yet but I won’t hold back the spirit!

One of my fav Christmas albums is She & Him. When Sean and I started dating, I remember him singing ‘Baby It’s Cold Outside’ to me at our first christmas saying I should stay a little while longer.  So much love in the air this time of year. Still swooning 6 years later! ❤️??

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On Thursday eve I’m going to Saks/Hudson Bay for the Christmas Tree lighting and holiday window reveal. AND in a christmas miracle twist MARIAH CAREY WILL BE THERE TO LIGHT THE TREE.

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I can’t wait. It’s only a matter of time before we bust out this wonderful ‘Togetherness Sweater’ that TOMS X Target sent a couple years ago.

Last year Netflix sent over THIS amazing Christmas Sweater feat. Bill Murray.

Here’s to kicking off the holiday season!

I’m excited. Can you tell!? ??????

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LIFE

Tech | Sharing My Love of eReading + Win a Kobo in Our Twitter Chat!

Tech | Sharing My Love of eReading + Win a Kobo in Our Twitter Chat!

Back in April I worked with Kobo and got my first eReader. TBH I Hadn’t really ready any books in ages and thought, maybe this is my gateway to the love of reading I’ve kinda lost. Well, it was. This is the kind of brand partnership work I truly love, something that fits perfectly. I read heaps of books growing up and since getting my Kobo I’ve read more in 5 months than I have in 5 years.

I can’t deny my love this little thing!  ❤️Its been on all my trips, spent summer at the cottage, and is often found in my purse. I read 10 books on it over the summer alone. This weekend I finished my 12th book since April. I will always love paper books, I’ve got stacks, but there’s this new joy for e-reading that I’ve really come to enjoy.

So, onto the next bit of info on how YOU can get a Kobo eReader too. Daniel (dothedaniel.com) and I are hosting a 1 hour Twitter Party with Kobo to celebrate the Giller Prize nominees on Wednesday this week at 8pm.

Pour yourself a cuppa and join in the fun. We’ve got 6 Kobo eReaders to give away!

twitter-party-invite, kobo, gillerprize

REGISTER for the Twitter Chat on Wednesday at 8pm ET

Also, if you’re feeling creative and want an extra shot at a Kobo eReader and $500 – write a haiku inspired by any of the 6 books on the 2016 Giller Prize shortlist. I’m currently reading The Best Kind of People and this is my haiku poem entry.

Revolver
you will never know
terror hiding behind walls
of a broken heart

by Casie Stewart

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LIFE

Hello From The Other Side of The Screen

screen-shot-2016-10-31-at-11-22-39-amLast week I was so exhausted but after a weekend of naps and relaxing, I feel so much better. We went out for a mini-halloween on Friday and took the rest of the weekend off. I’m usually ALL ABOUT Halloween but this year, I was too dang tired.

Travelling the last month has been great but it started to catch up with me the last couple days. I was feeling sick, tired, sad, discouraged. I often rirng mum on days like that and she reminds me to take a nap and not be too hard on myself. Almost every single time I feel like giving up and ‘getting a real job’, something great is around the corner.

This year I’ve signed up for NaNoWiMo (National Novel Writing Month) after a few unsuccessful attempts ovefre last 5 years. The goal is to write a novel in 30 days with a little bit each day.

screen-shot-2016-10-31-at-11-22-03-amI’ve been working on a 10 year blog/book thinger for years a while and I’m determined to have it done by the end of 2016. I’ve got the framework all together and I just to actually sit in a quiet room and WRITE. Winter is always my ‘hibernation station’ time to focus and set goals for the upcoming year.

I don’t have any trips planned till after Christmas so this month is all about self care and spending quality time at home and with my computer.

Being on the go is a really exciting but part of my life but I also really love being at home writing on my computer. I’ve got heaps of stories to share so I hope you’ll stick along for the ride.

Here’s to a great week!

With love,

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

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Tech

Tech | Travel More + Shop at Apple Using the New RBC Rewards App

Tech | Travel More + Shop at Apple Using the New RBC Rewards App

Last week I was in Arizona doing something I love, documenting my trip on my new iPhone and taking an adventure with friends to somewhere I’ve never been. Tech and travel have always been something I really enjoy so I’m always trying to bring more of those into my life.

RBC has a great new app for people who also like these things, like you, called RBC Rewards. The app is now avail on iOS and Android and allows you to do things like book flights, hotels, cars, or shop for your fav tech stuff at best Buy or Apple. best part is you can redeem your RBC Rewards points for all this stuff.  The app will also reco products and show you offers based on interests. iOS users can use Touch ID to sign in.

Sean uses his RBC Business Avion card so he’s racked up a ton of points. We used RBC Rewards to bring a friend with us to LA a couple years ago. Knowing he can now use those points via the app at the Apple Store mean one thing…iPhone Upgrade!

My Fav Perks of the RBC Rewards App

  • – Search/book flight, hotel, car rentals, using a mix of points + cash
  • – Shop Apple & Best Buy w/ points + cash
  • – Use points for RBC Rewards merch and GCs
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My mum has been an RBC customer for as long as I can remember so in my research I asked if she uses their rewards program, and she does! Something she was really excited to tell me was how she uses Payback with Points to redeem points toward her RBC Rewards credit card.

“As a world leader in mobile technology, RBC is committed to innovation and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in order to meet the evolving expectations of our clients,” Jacquelina Calisto, Vice President, Digital & Commercialization, RBC

All of the major banks in Canada are represented in our house and knowing we can fully take advantage of the new RBC Rewards app  is pretty great. We all work hard for that money so getting something back always puts a smile on my face. I love when I go to Shoppers or Sephora and can shave a few $$ off my total or get a few extra goodies. Now I’m thinking where we’re gonna travel next…

With RBC you earn points on ALL your purchases then can redeem for tech, travel and more using the RBC Rewards App. To learn more about the RBC Rewards app visit rbc.com/rewardsapp.

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This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of RBC. All opinions are my own!

 

 

 

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LIFE

These Are The Vines of Our Lives

I loved Twitter’s Vine app. I used it heaps when it first came out and have 200+ thousand views and 400+ videos. Yesterday Twitter announced it’s shutting the app down (and cutting 9% of global staff).

This is a good reminder, it’s not about the platform, it’s about the content.

casiestewart, vine, ripvine, vine app, twitter, blogger

As someone who’s been on the internet, making stuff for over a decade I’ve seen a lot of apps have their rise to fame, go viral, get a huge user base, then die.

Lets look back at 12secondstv, I was one of their top users and in 2010 they got bought by AOL and closed up shop. I made short videos of almost everything I was doing and posted them on the app. Around the same time I’d been an active user on Dailybooth, a website where you shared a photo of yourself everyday (mostly from your computer webcam). When Instagram came out, nobody needed Dailybooth anymore, there was a new app with filters right in your phone. Dailybooth died in 2012.

Anyone remember Viddy? I hung out with the founders in 2013 at CES in Vegas and joined the app right away. It was the video version of Instagram!  Justin Bieber and bunch of celebrities used it all the time. Then, one day, Instagram added video. It was game changer. In months Viddy was done. Users jumped ship to an app they were already on to share content to an existing audience.

“it’s not about the platform, it’s about the content”

SOME OF MY FAV VINES OF THE TIMES

Here are a few of my fav Vines from my channel and the Internet. I hope you enjoy. As a reminder, keep making good content and try all the platforms to see what is out there.

 

LADA GAGA SCARES LEO – Remember this? OOP!

https://vine.co/v/iMAHYTw00bH

https://vine.co/v/inAiBuI6UOX

THIS KID IS ALL OF US

https://vine.co/v/e6nLQQuYJPn

SPIRIT ANIMAL – 2 shots of vodka ‘free pour’

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LLAMA BE CRAY – This is funny. IDK. Lulzing too hard to type.

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TREEHOUSE – April and I stayed at a treehouse with no running water in the dead of winter. I woke up in the middle of each night to fuel the fire so we didn’t freeze. I also brought smoke grenades.

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ONE OF MY FAV VINERS – Honestly. She is so funny.

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LOVE THIS ONE – Like you a lot.

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FAV VINER – kyttenjane is so talented.

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QUEEN BEY @ MTV VMAS – Beyonce, you saw it. No words. Well done Vine with this.

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X-FILES – Rhys Darby is from New Zealand too and when I saw him on X-Files I loved it. He was a lizard man morph working in a mobile phone store and had a funny line.

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If you have never been to the jungle or want to remember what it sounds like, listen to this a few times. (Montezuma, Costa Rica)

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PERFECT LOOPS

IN CAR – Cottage drive feat. GRIMES

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WILDFOX – Cherry on top! ?

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DUBSTEP NONNA – Does your nonna make fresh past to dubstep? In my world she does.

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I really hope Twitter never dies, I will be so heart broken. Thanks Vine for all the great times. You will be missed. RIP in the app graveyard with all my other old pre-loved apps.

On that note, keep your eyes and ears peeled for great content opportunities. You never when you’re gonna meet a goat and get 100k views in a day. 

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

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Tech

Enactus World Cup: How Canadian Students are Making a Difference

casiestewart, inactus, world cup, leader, capital one, blogger, toronto, canada, travel

I recently attended the Enactus World Cup as a guest of Capital One Canada. If you aren’t familiar, I am here to fill you in. The main thing you need to know is that CANADA WON the 2016 competition with an innovative hydroponics system that’s bringing fresh fruit and vegetables to indigenous communities and schools across Canada. Iwas totally blown away by their hard work and ability to make a difference, and make it sustainable with ongoing profits ($90k+). I nearly had tears watching them present. GREAT WORK!

When Capital One Canada reached out to me be about attending I was rally jazzed to learn more because I too was a young entrepreneur. When I was 15 I won Young Entrepreneur of Cambridge after starting a publishing company, writing a book, and producing a quarterly newsletter for youth around the globe. [Note this was pre-internet/social media!] Through our efforts we also donated a portion of the sales from each book to the local women’s crisis shelter and spoke to kids in primary schools about bullying, following their dreams, and entrepreneurship.

What is Enactus?

Enactus stands for “ENtrepreneurial ACTion for others creates a better world for US all”. It is an international non-profit dedicated to inspiring students to improve the world through entrepreneurial action. The program aims to help tackle the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which have been set for 2030.

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The Enactus World Cup is the world’s largest competition of business innovation and entrepreneurial action for social impact.  This year, 36 countries were represented from 1,700 campuses with 69,000 students taking part.

Before making it to the finals, teams take part in regional and national challenges. One of those is The Capital One Financial Education Challenge where teams across the Canada present projects that most effectively use financial education and/or inclusion to empower people to improve their lives in an economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable way.

Since 2006, 7,125 Canadian students have taken part resulting in 779 financial outreach projects, directly impacting over 115k people in communities across the country. Pretty cool. I would have loved to do this in uni but I went to school in Australia and didn’t have the opportunity as an international student.

Canada Wins Enactus World Cup 2016
Canada Wins Enactus World Cup 2016

The winning team to represent Canada was Memorial University from St. John’s, Newfoundland w/  Project SucSeed.  The team currently involves 82 undergrads from arts, business, science and engineering. Together, they run 13 community projects!

Take a minute to watch this video and see how they’re changing communities, employing youth, and providing fresh produce to people in need.

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If you have young kids there’s a chance you could even see one of Memorial’s hydroponic units in their school soon, as the team is currently expanding the SucSeed program into primary school classrooms across the country.

I loved watching students present their ideas at the Enactus World Cup. I was so inspired and energized that day. Left me thinking, what can I do?

If you’re keen to learn more about other teams  from around the world visit enactus.org/worldcup/meet-the-teams. To learn more about how Capital One is investing in communities and education across Canada visit capitalone.ca.

Thanks Capital One Canada for the opportunity to be inspired and educated by sponsoring this post! ?

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

 

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Travel

Travel | I’m in Arizona! Here All Week Travelling Route 66!

Hi, I’m currently writing to you from our luxury van travelling to Route 66 through the Sonoran Desert. We just visited the iconic Wigwam Hotel in Holbrook.

Arrived late last night and will be on the road all week touring the highway staying at a different spot each night. We’re about to take a tour of the Petrified Forrest.

Petrified wood in the Rainbow Forest. So cool.

This photo was at Route 66 at Disneyland in California but I WILL recreate it this week.  I packed the same dress!

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

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LIFE

The most important thing is to enjoy your life – to be happy – it’s all that matters.

Yesterday was one of those full on go-go-go day. The night before I was so tired, falling asleep at my computer. I closed it down and told myself everything could wait till the morning.  I make blog-life look pretty glam on the outside but behind the screen is a lot of hard work, late nights, meetings, and stress. I feel like I’m behind most the time, but some days I feel on top of the world. No day is ever the same.  I remember laying in bed thinking ‘just get me through this week, then I can relax‘.

Had a great time speaking at a national Canadian corporation about my blog, social media, and influence marketing. A few talks booked on the topic of creators/influencers lately which I feel shows a that the market and budgets are shifting towards more digital.

Filmed a short video with new blogger Nneka Elliott. You might recognize her from CP24 where she’s been a news anchor since 2008. Had a diner with Saje Wellness and about 50 other young women. Did a class with Army of Sass. Then went home and read a bit before fall ing asleep with my Kobo. Just reading back over this makes me feel exhausted!!! The whole day was documented on Snapchat. 

Tonight we’re going to the cottage for a couple days before I fly out to Arizona on Sunday. That reminds me, I have to pack! Gah. 

Title quote is by Audrey Hepburn ?

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FYI my contest for office space at The 48 inside 1 King West closes today – enter by visiting the post below!

Get to Know The 48 Office Suites + OFFICE SPACE Giveaway!

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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! 

bachelorette canada, two oceans, rose, iphone, casiestewart

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.

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! ?????

 

casiestewart, blog, blogger, toronto, canada, travel, tech* I’m working w Two Oceans Wine to tweet and watch the Bachelorette this season. Great job if you as me! They’ve sponsored this but tbh the pleasure is all mine! 

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Your Story Your Future TD Speakers Series with Cheryl Strayed

Your Story Your Future TD Speakers Series with Cheryl Strayed

Last week Gracie and I had the opportunity to attend TD’s Your Story Your Future Speakers Series with Cheryl Strayed at the AGO. Name sound familiar? Cheryl Strayed is the author of WILD, which was made into an Oscar nominated film starring Reese Witherspoon.

The story documents Strayed’s solo hike up the Pacific Crest Trail. I’d watched the movie before attending the talk but hearing her stories in real life was really inspiring. Something that stood out was Strayed’s advice from her mum that reminded me of something my mum would say ‘this is character building’ in regards to getting through hard times.

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Pre-event reception w/ Gracie at the AGO

TD’s “Your Story Your Future” program combines workshops and inspirational speaker events to help women feel confident about setting and achieving their financial goals. I’ve written about a few of my financial accomplishments over the last few years (read those here).

I feel it’s really important for us as women to grab the reigns of our finances and set goals so we can prepare for our future.

I remember when my parents got divorced, I was a teenager, and my mum was going back into the workforce after 16+ years. She stressed the importance of having my own money, not getting into a position where I had to rely on someone else when it came to my finances. Only 3 out of 10 women have a financial plan for their future and TD’s Women Investor Program wants to change that.

The Atrium + Frank Ghery Staircase at the AGO

The program was created for the growing number of women who influence a growing share of wealth in Canada and might be looking for a more personalized investment experience from men.

According to a representative from TD Bank:

“One of the key differences between men and women investors is a desire for a more holistic financial advisory relationship – one that is based on setting and achieving life goals rather than simply hitting a financial benchmark.”

Defining exactly what professional advancement and financial freedom looks like is different for all of us but the importance is something we share. Regardless of the type of advancement we’re looking for (career, family or legacy) planning for personal and financial goals is important.

Ready to take charge of your financial future? Get it girl! Visit www.td.com/womenatwork to learn more. 

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Note: This post was generously sponsored by TD. All opinions and life stories are mine, all mine!

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Travel | I’m in South Florida this week! 

Follow my Snap, Instagram, and Tweets for sunshine and adventures. Updates from other media on the trip are on the #SeizeTheKeys hashtag! ?☀️?✈️️???‍?

Heading to breakfast now them Hemingway’s House. Later today I’m planning to bike around some more then we’re going paddle boarding at night!

BLOODLINE WAS FILMED HERE!

Trying Key Lime at every meal ?? Rented a bike to explore Key West

Our backyard at Chelsea House Hotel

 

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Get to Know The 48 Office Suites + OFFICE SPACE Giveaway!

casiestewart, the 48, 1 king west, office space, rental office, coworking, office, blogger, toronto

Earlier this week I spent and afternoon working at the newly renovated offices on the 48th floor of 1 King West. If you’re following me on any social network, you would have seen my posts documenting the beautiful view. I got a lot of feedback asking where I was and how you can get there. Good news! I’ve partnered with The 48 to offer some free time in the offices. I’m also going to host a wee cocktail hour with all the winners.

The offices used to be 3 suites owned by the Mirvish family and were recently sold, then converted into 9 offices. At my first visit last week ago I was blown away by the view and how nice they were.

Offices vary in size, there’s a boardroom, reception area, washrooms, and full service kitchen w/ stainless steel appliances, marble counters, and of course coffee. Each office has a printer, flatscreen, and phone. You can also use the mailbox service, voicemail, or accept calls via the reception desk. Imagine ‘YOUR NAME’s office, how may I direct your call?‘ The wifi is good too, gotta have good wifi. 

Another  two great perks are VALET parking and catering available from 1 King West.

As a freelance, entrepreneur person, I love working from home but sometimes I need a change of pace and a coffee shop just won’t do. These offices are quiet and distraction free. I love that you can rent for a couple hours of uninterrupted work time/meeting, or set up shop in a more permanent style (weekly, monthly)

There’s also a lot of nice surfaces if you’re into doing flat lays for your social posts. 

VIEW ON INSTAGRAM

[metaslider id=38181]

THE 48 Office Suites: Contest Details

Contest grand prize includes a week at the office + a 6 month mailbox service. A fancy 1 King West address can be yourrrrs!

We’re also offering a few half days as secondary prizes. All winners will be invited up for a champagne cocktail and tour hosted by yours truly.

Contest is open to anyone who can get to 1 King West or will be in town before December 31, 2016. Contest closes Monday, October 10th.

WAITING FOR YOUR ENTRY RIGHT NOW…

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for entering and following my adventures, good luck! Look forward to working with you and contacting winners.

HAPPPY FRIDAY.

casiestewart, twitter, casie

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Tech | #SeizeTheKeys! ☀️? I’m Heading Down to Florida!

casiestewart, florida keys, florida, miami, siezethekeys

Well, it’s just starting to cool down and I’ve got something warm and exciting to share… on Sunday I’m going to the Florida Keys! I’m heading down with Florida Tourism and a couple other blog friends.

I’ll be documenting my experience on Facebook (w/ Live!), Twitter, Snapchat, and Instagram. I can’t WAIT to see what we’re doing. I got a heads up that we’ll be Night Boarding, which is stand up paddle (SUP) on board that are LIT. I love my SUP board so stoked for this

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I’ve had the Beach Boys song Kokomo in my head all week. (There used to be a bar in the Keys called Kokomo!) I’ve also looked up famous movie scenes filmed there and this one is on my to-do list haha.

Have you been to the Florida Keys?

Any recos of what we should do there?

LMK!

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?? Apples to Apples: Visiting an Orchard w/ Subway Canada

On Friday afternoon I went to an orchard north of the city with bloggers from across Canada thanks to Subway Canada. We picked apples and sampled some of their new menu items coming in October. We were greeted with a cute welcome sign and chilled Izze fruit drinks as arrived. Lucky for us the morning rain cleared by the time we arrived and it was a lovely day. I hadn’t been to an orchard since I was a kid.

Our first part of the adventure was a hayride and if you were following my posts in real time, I was really into it. I even made a song about it.

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After our tour of the orchard we sat down for lunch. It’s just started getting a wee bit cold and thankfully our hosts were prepared with blanks to keep warm.

creepin’ Instagram

The new fall menu at SUBWAY features a new Carved Turkey sandwich that will launch October 11th in Canada.  Just after thanksgiving ?

Executive Chef, Chris Martone made us a delicious salad to start our seated meal with walnut encrusted goat cheese, it was so good. Both Will and I ordered a second plate! 

The new sandwich.

My favourite part of the day was picking apples. I also went into a corn maze, got lost for a minute, and went on the swings.

thank you Will Wong for this cute snap!

Later that day I went to the cottage for the weekend with Sean and Emily. On Saturday I made 3 pies with the apples I picked. Two of the pies were a combo apple pie/apple crisp. I highly recommend this recipe I found on Pinterest. They were honestly SO GOOD. I’ll be bringing 2 to the office today so we don’t eat them all!

After a long relaxing summer I’m thankful for the change in seasons, great time to start something new. ditch old habits, and bring back layered outfits.

Here’s to a great week! 

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Learn From Yesterday, Live For Today, Hope For Tomorrow

Yesterday was full on. By 4pm I was back at the 1188 office and would have killed for a nap. I had 3 things earlier in the day, a call about a new project, then had to pick up Em form daycare, help her w/ homework, and make sure all was cool w/ sitter, and head back to work. I really love what I do but some days it’s super exhausting. Working for yourself has perks but being the face of the brand, writer, editor, admin, finance, marketing,  agent, and accounts receivable can take a lot out out of you. I’m only one woman! Add on step-mama to an 8 year old and partner to an entrepreneur, tbh I get damn tired.

looked cute today tho

Although yesterday was tiring, it was really great.

Arrived at the 1188 office w/ Sean early to help out. Then went to the ReThink Breast Cancer breakfast. I’d done a bunch of things on my phone before then including Nike (NTC) workout on the roof and didn’t realize my phone was almost dead. URGH! So, off I went to the breakfast sans phone.

Ready to show off @rethinkbreastcancer’s latest partnerships and brand new #giveacare collection tomorrow!

A photo posted by Alison Lawler-Dean (@allield) on

The new collection is so nice. I truly love the work they’re doing. Once I get photos I’m going to share here. ReThink is a breast cancer organization that aims to help raise awareness for young women dealing with breast cancer. One of the things I reallllly love is their BARBIE brand partnership. If you know me well, I FREAKING LOVE BARBIE. I still have all mine at mum’s house. Also a few collectors ones still in the box.

Next I went to 1 King West to check out ‘The 48’, on the 48th floor their new office suites and meet with their team. I’ve been thinking about getting a desk space and they’re interested in working with me, it was a good meeting. The space is beautiful. I couldn’t help but think of all the things I could do there, events, shoots, meetings.


Before heading to my next meeting I had a call about a cool project w/ young entrepreneurs & Capital One. I worked w/ them on a campaign last year and was a young entrepreneur myself so I’m jazzed about it.

Kelly sounds like fun! haha TBH I have one of these and I love it

Took the TTC to Fleishman Hillard to learn about the new FitBit. I like my Fitbit and the stats that come with it. The intersection of fashion X tech is something I really love and they had some cool stuff. These were my fav. The new leather band, bangle, fashion collabs w/ Public School (braided one), and the new Alta watch.


JUST before I went to this presentation, I was making a Snapchat ?????? at the TELUS store and WALKED INTO THE WALL. Fml. First time doing that and thank god I didn’t bang up my face/teeth. I bruised my hand and it’s kinda tender. I don’t think anyone saw. Lol derp.

Picked Emily up at 5:30 and took her for a Happy Meal. They have great toys rn. WONDER WOMAN! Something you might not know about me is I have TONS of McDonalds toys in mum’s basement. Heaps still in packages. We don’t know wtf to do with them!

I really like helping Em with her homework. My mum was at home with us until I was 16 so I really understand the importance of focussed attention to help her learn.

After making sure all was cool w/ her and sitter, I went back to work for a bit.

Safe to say I wrote most of this on mobile while pacing in the kitchen.

I document days like this so I can look back and remember. That’s really why I started blogging 11 years ago, to keep more memories. It worked. I love looking back in my archives to see how far I’ve come, much I’ve changed, and remind myself to keep at it.

In other news, next week I’m meeting with Twitter Canada, shooting w/ TELUS, and going to Florida for a week.

Never a dull moment, THE HUSTLE IS REAL!

casiestewart, twitter, casie

Title is a quote from Einstein from BrainyQuote.com

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It’s Always Summer In My Heart

It’s Always Summer In My Heart

Last Week of Summer? Doesn’tFeel Like It! Today is SO HOT OMG. I’m wearing shorts and t-shirt and feeling so happy.

We had a great weekend at the cottage. It was just Sean and I for a few days. Lots of relaxing, naps, great food, laughs. I love the VIEWS but something else I really love about the cottage is the drive up together and driving long, winding country roads. There’s something so magical about it, laughing together, singing old songs. 

The leaves are just starting to change and I said ‘I LOVE IT THIS TIME OF YEAR’, his reply? YOU LOVE IT ALL TIMES OF THE YEAR! It’s true, I really do. Each season and type of weather has it’s beauty.

Today I’ve got an afternoon with TELUS to meet with 2016/2017 Team TELUS Advocates. I wrote about that here. They sent a welcome package last week with the INSTAX printer! I love this thing so much. I’ve been carrying it around in my purse ever since. THANK YOU GUYS!

On our way to the cottage we stopped at Rocket Fireworks, Sean loves fireworks so much.

I got up each morning and went out on my stand up paddle board. I love this outfit, denim bathing suit, flannel. Perfect fall cottage attire.

Finished reading ‘in a dark, dark wood’ this weekend. Good book. crazy story about old friends and one of them getting married, a hen party gone wrong. Received it at the Essentials Lounge by EGPR during TIFF. I have to admit, it was kinda weird picking up a book-book spending the summer w/ my Kobo. [See my list of summer favs here!]

While out for a Sunday drive we discovered Wahta Reserve, aka the BEST PLACE TO BUY FIREWORKS. Look how happy this guys is!

Spent the last night out for a long SUP session then lit a smoke grenade to close out summer! We’re back up this weekend and I am totally crossing my finger for more warm weather.

HAVE AN AWESOME DAY!

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Meet The 2016/2017 Team TELUS Advocates (waves hi!)

I first met with Telus PR in 2009, since we’ve done some amazing things together. Back then, ‘influencer marketing’ was something for celebrities (Paris, Britney, Beyonce) and I was still working at Much/MTV.

Since then, Telus and I have done some really fun things together like mobile updates from around the world, scaling a building, building a garden, and donating to charities. Last year, TELUS created #TeamTelus Advocates, an official group of influencers across Canada to help them spread Telus vibes across the country through community involvement, sharing experiences, and talking about tech.

I’m happy to share I’m on the 2016/17 team w/ a bunch of great Canadians!

I’ve got a few stories planned over the next couple months including getting my dad set up his first android, travel packages (I’m away most of October!!) AND MY NEW iPHONE 7+! OMG, I can’t wait to get my new phone and take that camera on adventures.

Check out some of the #TeamTELUS Advocates below, see full list here.

In case you missed the videos we did this year, check out the Mother’s Day one below and scroll a little bit more to see my excited face after scaling down Toronto City Hall at the Rope for Hope for Make-A-Wish Foundation the year before.

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Make-A-Wish Rope for Hope w/ Telus
Make-A-Wish Rope for Hope w/ Telus

Recently, I wrote about my love for the Telus mobile network when we’re up at the cottage,screen-shot-2016-09-19-at-8-39-38-pm I seriously have the best service up there. Next week I’m joining the Toronto team for The Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup. October 1st 1pm, Beaches, Toronto. Details here if you want to join me!

Thanks for following my adventures, and since a lot of updates come from my phone or via mobile wifi, we really Telus to thank for keeping us connected.

I’m excited to share adventures and stories with you this year. Next trip announcement coming soooooooon, there will be ?????!

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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.

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.

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 Seth snapped a selfie when he arrived.

This was a bold buff move by JP. he was NOT wearing anything under this ‘Butler in the Buff’ uniform.

Sangria anyone?

If you’re looking to whip up a nice cocktail, try this Two Oceans recipe for sangria using their Cabernet Sauvignon.

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 Join me each Tuesday night for the next few weeks to tweet along w/#BacheloretteCA about the drama! If you’re planning to have a few of the gals (or guys?) over to watch, W Network has put together a cute party planning kit w/ decor ideas and games here.  Bingo included!

Find a list of the bachelors on the show on wnetwork.com my favs are Benoit, Mikhel, and Kevin P. Although that could all change next episode! Tweet you Tuesday! 

  • Post sponsored by Two Oceans Wine, TY! Witty Twitter commentary and jokes, oh they’re mine, allllll mine!

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? Coming Soon! Catching Up on the Blog Today ?

The last few days have been really exciting. After gifting lounges last week, daily hair & makeup, nails, tan, karaoke, dance parties, and film, I’m pretty wiped. Feels a bit like I am getting sick, tired/sore throat. ?? This happens almost every year tho! Taking it pretty chill today and hibernating in the house w/ my computer. 


Wednesday I’m back on Sirius XM w/ Todd Shapiro before attending the premiere of All I See Is You, a thriller w/ Blake Lively. 

Have some exciting things coming up after this week, going away for a couple weeks, a big trip next year, and speaking. 

Here’s to a great week, hopefully this beautiful weather hold ups up! ☀️

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#TIFF16 Here We Go!

#TIFF16 Here We Go!

Welcome to a week of daily updates via mobile! I’ll be sharing my TIFF experiences to document them as I go. ✔️??????

Today I’ve got back to back media stuff all day. Exhausting but so fun, I love every minute of it. I hope the weather isn’t ugly! 

Yesterday I topped by The #StylistSuite16 hosted by The Stylist Box where celebrities go to get dressed for the red carpet. I had a ball trying things on and having my hair and makeup done. Daniel from Salon Daniel in Yorkville tossed my hair then gave it a few snips. 


The night before I dyed this dress by Sara Duke in my kitchen. It used to be white!

After the suite, I stopped by the ecco pop-up in the Eaton Centre to check out the new collection. I was gifted a pair of shoes and went home to order these right away! Leather, snakeskin, block heel = perfection!


They had delicious fresh, chocolate dipped strawberries ?, and an engraving station. I got this… ?✌?️


Earlier in the day I purchased these gorgeous 60s style boots from Top Shop. I love them! 


Make sure you’re following me on the socials (@casiestewart everywhere!) for all kinds of fun and behind the scenes of the Toronto International Film Festival! Weeeee! 

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