Today I’m on the lower east side at TEDxWomen in the Distillery District. I’m a guest of Carla Catherwood, founder and CEO of the Army of Sass.  100 women were selected to attend the event today so I’m feeling quite lucky!

Carla just left the stage and rocked it!  She  spoke about Army of Sass, how it’s grown, and the effect it has on women. 

I can tell you honestly, being part of the AOS group has changed my life. Last night she did her talk for and a whole bunch of of has tears then a big, sweaty group hug. It was the absolute best.  

You can purchase a ticket to our THROWBACK show June 6th or June 13th right here. 

Just heard a talk from Emily Wright, you may have read about her in Toronto Life magazine. Private school girl turned homeless, drug addict. Her story was touching  and inspiring.  

It’s only half way through the day and I’m feeling super inspired. Also driven, motivated, and proud of the things I’ve accomplished. 

Reminder for today, You ARE important, talented, and beautiful.  You CAN accomplish anything you set your mind to. Don’t stand in your way, GO, CONQUER. 

Sending you sunshine through the Internet,

💛 CASIE

Well hello there! GOOOOOOOOOOOOOD MORNANG. Yesterday was super nice out. It was hot by 8am! I’ve been leaving the house bright and early lately visiting my new fav coffee shop, Cafe Neon. They’ve got a killer BLT and the coffee is fair trade and delicious. The latte art is lovely too. In fact, it has inspired me to invest in some new coffee making equipment for back home. To be honest, I have wanted a new coffee grinder for some time now. Which reminds me, one of my friends has sent me some coffee grinder recommendations from thefullmooncafe.com so I must take a look to see if I can find one that catches my eye. Do you like to make your own coffee at home? Let me know your coffee making tips!

Anyway, in between working from the home office I visited the garden centre across the bridge and picked up a few new herbs for my garden.

I’ve actually got real things growing this year. ??? Last year was a doozy and nothing lasted longer than 2 weeks. By the time we have a larger garden area, I’ll be a pro!

Received a nice gift from Dove in NYC, a canvas with a collage of words I’ve used in tweets. Very thoughtful and personalize, it came with a handwritten note. THANK YOU.

A photo posted by C A S I E S T E W A R T (@casiestewart) on May 26, 2015 at 6:22pm PDT

Yesterday I was lucky to find a copy of VICE magazine at Rock Lobster (Queen West). Haven’t picked one up in ages. I’ve collected heaps over the years, a bunch from Australia when I lived there.

When I first moved to Toronto in 2005, one of my fav things to do on the weekend was visit the VICE store at Queen at Spadina where ADIDAS is now. They had clothes, CDs, back issues, random products. The mixes were so good, I bet I’ve got a few tucked away in storage.

Went to Colette Grand Café at the Thompson Hotel this week. It’s so beautiful. I’d like to go sit there again in the afternoon and have drinks. Wear a scarf and act Parisian. Been meaning to get that book. Have you read it? This one. I just ordered it. I’m going to Paris this year.

Had fries, mozzarella salad, and asparagus. All good. They used to have a cauliflower appetizer, if you see it on the menu there again, try it!

I’ve got heaps of running around today so hoping the rain holds off till the evening. Sending sunshine your way!

<3 CASIE

Last week really tuckered me OUT.  Fitting 5 days work into 4 days is exhausting. I spent most of the weekend relaxing, horizontal on the couch at home and at the cottage. On Friday night, there was nothing I wanted more than to stay on our couch, watch Jeopardy then a movie, and get a good sleep. Saw Lucy and Still Alice this weekend. Alice was very sad, Lucy was cool but didn’t actually make much sense.

Took a few mins to chill in the sun on the 1188 patio Friday. The afternoon sun out back is perfect for taking a break from the AC or working from your phone as I so often do.  Modern millennial mama. ☀️💁

Walked past these dudes on Friday and found this amusing. Think they’re aware of the twinsies thing happening here? This stock image is ‘three guys matching w/ lunch bags’.

Manicure was holding up nice on Friday but a weekend at the cottage is a sure way to ruin it. Will be taking part in Manucute Monday before tonight’s event at the Shangri-La w/ Maybelline Canada. 💅🏼

A photo posted by C A S I E S T E W A R T (@casiestewart) on May 24, 2015 at 8:32am PDT

Feeling super relaxed after doing next to nothing but ride in the boat, sit in the sun, and watch movies yesterday. I can’t believe it’s almost June. I’ve got some fun brand partnerships coming up including a trip to Calgary with their tourism board.

Also looking forward to Bestival and seeing Florence & The Machine again. Will definitely be taking a water taxi across to the island. The website says something about fancy dress so I’m thinking about wearing a costume instead of ‘festival wear’.

I’m off to Colette Grand Café for meeting and a bite. Lots to get done, felling well rested.
Remember, you’ll never be younger than you are today so make the most of every moment.

With love,

CASIE

As you may know from the news, there’s lots of talk about Uber around the world and especially in Toronto. Last week I went to the rally at city hall with my friend to show support for Uber & UberX (non-taxi people doing pickups) with heaps of other riders and drivers.

Yesterday I took a record (for me), 5 UberX cars in one day.

1. Home to 1188 Office
2. 1188 to The Brewers Plate
3. Brewers Plate to Netflix Thowback Party
4. Netflix to Army of Sass dance rehearsal
5. Rehearsal to Home

When I ran to dance class from the 4th car I left my wallet in the car. I didn’t realize till after dance. This was after frantically tearing my bag apart and scouring the studio. I sent a DM (private message on Twitter) to @UberCanada and asked if they could help.  It was 10:36pm.

By 10:42, my wallet was found and Uber Canada text me a contact number for my UberX driver who had my little wallet.  I rung him and arranged it to be dropped off at my HOUSE.

THIS WOULD NEVER HAVE HAPPENED IN ANOTHER TAXI.

Have you ever left something in a taxi? It’s basically a lost cause. I lost a wallet and an iPhone last year and there was no way to track down the driver or car.  With Uber, my stuff was safe and sound with the driver and back to within an hour of realizing it was missing.

There’s a bunch of things I really love about Uber (especially UberX) and it’s that drivers are never on the phone, cars are clean, and they’re generally really nice. Also the following list that you will not find with a traditional or Beck taxi.

1. You know who is picking up and when. You’ve got the drivers name, contact.
2. You can see on the map where your driver is at all times.
3. You get a notification on your phone when they arrive.
4. There’s no cash exchange or need to tip extra, payment is automatically on your credit card.
5. Your receipt is emailed to you.
6. You have the ability to rate your drivers and give feedback when the ride is complete.

I wanted to share this experience because Uber gets a bad wrap from some people out there but if you look at the taxi industry, it’s about TIME it got up to speed. I’m glad we have a mayor that supports the service and I hope that Uber is here to STAY!

<3 CASIE                🚘 vrooooooom!

Yesterday I  on set for a full day shooting 2 commercials that you’ll be able to see very soon. I’m working with MD Media again on a couple ads that will be YouTube pre-rolls so if you see my face in the first 3 seconds, don’t skip! 

I absolutely love being on location, having my makeup done etc. Worked with a great MUA named Julie, she also had a sweet, slightly French accent. Thanks girl!

My first look was very casual and natural. 
   

The second was when things got really fun.  Took off most the makeup, you can see I got a bit of a tan this weekend. 

Then we applied Triumph & Distaster volcanic ash face mask scrub. 

This stuff smells amazing and it’s from New Zealand!! I was sent it a few weeks back but hadn’t tried it. You can now find it in Canada.   

We were shooting at this great place in Rosedale that backed onto a forest. The birds were chirping away all day, loved it. 

Looking forward to laughing and probably being a bit embarrassed when these come out. I’m always a little nervous/excited for new on camera projects!

🎥❤️ CASIE

Monday I started bright and early (crack of dawn 6am!) with this great group of ladies for a Nike Training Session.  Hosted by Sidewalk Hustle and taught by Nike Master Trainer Eva Redpath, it took place at Malaparte inside the TIFF Bell Lightbox. 

I really loved the workout and didn’t mind getting up at 5:15 but today I am hurting. Omg. My hamstrings, arms, glutes, it was a total body workout.  THANKS EVA!

We’re training as a group for the next few weeks and although I’m sore today, can’t wait for our next session. 

We got hooked up with matching shoes and I totally love them. I don’t usually wear runners but these flashy little guys will be making rotation in my wardrobe. 

They’re the Nike Free 5.0 w/ flywire and motion control, they’re also super light.

After work  yesterday I went for a 45 min bike ride and I really don’t think that was the best idea.  Getting back on the bike after mine was stolen last year has been great for then legs and arms. 

Taking it easy today and giving myself and extra hour of sleep. Here’s a great quote I saw over the weekend. Soar don’t settle. 

I may not be training for any of the 10K races or marathons but I AM training for the marathon of life. Here’s to a great week! 

🌻☀️💖 CASIE

Hi hi, yesterday was a great day. Today is jam packed one but it’s doing things I love so it doesn’t really feel like work. 

This is a short update for now b/c I am heading to a shoot I’m directing for a client campaign! See Twitter for updates and Snapchat for the BTS! (Behind the Scenes, mum!)

Check out this fine group of 1188 + Occupied VR + CFC crew from HotDocs last week.

Partied with deadmau5 last night. Thanks Tim Hortons!

Got to watch/take part in a magic show.

The food was really good. That’s deadmau5 getting some steak before me. I saw opted for the no-bread option so I did that too.  

Here’s wishing you a wonderful day. It’s already SOOOOOO NICE OUT.  Take the sunshine wherever you go! ☀️

💖 CASIE

Started today with this crew directing my first 1188 project. Pretty exciting! It went awesome and now comes the next steps in the creative process of putting it all together.

Saw this along Queen Street today, typical, hipsters, lol.

Was kinda excited this morning. Directing is fun!

So happy it’s May, my fav month! My birthday is in a week. Tomorrow is media day at Canada’s Wonderland and we’re opening the cottage this weekend too. See ya soon Muskoka! Expect an abundance of beautiful lake life photos the next few months.

Went to a Kastor&Pollux party at Neubacher Shor Gallery last night. It was fun NO FUN!  Ok, NO FUN PRESS was one of the hosts so it was actually pretty fun. They had vending machines with stickers and stuff in them and I won a prize!

Made this super cute bracelet at the ALDO Shoes FW15 preview earlier in the day. More details on that soon.

Heading to Bellwoods to meet the girls and practice our dance. We have 5 weeks until the show! Ahhhhh. Saw this and it totally reminded me of us. Can’t wait for our Pinup Picnic later this month! SO MANY EXCITING THINGS OMG. May flowers, things are in BLOOM, BOOM!

Have a wonderful weekend! With love,

<3 CASIE

When I was young we used to go camping every summer near Orangeville. All the Kiwis and Aussies my parents knew got together for the Down Under Summer Games where we had a traditional Maori Hāngi, gumboot toss, and my sister and I performed with the Maori Culture Club. It was so much fun! My Grandpa Doug converted a school bus into a camper with kitchen and we drove that up a few times singing oldies the whole way. Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison was one of our favourites.

Air Optix Colors encourages you to Live In Color and as you know, that’s something true in my life too. My closet is full of bright colours and sometimes my hair too. Nina Dobrev also wears them, and takes selfies.

After trying almost* all the Air Optix Color contacts the last few months, I gotta say, I like brown eyes too. Tried them last thinking they’d be the least noticeable but they’ve got a nice look to them, have never seen my eyes this dark.

The science behind the contacts design works to enhance your eyes in three ways where the outer ring defines, primary colour transforms, and the inner ring brightens.

Important to take care of those peepers too!

A photo posted by @airoptixcolors on Apr 24, 2015 at 2:02pm PDT

Next time you visit the eye doctor ask about Air Optix Colors or swap them out for your regular contacts. For info visit airoptixcolors.ca. Any questions, as always, ask me on the Twitter! Remember, you’re never going to be younger than you are today so live a little, YOLO!

<3 CASIE

* I didn’t try hazel contacts because I already have natural hazel eyes.
* This post is sponsored by Alcon + Air Optix Colors but the story is my real life and I like wearing the contacts to change my look. They’re fun! Thanks for following along and supporting my blog and brands I work with. 🙂

When I was growing up I remember a girl from my modelling school who was really beautiful and she had two different coloured eyes. I always thought it was so cool.

Having two different eye colours is a genetic mutation (a beautiful one) called Heterochromia (Greek: heteros ‘different’ + chroma ‘color’^[1]). It’s a result of the relative excess or lack of melanin (a pigment).

I kinda always wanted to have one blue and one brown so I made it happen. Took a pair of Blue and one pair of and Brown Air Optix Color contacts and popped one in each eye. As soon as I tried them on I had to do a double-take. I looked so different!

I wonder if anyone would notice? Do you know anyone with different coloured eyes? It can be caused by all kinds of things and there are a ton of variations on Wikipedia. In interesting news, there’s a whole bunch of celebrities with different coloured eyes.

I never noticed Kate Bosworth. Whoa!

You can see here how different the blue colour is from my natural hazel eyes. I really quite like how the brown ones look so I’m gonna wear them together next time.

If you’d like more info about Air Optix Color Contacts visit airoptixcolors.ca. Check out all the other colours I’ve used in the last couple months by view all posts tagged Air Optix Colors right here.  If you wanna ask me about my experience or share yours, Tweet me @casiestewart!

<3 CASIE

*Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Alcon + Air Optix Colors. I think it’s awesome I got to work with them and try this out because I always wanted to have different coloured eyes! Views and opinions expressed here are 100% my own. Thanks for following along and supporting the brands I work with!