CASIE STEWART

THIS IS MY LIFE • BLOG EST. 2005
BOOKS

Day 39: Book Recommendations

Last night I finished the first book I’d read a while and then we watched 1917. I’m not usually into period pieces or wartime moves but it kept me in suspense the whole time. I started another book in bed before falling asleep. I think an escape from reality was just what I needed yesterday.

A couple of months ago I was wandering aimlessly at Chapters (remember doing that?) and surprised myself at how many books I’d actually read. I took photos of all the covers to make a blog post with recommendations. I guess I didn’t really find the time until waking up at 5:30 this morning saying, today’s the day!

You’ll notice a theme, lots of thriller/suspense, almost no self-help. Reading for me is a distraction from the outside world and I love a good story involving some type of crime or murder. Idk why, I just do.

This post isn’t sponsored, I bought my own Kindle and most of these books. A few in the list below were advance reader copies from the publisher via PR or Netgalley. All books are linked on Amazon and can be found in my reading list here.

I love reading on the Kindle. Until I got an e-reader, it had been ages since I’d read a whole book. I love traditional books but with Kindle, you have almost any book at your fingertips, you can read in the sun, in the dark, in water, or highlight things to look back on later.

I also quite enjoy Audible, especially when the book is read by the author. A great feature of both Audible and Kindle is you can preview the book before you buy it, this has really come in handy with recommendations and the discovery process of finding your next read. Kindle is also cheaper than hardcover or paperback and you don’t have to wait for shipping.

Here are some books I’ve enjoyed reading over the past two years. My last post with summer books to read was in 2016, where did the time go!

My Top Picks to Read Right Now

Jessica Simpson‘s memoir ‘Open Book‘ is one of the best books I’ve read recently. I listened to it over an 8-hour drive to visit my dad in February. It was 4 hours each way and I loved listening, it’s real, honest, and so relatable. The Audiobook is read by her and I highly recommend.

I finished The Swap yesterday and I recommend pre-ordering it for June 23rd. It’s a suspenseful modern thriller about sex, friendship, social media, and fertility. I received an advance publisher copy via NetGalley, good read!

Woman On The Edge by Samantha Bailey is a great read, I couldn’t put it down. A page-turning thriller with a story that’s so well written. I received it from Simon Schuster and then got to meet the author at a luncheon. So good I’d almost read it again.

When Life Gives You Lululemons is a sequel to The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger. A light, funny and drama-filled read, it’s from the perspective of Emily Charlton on her new adventure. Good summer read.

Feel Good Light Listening

When You Find Out The World Is Against You is a collection of personal stories from Oxford’s life. The book is read by the author and documents her life, parenting, and is filled with references to being Canadian. I listened to it at the cottage this month on walks or while doing things around the house. A good distraction from life right now.

At first, I wasn’t into The Year of Magical Thinking but I was in a book club so I stuck with it. As I made my way through it, it really grew on me and I’ve since gone back to listen to the stories. It’s relaxing, comforting, and a really good book to give you perspective on life and death.

I worked with Anne T. Donahue at The Keg before I moved to Australia in 2004. I have always been a fan of her and the way she writes. Her book Nobody Cares is a collection of personal essays about life in your twenties and thirties, she talks about failure, feminism, body image, alcoholism, and growing up in our hometown. The audiobook is read by her!

I have gone back to The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck over and over. I’m not into self-help books that tell me how to live my life, this is not one of those. It will help you shift your perspective and think about that really matters to you, in YOUR life. I’m glad I purchased it on Audible because it’s a good kick in the ass when you need to get back on track.

Mystery & Thriller

My favourite genre to read are books that involve a couple, best friends, or family that have some type of twist and there’s always a murder. For some reason these books give me so much joy, I can’t stop reading them. This list is in no particular order, my most favs are bold.

Glad I finally put this list together, I’ve been meaning to do it for months. If you have any recommendations I’m all ears, feel free to share.

It’s still freezing outside but I’m feeling better today.

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Day 38: Sometimes I Don’t Feel Like It #20

Fitting that the 20th post in this series is being written in 2020. It’s been a while since I wrote one of these. This year started out pretty good, we woke up January 1st at the cottage and six days later I was in Cuba. The month flew by and I saw a lot of friends in February. Little did we know what March would bring and now, April is almost over and the world is a different place.

We’re in a global pandemic, the death toll is rising everyday, people are out of work, businesses are collapsing. Yesterday 19 22 people died in a mass shooting in Nova Scotia. It’s a lot to process. I feel tired, sad, grief.

I woke up overwhelmed by it all. I’m cold, my arm aches, maybe it’s the weather? I didn’t workout today. All I want to do is lay on the couch, read, or watch a movie that makes me feel warm inside.

Around noon, I pulled myself together and put on a nicer sweatsuit for a trip to the post office. It was the first time I’d driven somewhere alone since lockdown. My weighted blanket of anxiety was heavy on my chest as I got in the truck and backed out the driveway. Why did I feel so nervous? I’m an experienced driver, I’ve driven the truck on the these roads heaps. I had a mask and gloves, my tracking numbers.

You have to mentally and physically prepare every time you leave the house right now, plan your route, give yourself extra time. It’s hard to adjust to the way things are right now. Some days I’m happy in the isolation bubble, creating, making things, then days like today, it all hits me and I’m filled with anxiety.

It’s ok to not feel like it, to want a break from it all. None of us have experienced this and the whole world is navigating it one day at a time. When I feel a wave of panic or anxiety I like to look around the room naming objects, pointing out things to be grateful for. It helps refocus on the little things like having a fridge, bananas, or clean drinking water. I’m thankful to have Sean my by side, a roof over our head, food, friends, family. We have so much to be grateful for and I think we’re all realizing the things that matter most.

I got a text from dad as I was writing this and it was just what I needed it at the time.

Thanks dad, for the reminder. ❤️

It’s ok to not be ok right now. Things are tough and we’re floating around with uncertainty, not knowing when and if things will go back to the way they used to be.

Give yourself time to grieve, be in your feelings. It’s ok to feel sad. Productivity might look different these days and that’s ok too. If we stay home and try to stay healthy, we’ll get through this.

Reach out to your friends, family, or send me a note. I’m right here on the other side of the screen, going through this too.

Tomorrow is a new day. ❤️

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Day 37: My Blog is 15 Today!

At the start of the 2020, I’d planned that this year, finally, I was going to have a blog party. Well, that didn’t quite work out!

Today marks 15 years since I started writing ‘Casie Stewart: This is My Life‘.

My first online diary was MSN Spaces during university in Australia (2004), next I moved to casiestewart.blogspot.com (2005), and finally, found a home at casiestewart.com.

I have grown and changed so much over the past 15 years. I’m really thankful to everyone who has been part of this blog. It’s been a huge part of my career development and me growing as a person. I was in my early 20’s when I started and over the years, keeping this diary has helped me work through so many ups and downs. Glad I didn’t give up, there were many times I didn’t feel like blogging but writing was what helped me though.

Thank you for reading, commenting, reaching out, and for your friendship. Maybe next year I’ll do a Sweet 16!

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Day 36: How to Bleach Dye Your Denim

This little project turned out so good! I’d seen this DIY on Pinterest and Instagram (@primandprimp) so I decided to give it a go. If you want to try, it’s easy, here’s a how-to.

You Will Need

  • Jeans
  • Tape
  • Plastic Bag
  • Bleach
  • Spray bottle
  • Gloves
  • Somewhere to bleach with good ventilation ex. outside
  • A couple hours
  • Before
  • After

1: Tape Your Denim

Pick a side you want to bleach then tape along the middle seam. Make sure to really get in there so the tape goes right to the edge of the stitching, you don’t want bleach to leak onto the darker side. Once done, grab your plastic bag, roll up the leg that’s not being dyed, and secure the bag. Tape to seal.

2: Spray

Get your gloves and workspace ready. If you’re able to go outside, great. I like to use the lid of a storage bin and cover with a garbage bag to avoid making a mess. If you have to do this inside, open a window and turn on a fan.

Start spraying your denim and make sure the whole leg is covered. Don’t forget the inseam and sides. If you don’t have a spray bottle, a sponge will work. Use what you can find!

3: Wait

Set your project somewhere safe where the colour can develop. I had mine outside on the lawn for about 2 hours then moved inside to the shower for about 45 minutes until the colour stopped changing. It might be a bit drippy at the start, so keep away from anything bleach will ruin.

4: Wash

Rince the dyed leg in cold water. You might find he tape is starting to come off because the fabric is wet. This is ok.

Throw your new jeans in the washing machine and then the dryer. This part was the hardest for me because I couldn’t wait to see my experiment!

5: Wear!

Put those bad boys on! Old pants turned new pants and you are a Quarantine Queen. If you try this please LMK! I’d love to see what you make.

Sean came into the kitchen like “what are you doing?’
TAKING PHOTOS FOR MY BLOG, OK!

I think next I’ll try a pattern with tape & sponge, like stars or polka dots on another pair. These jeans had been in a ‘give-away’ pile cause they’re a little big but I’m so glad I was able to upcycle them and make them new again.

All my clothes are going to be customized when this is over. I just ordered an embroidery kit. ?

If you have questions, message me on any platform, or leave a comment. Left them open just in case.

HAPPY CREATING!

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Day 35: Stages of Isolation

I’m at the stage of isolation where I have now cut and dyed my hair. It’s just temporary but I feel like a change, so why not?! Nothing holding me back from making things and doing stuff at this point.

Inspired by Briony (amazing Toronto artist) and Martina Martian (fav artist in Australia), I’ve been drawing on iPad Pro more. Made this line drawing yesterday. Took ages but it’s nice to just sit and create.

Click to see the video animation from image to art!

I used to love drawing on iPad and when I got my first one a decade ago, my old blog Borderline Artistic was thriving. I was drawing almost daily and posting art I made. Around that time I created the ‘Unnecessary Wheels Collection‘, might start that up again. It’s nice to get back to creating just for fun. Not sure I can stop now!

I also bleach dyed a pair of denim and they turned out AMAZING.

WHAT WILL I MAKE NEXT?!

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Day 34: Use What You Got – Tie Dye DIY

My tie-dye yesterday turned out really good. I decided to crop this top and make a couple of matching scrunchies. I used old promo shirts I found in a drawer and made them into new clothes. ?

How to Tie Die with Bleach

The process was pretty easy and not too messy. It took about an hour from start to finish, including a short cycle in the wash.

You Will Need:

  • Clothes 
  • Gloves 
  • Bleach (you will be mixing 50/50 w/ water)
  • Water
  • Squeeze bottle (I used one of these)
  • A Plate – to rest your things on
  • Garbage bag – to set up your area
  • Rubber Bands
  • Paper Towel
  • A well-ventilated space
  • Before
  • After

Before You Get Started

It’s a good idea to make sure your fabric has been washed at least once.

Decide on a style you want to create, I watched a couple of tutorials with different tie-dye techniques and went to town. It’s hard to mess this up so don’t worry. This video on Pinterest has a lot of methods in 5 min (spiral, shibori). The video below is short & sweet with 3 different ways to tie-dye.

Open a window, let some fresh air in, you want to have good ventilation since you’re working with bleach. Get your gloves and workspace ready, tape the garbage bag to your space do you don’t stain ruin your kitchen table/counter/floor. ?

1: Rubber bands

Wrap your garment in rubber bands in the desired design. The item on the left is has been bunched up to make a wild style, the right is a spiral. Place each item on a plate.

2: Bleach

Mix 50/50 bleach water in your squeeze bottle. I like to use the lid of a storage bin and cover with a garbage bag to avoid making a mess.

Squirt bleach on every other pie piece. Once you’ve covered your area on one side, flip the item over and do the same pie pieces on the other side. Use a paper towel to wipe the plate before placing the other side down, so the bleach is even.

3: Wait

Leave the bleach on for 15-60 minutes. You might see the colour start to change right away depending on the type and colour of fabric.

4: Wash

Rinse in cold water and throw in the washing machine and then the dryer (or hang to dry).

5: Wear!

Did it turn out? Put it on and test it out! You have now upcycled old clothes to make them new again, check that off your Quarantine Bingo. What will you try next?

Final Product with a Crop & Matching Scrunchie!

Today we are taking a trip to the local post office to pick up some packages. It’s been ages since I’ve had mail so I’m pretty excited to see what’s arrived from my orders & work-related deliveries. Ordered a replacement Kindle, as mine went missing after our Cuba trip in January. I have a bunch of books already downloaded to get through and I’ve really missed reading. Finally ordered some new workout stuff that will fit properly, can’t wait to try everything on.

Celebrating the little things here!

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Day 33: How to Dye Clothes with Turmeric

After getting heaps of comments and questions about my turmeric dye, I’m writing this post for you! It’s very simple to turn your clothes a beautiful bright yellow. THIS TURNED OUT SO GOOD. It has faded with a couple of washes but it’s still a nice yellow.

After

There are lots of tutorials on Pinterest, I checked a few and went for it. I made a COVID19 board that has a couple DYI videos if you’re looking for more info. I am so happy with the final result. I worked with a white hoodie, a leopard print top, and a vintage tank top that was a washed-out yellow.

Before

You Will Need

  • Clothes – Older stuff that has been washed works best.
  • Gloves – Otherwise you will have yellow hands!
  • Turmeric – Find in the spice section at the grocery
  • Big Pot – To boil water
  • Tongs – To transfer the hot fabric
  • Roasting Pan – To rinse/transfer to sink/drying area
  • Sink – To rinse clothes
  • Water

How to Dye with Turmeric

Step 1: Soak Your Clothes in Hot Water

Soaking your clothes before you dye them will loosen up the fibers so the colour can really soak in. I soaked my hoodie in a roasting pot in the shower. I didn’t soak the leopard print or tank top before dying them.

Step 2: Boil Water & Add turmeric

Grab a huge pot and fill 3/4 with water. Bring to a boil. Once boiling add the turmeric. I eyeballed it and didn’t use a specific amount, kinda like my cooking haha. I started with about 1/4 tablespoon and then added about 2x more. The water will turn a bright amber.

Step 3: Add Clothes & Soak

Transfer the clothes to the pot and you will start to see the colour right away. I did each item separately as to not fill it up too much. Turn down the temperature and let sit for about 10 min. Make sure to swish it around a bit so it gets even colour. If your garment has long sleeves, make sure to create space in the armpit area so you don’t get a colour deposit that’s stronger in the armpits. It will look like a sweat stain!

Step 4: Rinse & Hang to Dry

Grab your tongs and transfer to the second empty pot/pan. Put on your gloves and run the clothes under cold water. Massage the fabric to make sure it’s thoroughly rinsed. Next, take the garment somewhere to dry. I put mine outside and hung them on a tree. It will drip, make sure you hang somewhere safe for the yellow dye to drip.

Step 5: Wash

Once dry, throw in the turmeric dyed fabric in the washing machine. Do not add other clothes, the dye might bleed!

Step 6: Wear!

Put on your new bright yellow clothes and feel happy you made something great. Maybe you love it so much you want to post to social media and tag me! I’d love to see what you make!

  • Before
  • After

Comments are open, feel free to ask questions or give suggestions. I’m definitely going to try this again maybe with tie-dye? My next venture is trying a couple of white items with beets.

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Day 32: It’s Winter Again!

Woke up to about an inch of snow and it’s -3 outside. Went for a run anyways. When Sean got back from his, he was covered in snow!

My nails are looking pretty bad. Please don’t zoom ?

At night, I joined a Houseparty for Brock’s 30th birthday and watched Ocean’s 8 in bed. Found some new hair inspo!

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Day 31: Counting Ducks

I went outside first thing in the morning despite the fact that it was pretty cold and snowy. I was determined to do some type of exercise. After getting to the end of the road, I kept going and eventually did 3.3km.

In the afternoon I watched a movie on Netflix and did some food prep. We are having roast vegetables and steak bbq. Sean worked most the day doing calls and emails. It’s quite cold and windy, the next few days are going to be the same.

Thankful that’s my hair is growing into a nice shag but my nails look terrible. This is the longest streak I’ve gone without eating any takeout or having my nails done. It feels weird when I type because so many of my nails are super short, they don’t tap the keys anymore. I hate it but at least I have hands?

Yesterday I saw a beautiful black & white duck outside the window and today there were two. The Bufflehead is one of the rarest ducks in North America and Canada’s smallest living duck.

Tonight we’re going to finish Ozark and maybe start The Trial, a new murder show also on Netflix.

This cold weather has me feeling quite unmotivated. Each day I try to do something productive but it’s been the bare minimum the last few days. Watching the news and seeing what’s happening around the world is so sad and depressing. I keep thinking about friends & family, and their friends & family, knowing it’s hitting close to home.

Please stay safe, this will be over eventually. ?

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Day 30: Netflix & Chill

Today we watched 8h of Ozark. That’s it. That’s the post. ? The show is long and slow, we still have one ep to go. Ate so many snacks, I’m a total couch potato. We also watched the extra episode of Tiger King so that brings us to 9+ hours.

Tomorrow is a new day, a short week, I’ll cook, clean, and exercise. I’ve come to the realization that if I make it through this lockdown with a few extra Lbs, at lest I’m alive. This situation is new for us all and we’re trying to find our way through it as each day passes.

It’s totally fine to lack motivation and to recharge my batteries with a full days work on the couch eating Easter chocolates. ? It’s gonna be ok.

Stay safe. Stay home.

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