Light Up Your Life with Best Buy Smart Home

Last week I went to the National Home Show as a guest of Best Buy Canada to check out smart home accessories. After CES and the Interior Design Show this year I’ve become obsessed with making our home more efficient with smart things. Upgrading appliances in your space can help save energy (thermostats/appliances), make things more comfortable (lighting), and keep you safe (security camera). For the National Home Show, Best Buy partnered with designer Christine Dovey to design a fully stocked smart home pop-up where you could see all kinds ways to pimp your place with technology. I left dreaming about new appliances for the whole house complete with a super skinny & smart Samsung QLED tv. I was obsessed with the Samsung ‘Family Hub’ fridge, this thing is totally from THE FUTURE. It’s got a wifi touchscreen and three inside cameras that take a photo every time the fridge closes. Then, you can check your phone to see what’s inside, it also knows what’s inside, it make recipes, it can track expiration dates. Kinda hard to wrap the old brain around! I LOVE THE FUTURE. My friend was telling me about how they recently got a new smart AV system from Crestron System and I think she is as much in love with the future as I am! When I was at CES in Vegas this year, one of the award winning new products was the Nanoleaf Aurora light panel.All the lights connect to my iPhone and can change a zillion colours and different shades of white (warm vs cool). I was so excited to order this for our house! I would love to say I went for the cool lights knowing Emily (9) would love them but they were totally for me too. We had guests over this…

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SCROLL – 5 Good Things for Monday, March 6, 2017

Hello & happy Monday, here are a few good things to start your day. ☀️ On Sunday I went to detox yoga at noon and it was a really good class. Sean picked me up after and we got groceries and other stuff. Lately I’ve been more conscious of things I’m doing and why. I think it goes back to that sound bath I went to in LA. I swear something happened that day. So, instead of laying the couch and scrolling I’m sitting on the bed writing. I promised to write more. Although, one of my favourite things is sitting and scrolling. I love reading Steph’s The Catch Up or Weekly Enabler Posts on her blog LEOPARD is a NEUTRAL. I also love Gracie’s recipes, yesterday I tried to make cauliflower rice but it ended up being mash. Which was still good. I tried to do a newsletter but I failed miserably, despite ‘wanting‘ to do it I only sent it once. Sorry subscribers. ? Maybe one day I will get there but baby steps are ok. Here are five things I think you might like too. ONE: TRAVEL & LIFE TIPS FROM ONE OF MY FAV BLOGGER/YOUTUBERS Kristen Sarah created Hopscotch The Globe and has been travelling for 13 years with her husband. They’re also moving into an AIRSTREAM. If you haven’t read noticed, is one of my travel goals. TWO: VICE + OCCUPIED VR + CREATORS PROJECT OCCUPIED VR (Sean, my bf’s company) is featured on the VICE Creators Project right now. Watch it here or check out my behind the scenes experience at the shoot in yesterday’s blog post. THREE – THE BANKSY HOTEL  This place is all over headlines with it’s “worst view in the world”. The ‘Walled Off Hotel’ (a play on Waldorf?) is in Bethlehem and looks right out to the concrete wall around the West Bank.The decor inside is crazy/awesome, every room…

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FYI Toronto Vintage Clothing Show!

This is quick personal note to tell you the Toronto Vintage Clothing Show on this weekend. I love vintage clothes and have been collecting them my whole life. I swear one day I will have a closet big enough to house them all! The Toronto Vintage Clothing Show has heaps of clothes and accessories ranging in price and brands from streetwear to top designers. Keep an eye out for Chanel! Details at torontovintageclothingshow.ca: Exhibition Place Saturday March 4, 201710am-5pm & Sunday March 5, 2017 10am-4pm Admission $10 (cash only) 12 and under are free There are ATM machines on site (line gets kinda long tho fyi!)

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2017 Canadian International AutoShow w/ @VWCanada

Recently I went to the AutoShow with VW to check out what’s new for 2018. It was a PA day so people were invited to bring kids and pets along for the special event. I documented it all with my Snapchat Spectacles and they were a hit. You know how much I love tech and these things are rad, watch the video here. I’ve always loved cars, we spent heaps of time in the garage and hot rod workshop w/ dad growing up . It’s incredible how far car tech has come! Volkswagen is known for great performance, reliability, and safety, ‘a good German car’ as I’ve heard so many times. We were looking at the 2018 Tiguan Redesign, 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, and 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf. There was also another little one I just loved, scroll down to see! The event was hosted by Amber Mac, George Pimentel, Afiya Francisco, and Heather Davis. Amber of course talked tech aspects of the new cars, George took photos, Afiya talked about style and how your car fits your lifestyle and aesthetic. Heather is a family road trip expert and she shared how the 2018 Atlas was a great family car for travel, seats 7! The 2018 Tiguan Redesign is a great car for people who like adventure.  I like the aesthetic of this car, it’s sleek but tough, you can tow a set of seadoos or boat (up to 5500 pounds) and pack all kinds of stuff in the boot. Perfect for #cottagelife!  My fav was the VW Beetle Dune. A few people said this was a perfect car for me. I love a cute little convertible! It’s actually quite spacious with 4 seats and enough room for a couple suitcases in the trunk. One of the cool new things they launched at the AutoShow was the…

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#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! A video posted by ? C A S I E S T E W A R T (@casiestewart) on Dec 10, 2016 at 8:34am PST 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…

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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. 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. ?? 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… 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…

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5 Books to Read This Summer & The New RECO App

When I was a kid my summers were spent playing outside or at the library. Each year mum had us join the Summer Reading Club where we would read a bunch of books, play with the other kids, talk about books, and at the end of the summer, a Teddy Bear Picnic. ??? I have such fond memories of reading but over the last few years I hadn’t read many book, this year I set a goal to read more. A couple months ago I got an ereader a couple months ago and since then I’ve read 10 books. More than I’ve read in five years! Here’s my top 5 summer reads that will leave you wanting more. Download the new RECO app from Chapters Indigo and read reviews of all the books I’ve recently read. Reco is about inspiring your friends to read great books more often, so on that note, here’s my fav five I’ve read recently. 5 Books to Read This Summer This list is a mix of light summer reading and suspense drama. I like to switch it up! I love books that take me on an adventure and leave me thinking about the characters when I’m going about my day. Safe to say I loved each one! She’s Not There by Joy Fielding – This is my most recent read.  Darling daughter Samantha (2) is kidnapped from their hotel room in Mexico while Caroline Shipley and her husband are celebrating their 10 year anniversary. This book is a suspenseful thriller and has a few twists as the story unfolds. I couldn’t wait to finish this one,  was left wondering what would happen next every single time I put it down.  You by Carolyn Kepnes – I was sent a copy of this from Simon & Shuster and it was SO GOOD.…

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Putting Your Best Face Forward w/ Dr. Lisa Kellett

This year I turned 34, I know, hard to believe! I’ve always had a young youthful spirit and boundless energy, think back to the other weekend when I drew all over my bag for the Ford adventure. Mum had a chuckle when I showed her this photo, sometimes I’m still 8 years old. I have been noticing a few flaws in my skin as I’ve aged and while it’s normal, I wanted to take measures to prevent it from getting worse. A few of my friends suggested an austin cosmetic surgeon but a few months ago I was given the opportunity to learn about Emervel, a soft dermal filler for dealing with fine lines and wrinkles. It’s used most for enhancing lips and minimizing the signs of ageing. For a professional procedure, Nurse Bec, at Injectable Effects, can perform dermal filler treatments on clients looking to regain youthful looking skin. It was good timing because I’ve had more chats about ‘enhancing’ beauty at events over the last year than ever. Earlier this year I shared the Emervel Kissability report with info on plumping up your pout. YouTube Canada gave me some stats about beauty & fashion trends on the rise, three of the top beauty trends are eyelash extensions, eyebrow filler, and lipstick. Canada also ranks 3rd worldwide for ‘lip filler’ which had a big spike last year and continues to grow. According to dermatologist Dr. Lisa Kellett, “Emervel Lips helps achieve a balanced and harmonious look, and, combined with other products in the Emervel line, can give the face a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance. Patients are very satisfied with the natural-looking and long-lasting results.” I made an appt with Dr. Lisa Kellett for a consultation without knowing too much but I was interested in seeing about minimizing smile…

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New Me, New Adventures, New Love for Life

Yesterday I went out on my bike for the first time in weeks. Since my surgery I’ve been trying to get out for a walk in the morning and then before sunset. I find leaving the house in the morning gets me in a good groove for the day. I have a coffee, soak up some sunshine, catch a  few Pokemon, take some photos, update Snapchat, all before 9am. ?✌? I caught a JYNX today and then saw a man drawing a Poké Ball in his notebook at the coffee shop. It’s amazing how much you learn about yourself going though a surgery or big life event. It was pretty hard at first not being able to reach for things or lift things but I managed. Sean has been really helpful in this whole process and tbh I’ve kinda liked not having to load the car for the cottage or carry groceries! (Thanks babe love you! He prob won’t read this ?)  I’m back in the kitchen making great snacks and have perfected a trick of using tongs to grab things high up. I found this darling little Tuck Shop around the corner from home yesterday. I was there just as it closed but they make all kinds of delicious (sounding) food I can’t wait to try. So, I popped into Wallace Espresso on Dupont instead and picked up some real fruit pops and a cup of the most incredibly delicious chocolate ice cream. The Junction Triangle is seriously evolving, there’s a bunch of great spots in the area now. There’s also a Rancho Relaxo on this same corner to fulfill the need for tacos. HUzzahhhh! This is a happy person on bike with wind in her hair. Watch the story on Snapchat here.  Perfect top for coffee walk @sarasaraduke @StoriaPR! ☀️☕️#butfirstcoffee…

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Feeling Vine

Tonight we are heading up to the cottage because the boat is coming tomorrow! I can’t wait to get back out on my paddle board this weekend too. The weather calls for rain but I hope it’s only a little here and there, if at all. I’m not driving here, in case you were worries, Snapchat flips videos snd I was safely in the passenger seat. [vine id=”iEMqW7ZtYHQ”] Loving this new dress sent over by Sara Duke, it’s called the Tanner Dress. She’s a Canadian designer, check out her collection at sarasaraduke.com. [vine id=”ixl7l1LvOBl”] This baby goat I posted from a shoot with 1188 last month is the single most popular piece of content I’ve ever published. EVER. It’s almost at 100K views! Baby animals for the win. [vine id=”iFwEwdlgv9A”] This afternoon I’m speaking on a panel for TO Webfest at MaRs on College. You can check out the panel here! Thids is the 3rd annual T.O. WEBFEST, a three day festival w/ panels,  workshops, networking, screenings, installations, awards, and events. Ok, I’ve been working away at home and should really be out the door by now!

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All Smiles – I Finally Went to the Dentist!

I can’t remember how long it’s been since I went to the dentist similar to Tandartspraktijk Antwerpen Euro Dent, even though they provide a great service so I hear (shame, I know). It’s something I’ve been thinking about but I’ve kinda just put of each time it comes up. One of my friends, who moved over to the UK, had a terrible accident a week or so ago. She slipped and banged her face on the edge of the bath, breaking her tooth in half in the process. I felt so bad for her! Luckily for her, she was a regular visitor of this Emergency Dentist Glasgow, so she went straight in for an emergency appointment to get it fixed. That’s what really got me thinking that I should find myself a dentist. Well, a friend messaged me on Facebook a couple days ago about a dental practice run by her brother, thinking we’d get along well. Michael invited me to pop into NOWSmile and write about my experience if I enjoyed it. Well, it was great! Dentist. A person I would never have described as cool, but I have to say my dentist is probably one of the coolest people I know. If I was nervous at the start, before the end, I was so calm and relaxed, which is what everyone wants visiting the dentist. NOWSmile is more like a dental spa than your traditional dental office. I was kinda nervous that he was going to tell me my teeth were rotten, had cavities, and I had gum disease or something. You always think the worst! Turns out, my teeth are a-ok. I should floss more, which I’ve been doing since my appointment. Dentists recommended a check up every six months, so I think I need to take…

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Win it | Tickets to the Artist Project This weekend

Little while since I’ve done a giveaway but I’ve got one now so hey, YAY. Two tickets to this weekend’s Artist Project with “your name” on them. It’s easy to win, details below or see THIS photo on IG. There’s heaps of art for sale if you’re looking to make your place look like an adult lives there. I’ve gone the last few years and it’s a great time. Perfect place for an afternoon date, a walk & talk w/ your bff, or a solo afternoon strolling (not scrolling). I’ll be at the Thursday night opening party, tickets for that are $30 and you can find them here. Friday night is Art Battle, live competitive painting and you can attend with regular artist project admission (aka your winning tickets!). LMK if you have any friends who’ll be there, LMK, I’ll make sure to stop by their booth! A photo posted by C A S I E S T E W A R T (@casiestewart) on Feb 17, 2016 at 5:45am PST Win Tickets to The Artist Project 1. Visit THIS ⬆︎ photo on Instagram 2. Tag someone you’d like to go to the show with I the comments ex. love to go with @inserthandle 3. Winner will be drawn at 2pm on Wednesday 17th!

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Interview | The Noteworthys – BTS with a Blogger Extraordinaire

I was recently interviewed for thenoteworthys.co, a Canadian site you’ll find a carefully curated collection of unique, high-quality, often hand-made items by emerging designers. They love to take you behind the scenes (BTS) to learn about inspiration and workmanship behind designers they feature. They also like to feature people like ME. Being ‘Noteworthy’ means following your passion in creating a life you love living. Now THAT is something I am totally down with! I can agree, being Noteworthy “ means taking a leap to of faith to follow your dreams.“ They asked, what does Noteworthy mean to me? Read the full interview here and see my top 5 picks from the store below. Top 5 Noteworthy Must-Haves  1)  Crystal Crop Top. Looking good Misty Fox! 2)  Leather Envelope Clutch (Large). Perfect for a digital girl on the go! 3)  Robin Waxed Tan Jacket. Love this + matching shirt = A+ 4)  Polka Dot French Bowtie. I need this!  5)  Karoo Oxford Dress. Adorable!  

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Beauty | Touched For the Very First Time – I Got a Brazilian!

Yesterday I got my first Brazilian Wax. Yes it hurt, but only for a second. No, it didn’t take long. Yes, I would do it again. As there are many options out there when it comes to caring for down there, doing some research into something as simple as Brazilian bikini could help you make a decision as to what might be best for you. Click here if you’re interested in getting a wax yourseld and you can scroll for details, don’t worry, this post is SFW and not TMI. [symple_divider style=”solid” margin_top=”5″ margin_bottom=”5″] Ok, so I was pretty nervous and didn’t really know what I was getting into here. I’ve never had anything waxed because my hair is quite fair and I’ve never needed to. I parked and got one hour parking not knowing just how quick a wax job is. I arrived at Allure Body bar in the East end (Pape/Danforth) and was greeted by a lovely lady who ready to roll. They were voted Toronto’s BEST waxing spot and have been featured in countless magazines including Elle, Flare, etc. This is my before face. I hopped on the table with bottoms removed and she consulted me about a design. The wax was warm and she asked me to take a deep breath before ripping it off. I screamed. It hurt. The pain was temporary and the whole thing and the entire thing took <10 minutes.

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