Day 296: Click and Collect

The mouse for my computer died so I ordered a new one from Apple to be picked up with click and collect. The process was very organized but still, a bit weird. I drove up to Yorkdale Mall, parked, and went to the entrance where I had to show the order on my phone to get past security. Once inside, I was directed down a walkway where I showed my order again. I was instructed to take my place on my given numbered spot where my order would be delivered to me. It took about 15 minutes and everyone was wearing masks. I have to admit it was strange to be inside the mall like this. I couldn’t’ help think about all the stores and how empty the parking lot was. I drove home feeling sad for lost jobs, revenue, and how the pandemic has hurt small businesses. I wonder how long we’ll be in lockdown? The cases keep going up and things don’t seem to be getting better. ? I try not to read the news too much but this is the reality we’re living in now. Please be safe and wear a mask when you go out!

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Day 201: Dinner Date – Kibo Secret Garden

I had an incredible dinner at Kibo’s Sushi’s newest location, Kibo Secret Garden, an intimate, high-end omakase and sushi house in Yorkville. They have 23 locations in the GTA! Kibo Market in the Junction Triangle (near our place) is definitely a local favourite. I was excited to hang out with Natalie and attend my first dinner event in a LONG TIME. We wore masks and were socially distanced from other diners & staff. We sat at the omakase bar and had a great view of the dinner served by Chef Jin, with barriers between us and other guests. Omakase is a Japanese phrase meaning ‘I leave it up to you’ that describes the traditional Japanese dining style where the culinary experience is left in the hands of the chef. We also enjoyed their selection of Japanese sake and beer. ? Dinner Details The menu highlights the highest-quality fish, seafood, and premium-grade meats. Bo Seo, CEO & Founder, takes pride in only serving fish within 24 hours of its catch. We had the 20-course dinner omakase, starting with Kobacka Soup (sweet pumpkin & rice), Hirame nigiri (Japan), Kurodai (black seabream, Turkey), Kanpachi Nigiri (Japan), Madai Nigiri (red snapper, Japan). Next, we had a round of sashimi with king salmon, fluke, bluefin tuna, yellowtail, mackerel, and amberjack. Honestly, it was so good. Other items on our menu included bluefin tuna belly, ika (squid), oyster, Wagyu Beef, lobster, prawn, black cod, and sea eel from Japan. I haven’t had much sushi the past few months and everything was an absolute treat. The presentation was also incredible. I reckon it was the fanciest sushi dinner I’ve ever had. “Everything from the location to the design, to the menu has been thoughtfully chosen to create a luxury sushi dining experience. I can’t wait to welcome people in!”  Simeon…

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Planty Places in Toronto

Last night I went deep into a hole of finding and following Instagram accounts that are beautiful plants and planty places. Scrolling through Instagram content has become so much easier now that you can put multiple links in Instagram bio. I’m sure a lot of you at home will be desperate to do this too! Some were very easy to find because they had large followings on platforms like Instagram. Although, I did wonder if they had used Buzzoid.com to achieve such fantastic figures. Over the last month, I’ve really pared down everything I personally own and cleaned TF out of my bedroom, closet, and set up a new home office space. It’s been a lot of work, to say the least. I want to reward myself and bring life to the space with MORE PLANTS. This post is not sponsored I was just looking for some planty places in Toronto and I put them here because I found some really good stuff! Allan Gardens Conservatory Warm, beautiful, green, great spot to lift your spirits, take some photos, and make you forget it’s arctic outside. This place has a long history you can read about on toronto.ca. The have 2 Tropical Houses, a Cool Temperate House, Palm House, Tropical Landscape House and the Arid House which has unusual cacti and succulents. It’ open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 365 days/year, with free admission, and is wheelchair accessible. Super cute for dates or BFF hangs. Afternoon sun is best. I’m sure I’ve been there since this photo was taken on a cold day in November, 2011 for FAJO Magazine. I loved those Jeffrey Campbell shoes from Nasty Gal so much. Plant World THERE IS A PLANT SALE FOR ALL OF THIS MONTH. Saw this on FB and you can find more…

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Face 2018 w/ Great Skin

Over the last couple months, I’ve been tuned into my skin and what makes it look beautiful. I’ve found drinking heaps of water, taking my vitamins, and exercise really help. Funny how that works, eh. I’ve gotten used to upping my water intake but taking vitamins was kinda a struggle, I’d always forget! When I got back from NZ, Sean had stocked the kitchen with chewable gummy vitamins and I really like them. I take Omega-3, B12, Fibre, and a multi. I feel like my skin has been soft, clear, and clean the last couple weeks. My other secret to great skin is getting facials. I love to treat myself every now and then. Before the holidays I was invited to Q Esthetics in Yorkville where I tried the Q Max Facial, a highly therapeutic facial treatment that instantly renews and revives your skin. There’s two steps to the facial, the first part is where a nurse cleans your face and then goes over it with a small suction cup, the second part is a laser. The facial is non-invasive, it ‘exfoliates damaged skin cells, purifies pores and infuses your skin deep with of vitamins and nutrients’. The suction cup feels kinda weird at first but it’s super relaxing. I almost fell asleep! The second part is done using a laser technology to ‘increase circulation, collagen production, and the lymphatic system to rid skin of toxins‘. I liked this part even though it made me kinda nervous when the nurse described it. It’s non-invasive and completely painless however you are laying in the treatment room with a light mask really close to your face for 5 whole minutes while it flashes colours. If claustrophobia is something that freaks you out, you might want to skip that part. I layed under it the laser light for 5…

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West Queen West Has a Metro Now!

Heaps of prepared food. Lots of fresh juice. Massive gluten free section. Huge bread assortment including pretzel croissants (??) and Italian bread with real Italian ingredients (might be made by a real nonna?). Huge meat selection that will do custom cuts and a cool female butcher. Fresh sustainable seafood. So much yogurt. Exotic snacks. Self-checkout. Starbucks and collective art space on the lower floor. I also rode my bike there. A new grocery store in the hood is pretty exciting. Before I lived in the West End, I was at Cityplace when the new grocery store opened up. [I actually even set up a Twitter account based on the store which I then shut down]. Everyone was so excited and that might seem a little dorky but when a new food store opens in your neighbourhood with all your fav things and fresh prepped food, your life is instantly better. So, I  biked over to the new MetroWest Queen West for a tour on opening weekend (10mins bike from home!). This location puts a focus on local and community with organic chicken from Yorkshire Valley Farms in Etobicoke, pastries from Dufflet in Toronto, and Portuguese products from Borges Foods Ltd. in Mississauga. Thanks Metro, for inviting me to the opening and the pedicab ride! Make sure to stop by and order a ready-made pizza, pick up some beer for the weekend, and grab yourself a fresh juice. For info about Metro in-store events and other happenings, follow them on Facebook at Metro Ontario.

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The Big Clean of 2017 vs The MMVAs ?

What a great weekend! We had heaps of rain but I *actually* sat down and got a lot done. Sean and I also did The Big Clean of 2017! This week my friend Misty and her daughter + sister are coming up to the cottage with Emily and myself. It’s going to be super fun. relaxing, visiting and GIRLY. I’m really looking forward to it! Misty is from Australia (but lies here) and her sis visiting from the motherland. Shrimp on the barbie! Haha. IN OTHER NEWS… Sean won TWO MMVAs last night at the show! We were deep into the big clean when I checked Twitter to see they won the first one and seconds later saw a second tweet. A Little MMVA history… Over the last 10 years, my relationship with the MMVAs has gone through some major changes. Back in 2007-2008, going to an MMVA party was the coolest thing and being on a list or getting a wristband was the ultimate. FF to 2009 when I worked at MUCH. I was the Social Media Manager for the 2010 show  (imdb) and worked tirelessly for months, then ran social behind the scenes during show night. In 2012, Sean was nominated for Down With Webster video and I came out to celebrate his win after the show. It was in the early stages of our relationship and I remember thinking he was SO COOL. (Still is!) In 2015, he was nominated again for Zed’s Dead and did the red carpet before the show. I really wanted to go but he didn’t have plus 1. He went with his partner on the project (Grandson & Son) and he sent me this photo! We’d stopped at Yorkdale on the way home from the cottage. He got into his clothes as fast as…

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Snip Snip! Sassson Toronto Spring Style!

For the past few months, I’ve been having my hair done at Sassoon in Yorkville. My hair, although it’s super easy to get ready in the morning, IS VERY high maintenance. I have the colour done about every 4-6 weeks with a trim once, sometimes twice in the middle. I like the experience at Sassoon and each time I’ve had someone different do my hair. Variety is the spice!  In April, I went wild for spring and cut it all off super short! Taking Care of Your Hair w/ Treatments Aside from the cut, I really love how great my blonde looks a couple weeks after I get it done. Blonde can be tricky and if you don’t take care of it properly, it’ll go yellow and brassy. The team at Sassoon has been loading my hair up with treatments to make the colour stay and keep it strong. Treatments Sassoon has been using in my hair:  Colour: Long Lasting Colour Radiance Coloured hair needs special care to ensure it retains its vibrancy and shine. The colour treatment conditions and protects hair without build-up, helping to maintain long-lasting color radiance and intensity. Moisturizing: Dry or Undernourished Hair Sun exposure and pollution strip your hair of essential natural oils, leaving hair brittle and dehydrated. Hair will be immediately revitalized with the intensive moisturizing treatment, providing exceptional conditioning and restoring hair to its natural brilliant shine. I’m almost due for a trim before my next root touch-up. I love having short blonde hair but I think I’ll try one of the soft spring pastel colours like pink, violet, or peach. Will be so nice for this time of year! For my next full appointment, I’d like to grow it out a bit and try this new Sassoon cut from the SS17 collection. It’s a unique…

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The Hardest Part is Through

This past week was a hard one for me. Actually, this entire month has been a challenge, I’ve been on the verge of a meltdown since May 2017 started with birthday anxiety. I had a trip to Jamaica that started with an allergic reaction in my eyes, where I couldn’t see that well, it rained heaps, I missed my bf, and I got my period. When I got home I was overwhelmed with anxiety about work I needed to get done, and it was a short week. I went to the 1188 office every day to get the music video I directed wrapped up, and didn’t really have time to work (at home like usual) on blog things. The week finished week with a full day on set. I was so tired. Finally, on Saturday, it happened. I legit had a meltdown. Our car had a problem with the tire so I rented a car for the afternoon with my car sharing app and left around 11:15 to make it to Scarborough by 12:15. Well, no, that wasn’t happening. It took me 45 min to get to the DVP (highway downtown for non-TO peeps) and by then I was feeling super stressed after leaving the house in a huff w/ Sean. Then mum called and it opened the floodgates to me balling my eyes out, stuck in traffic. It seemed like everything around me was collapsing. Then, it started raining and the event I was about to drive an hour to was canceled. BUT, I was already on the DVP and still in traffic. I took a few deep breaths and decided to get off the highway. Didn’t really know where I was heading but the end goal was home. I decided to put on the Lumineers album and for…

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6 Tips for Spring Cleaning Your Lifestyle

Over the last few months I’ve been on a journey to take better care of myself. I feel better on the outside and inside, with more energy, and I’m less hard on myself. Every spring I do a big clean on the house but I never really thought about cleansing myself? I’m getting rid of old habits, old friends, old thoughts, and setting new intentions. This year is different! Here’s a few tips I’ve discovered that have helped me feel happy and healthy. I’m making this year a great one by making small changes in my lifestyle. Exercise You don’t have to go hardcore but it’s really important to be active and exercise. I’ve open to trying just about any workout and last week I did Function 45, that is a hardcore 45minute circuit workout. I’m planning t give it a go for 2 weeks to kick my summer bod into high gear. I’ve been going to yoga 3-4 times a week since the end of January which I find calms my mind and has started to lean out my bod while making me stronger. Drink Heaps of Water An old tip but a really good one. More water will energize you, help your skin, and it helps me snack a little less. After my LA trip in January, I saw a bunch of girls at yoga with the Bkr water bottles and I ordered on on Amazon right away. I take it with me everywhere now and I find I drink heaps more water. Get a Dentist to Check Your Teeth It had been a LONG time since I went to the dentist. When I finally went, my teeth looked good and I felt great. I had braces in high school so (my parents) spent a lot of money…

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Valentines Day Skating + Love ❤️ The #CityPlaceRink is OPEN!

We started our Valentines Day a little early this year! On Friday night Sean and I went to the CityPlace rink for winter festivities at Canoe Landing Park. Snow falling in the winter can be so magical and romantic. I love the crisp winter air! CityPlace is a little nostalgic and romantic for us since it’s where Sean and I met.  ❤️ We lived in different condo towers on Brunel Court and Fort York Blvd. when we first started seeing each other 6 years ago.  Crazy how time flies! The area has changed so much since we lived there. We were in the first buildings built close to Spadina and there are so many more buildings now with almost 20,000 residents. This CityPlace Social was a chance for the developer (Concord Adex) to bring the community  together. Everyone who came to the social was hooked up with free hot chocolate, roses, and photo ops while skating under the moonlight.  There was a great performance by Canadian National Team figure skater Michelle Long too. The CityPlace Residents Association website details news and events in the area. They’ve got a ‘Learn to Skate’ event on Saturday February 20th, more info on that here. They’ve also got summer events like movies in the park and a farmers market. The CityPlace Fort York BIA launched recently to help grow the community as more businesses make it their home, see what they’ve got going on via Facebook. After the rink (and lots of photos) we had a lovely diner at Hunters Landing. Great place, good food, and we had a great server named Matt. They’ve got a special Skate & Date menu for Valentines but we just got a couple apps & pizza. It was such a nice way to spend some quality time together doing something different in our old neighbourhood. Perfect Valentines Day! Valentines Giveaway I’m…

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My Fav Tech Gifts from the 2016 Telus Holiday Guide

Christmas is just over a week away and there’s a good chance you still have few people on your nice list (including yourself!). ?? Telus has a ton of amazing gifts you can buy online or from one of their interactive stores across Canada. You’ve gotta check out the Eaton Centre store in Toronto if you haven’t yet, theres heaps of things for your home, travel, audio, AND toys, aside from phone stuff. Last year I got a Nest thermostat, amazing JBL speaker, great USB cables, and a MIP robot for the child. Here’s a few of MY FAVS from the 2016 Telus Gift Guide. These are all things I’ve gifted or been given in the last year – Fitbit, Instax camera, BB8, and the PureGear Metallic Cable. BB8 Sphero Robot – $189.99 Last weekend I surprised Embot with a tiny little BB8 Droit. She loves Star Wars and robots. BB8 comes with a stand for charging and connects to Force Band through the app on your phone via Bluetooth. Once connected, you use THE FORCE to push, pull, and control BB-8 like Em is doing here. She’s been having so much fun using to guide him around the house. He can easily go over carpet, rug, tile and wood floors too. Instax Mini 8 Camera – $99 This camera is great. A total hit at holiday parties and with the parents. I took photos of everyone at mums one Christmas and this year I’ve packaged up some stuff to send back to New Zealand filled with Instax prints from the last few months. You can order one of these online or pick up at a Telus store. They’ve got the Instax Mini 8 cam available in Rose Gold, Blue, Black, and white. See this post for an #InstaxHolidays giveaway + Twitter party details for tonight!  Fitbit 2 Charge  –…

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How to Have a Stress Free Holiday Shopping Experience

On Friday night I went shopping with Emily for some snow pants downtown. I honestly don’t know what I was thinking because like, 1) it was Black Friday, 2) I couldn’t find a park, 3) it was annoying carrying stuff. I should have gone to Yorkdale. I tested out RBC’s Avion Holiday Boutique before it opened the other day and they’ve really put some thought into making your trip to Yorkdale a pleasant one. RBC Avioners get complimentary valet, coat check, parcel check, snacks, drinks, gift wrapping, and a nice spot to be chill at. You can also test out their new VR Experience. Once you’ve left the car with Yorkdale Valet, waltz into the Avion Holiday Boutique, and check your coat. Grab a coffee, water, and sit down in a white leather chair, with a cold cucumber infused water, and delicious cookie. [Same cookies they have on Porter Airlines!] Scroll your list using free wifi and make a plan. Sometimes when I’m out and about all I want is to sit down, collect my thoughts, and have a glass of water. Y’know?! Before leaving the boutique, go on a 2minute beach vacation via VR. It’s really quite amazing how the sights and sounds of the beach will calm you down.  Take your experience next level by downloading the Avion Passport App (text “AVION” to 722722 or search in app store). In the app you get exclusive offers, faster gift wrapping services at the RBC Avion Boutique,  and you can text valet to bring the car around,  ? Thanks RBC for inviting me to be a partner and share this experience. Great job on the RBC Avion Boutique! For info about getting yourself on the RBC Avion VIP train, visit this link. The card is packed with travel rewards and you can use now your RBC Rewards at Best Buy and the Apple Store.…

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

Last week I met up w/ Jen aka @jennandthecity for after work drinks, we’ve been meaning to hang out for ages and our schedules finally aligned. It was my first time checking out Bar Reyna in Yorkville which has a gorgeous back patio that feels like an escape from the city. I picked up the tab bc we were in a bit of a hurry and a couple days later, Jenn sent me money via PayPal using Siri. I’ve had PayPal for ages and it’s my fav way to shop online, this new integration makes sending money to friends super easy. If you’ve ever had to pay someone back or been waiting for someone to pay you back, it can be super awkward and/or annoying. Luckily your girl Siri makes it super easy.  Starting November 10th, for the first time in Canada, iPhone users can tell Siri to send or request money through an integration with the PayPal app. A first for Canada, PayPal launches peer-to-peer payments w/ Siri. More here: https://t.co/U2dvZqlYFk #P2Ppayments #sendmoney #remittance pic.twitter.com/MvaJR1qz7N — PayPal Canada (@PayPalCA) November 10, 2016 Once you’ve got the PayPal app [download here if you don’t have it yet!] and your phone is on iOS 10, you’re ready to roll. Wake up Siri and ask him/her to send money to a friend.  Contacts who match the name will pop up, select the person, and voila, Siri will send it. You can 100% send money to someone who isn’t on iPhone and if they person doesn’t have a PayPal account, they’ll be prompted to set one up. Lending money to friends can end bad, on average PayPal found that 30% of Canadians have lost a friend over an IOU. Been there? Me too. In the PayPal Money Habits Study by Koski Research, they found more than 53% of us Canadians find it…

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#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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