Holy cow. Remember when I said it would be a miracle to make it though the day, welllllll…. GoDaddy had a server issued this morning which affected casiestewart.com crashing my site so for just over and hour. Minor heart attachhhhh. My sisters phone is not charging so I thought she totally ditched us for the Coral Shoot. My printer ran out of ink. I had to take a bus because of Spadina construction, A BUS. I made it to Yorkville only 15 min late and have a super cute outfit. My sister was there waiting with Shannon (producer) and I had that portable Bookstone charger for her phone. It all worked out ok. I even made it home for Young & The Restless before Fashion’s Night Out. Anxiety level now at a manageable level.
Shirt was brought over today by Beaucoup Fashion House, shorts & collar H&M, belt vintage, shoes Jeffrey Campbell Lita’s. What doesn’t kill you makes you sweaty and stressed stronger!
Whoa. It’s here. Today might busiest day in my 2012 calendar. Not. Even. Kidding. If I can make all my appointments and events I will question my humanity. Am I robot/alien? You will never know. (Shhh you in the back there, keep your secrets!)
TIFF Cupcakes by Le Dolci
I have so much gratitude to give for my sister being PA (Production Assistant) on my show today, BMW sponsoring drivers for our Fashion’s Night Out team, tech related media interview in the AM, so may awesome events, my hair growing (don’t laugh), having my nails done (this is serious), and my bestie Lozzie Lauren O’Nizz being invited to all the same things as me. Thank you universe.
Kiss Nails, Arm Party: Anne Taylor, Pandora, Kabbalah Red String
Yesterday I went to media day at the TIFF Tastemakers Lounge put on by Rock-It Promo and I was SPOILED. Rotten! TIFF is truly more fun than a birthday or holidays because all the media friends are out, everyone is receiving gifts, and celebrating. Films take the first place for TIFF but trust me that fashion is a verrrrry close second.
This is the eighth annual Tastemakers Lounge, it’s a Canadian gifting suite hosted during the Toronto International Film Festival. It brings local and international guests to indulge in exceptional products that Tastemakers Lounge is known for. This was my third year and perhaps the best!
Scroll my Instagram Photos:
This is a sample (yes, really) of what celebrities will be getting at the Tastemakers Lounge this year. I feel a bit bad showing off but I made a care package for Barbie, gave a Le Dolci cupcake to the hotel concierge, Pop Chips to my concierge, and will treat Mum & Jenie too.
Some of my favs are the zillion nail designs from Kiss Products, amazing arc touch mouse from Yorkdale/Microsoft (that I am now using), 4 scents + oil from Demeter Fragrance Bar, new bra & knickers (I picked red hot!) from LaSensa w/ $75 gift cards, and Anne Taylor silver jewel bracelet. I actually put the bracelet on during the Anne Taylor preview a month ago and Instagrammed it. I love documenting.
I had about and hour after the Lounge to pop home and write today’s episode of THIS on Coral that will come out tomorrow. I’m filming in Yorkville with my sister 1-4pm if you want to come by and be on the show/say hi.
Next stop was Swarovski Red Carpet and the brand new James Bond 007 Collection. Check out the Octopussy earrings and charm! Gimme. Want, gah. The model is the ACTUAL Bond Girl. So hot.
The crew at the Swarovski Suite wasn’t that big when I was there and we’re all friends so I made everyone pose for a school photo. I thought it was cute. I’m brining a snob free attitude to the fashion world one preview at a time. Look at us all. Love it. The new Shangri-La is nice too.
As I was leaving I though about how I used to work in the building behind this photo as a Corporate IT Recruiter staffing the IT departments of CGI Canada, Telus, Rogers, SunLife etc. I wore a suit to the office every day and had a meeting at 8am every single morning. My life has changed so much since then. You never know what is going to happen but if you stay true to your heart and your goals you can make anything happen. I hated that job and left to go work at Hemingways (the Kiwi bar) in Yorkville for a bit. Tomorrow I am filming my show in Yorkville. If you are reading this from your desk or mobile at school, remmeber that I wake up and go “omg THIS IS MY LIFE” almost every single day. You can have that too. Go get it.
Ok, now I shall take on the world. Here’s to an awesome day!
What are you doing Thursday night? Not on the VIP list and/or over whelmed by Facebook invites to all kinds of things you aren’t sure will be cool or not? Don’t worry. You are not alone. There is a zillion bajillion things happening on Thursday, September 6th.
The Sailor Jerry mobile tattoo shop (so cool) will be out front doing free tattoos and hurrrrrcuts. My goal is to make it there, avoid the line, and a little more ink. My half sleeve arms is all traditional theme so this is PERFECT.
The Drake will for sure have a line but it will be worth waiting based on my (parting) experience. There will be a slew of ‘Drake Overdrive’ Cocktails with some named after Steve McQueen, James Dean, and Dennis Hopper. I named my Macbook James Dean. So Sexy.
Once I took a great photo of Brock Mclaughlin where he looked JUST like Jakes Dean. Here we go… that was a fun night. Having a blog is a like your very own reference library!
If you are looking for something else…
My homies over at BestFan has partnered up with A&R Report for their first ever music Showcase at Hard Rock, Yonge-Dundas. It’s all Toronto artists and proceeds from the evening will be going towards Musicounts, Canada’s music education charity. Deets below or see the full list of performers here.
Don’t forget Fashion’s Night Out too. Or the Glitz & Glamour TIFF Gala for Canadian Breast Cancer at Arcadian Court. I hope you make it out to something RAD. This is not the night you wanna be on the couch.
I know this is totally last minute but it’s really cool. TELUS is a sponsor of the Ottawa Folk Fest Sept 6-10 (aka THIS WEEKEND), feat. headliners Bon Iver (swoon), Great Big Sea and Ben Harper (swoon again!). They offered me two tickets but with TIFF upon us, I can’t go. Are you interested?!
Giveaway Details:
Two passes that provide full access to the Folk Club area at the CUPE-SCFP Stage, as well as access to the general admission area plus a separate section that features private bar service, washroom facilities, and a limited number of patio tables and chairs (first come, first served!). You will be VIP.
This week I’m featured in the Style Stories series for eBay Canada. I’m wearing a vintage dress from Timeless Apparel on Queen at Spadina. I used to shop there heaps when Emma and Sammy worked there. Boots are vintage and my hair is done by Darren at Darren Kwik Studio on Queen near Trinity Bellwoods. Here is the photo and some extra shots. Read the feature here by visiting stylestories.ebay.ca/casie-stewart.
What was your favourite eBay find ever? Kids, vintage leather motorcycle jacket. Next time I might have to combine my ebay purchases with some online promo codes, my friend used some and she got some great savings!
What is your guilty pleasure? Young & the Restless. #yandr
Whose closet would you raid and why? Nicole Richie, we have similar style and she loves vintage too.
What is your dream getaway? Going on a World Tour!
Went to the eBay office July, 11th, blogged that day right here. I remember trying to iron this dress and almost burned a hole in it. Whoops! Mum, I promise I know what I’m doing here!
Yes, one of the things I really love (that you will now if you follow me on Twitter) is the Young and the Restless. Don’t laugh.
Oh, by the way did you ever see this? YES FOR ME OMG! I die. Every. Single. Time.
This week is full of events, films, parties, and lounges. To kick it all off, my friend and designer George Sully showed up yesterday to deliver the very first EVER Sully Wong Carry ALL tote. Exclusive first, first. He called it “fresh off the DHL”. THANK YOU SULLY! The tote is premiering at the hottest celebrity gifting lounges at TIFF this year. The inside has the SW logo on it and it’s big enough to be a weekend bag or carry a whole bunch of stuff when you’re day trippin.
Shirt Cheap Monday from Peacock Parade, Glasses Vintage
Designers George Sully and Henry Wong, make up the designer brand Sully Wong. Known for their special edition sneakers, Sully Wong for the first time introduce accessories to their brand. Exclusive to this years Toronto International Film Festival the SW – Carry ALL, and the SW – Micro Traveller will be gifted to celebrities through out the two largest celebrity gifting lounges at TIFF.
It’s Tuesday and you are back to work. Hold your head high and put on a smile. I hope you had an awesome weekend. Lucky for us the weather is warm and the sun is gonna be out all week.
I relaxed a lot this weekend. Spent time alone, got good sleeps. I wrote, I read, I cooked, I cleaned. I laid on the couch with the tv on playing with my iPhone. It was magical. One of the best things about ‘double Sunday’ as Raymi calls it is one extra day to do things you have not been doing. I even sewed something with Zoey my sewing machine. I feel new again!
“My model for business is The Beatles: They were four guys that kept each other’s negative tendencies in check; they balanced each other. And the total was greater than the sum of the parts. Great things in business are not done by one person, they are done by a team of people.”
Steve Jobs
Photo by Hawaii at the CNE over the weekend. My hair is in Beatles mode. We listened to heaps of Beatles growing up. I love when Mum tells the story of them first getting a TV in New Zealand to watch the Beatles arrive. I can only imagine how exciting that would have been.
P.S. In other interesting and nerdy news you can now analyze your Facebook data by going to Wolfram Alpha’s site and typing “Facebook report” into the search box. Have fun!
This is a full on busy week for film and fashion in Toronto. My fav things! Thursday night Toronto joins the world in celebrating Fashion’s Night Out and kicks off Toronto International Film Fest.. There are Fashion’s Night Out events ALL OVER the city, in fact, it’s famous for it, making it one of the most desirable places to live. Take a look at Toronto Real Estate if you fancy moving to one of the most exciting cities in the world. See below below for a list of participating retailers.
Check out The Biebs, T.Swift, Coco Rocha and that cute boy from Glee in this jam packed celebrity PSA for FNO. Let me know in the comments what you are looking forward to! There are so many deals. If you are back to school shopping, stocking up on new season, or wanna treat yourself, THIS IS YOUR EVENT! Also, my friends at Peacock Parade have the official FNO tees & totes for sale until Thursday at 11pm.
I’ll be spending my time between Yorkville and Queen West for the Hazelton Lanes group of events and the Raq Boutique Bazar at The Burroughes Building. Find more info at fno-toronto.com.
The CNE yesterday was so fun. I had not been since I was a kid. Rode the midway at sundown. Played some bingo. Tried bacon wrapped hot dog in beer batter covered in bacon w/ Nutella. Saw a Styx cover band. Scored free parking. Saw soem surfing babes. Drove top town in Hawaii’s car watching the air show. This weekend has been perfect end of summer fun.
As I was looking at photos I remembering heaps of cool things I did over the past few months. I am so thankful for the Internet, Twitter, Instagram etc. cause I could forgotten moments if I wasn’t constantly documenting. I started blogging in 2005 as a way to ‘keep more memories’, seven years later it’s the best thing I could have done. It works as a constant reminder to be grateful & show gratitude for all the wonderful people & experiences in my life. These are some of my favourite things I’ve done in the last few hot months.
Filming w/ Coral TV & growing the channel to over 1,000 subscribers & 125,000+ views!
Hanging out w/ Mum.
Driving on the Ford Track in Michigan w/ media from around the world.
Oh and this guy 😉
Speaking at NXNE.
NXNE Parties
MMVA Show, Gifting lounges, & parties
Banff World Media Festival, first time out West!
Birthday falling on the same day at Hawaii’s company launch
Being a Production Assistant on a short film in Orangeville.
Hitting the beaches in Miami & Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Doing the Edgewalk of the Cn Tower w/ Dad
Working w/ O’Nizz & Raymi for Menkes, video is 20,000+ views now!
The next few weeks are super busy. I’m realxing this weekend in preparation for FNO, Fashion Cares, ten days of TIFF and end of September activities. Here we go!
In this week’s episode on Coral TV I talk about TIFF, how to stay connected, and things to check out. This next week is going to be CRAZY busy. I’ve got a full calendar of films, lounges, and parties to attend starting on the 6th for 10 days. I’ll do my best to document it all! Make sure you’re following on Twitter for all kinds of up the the minute film stuff, celeb sightings, and fun.
Hey friends! I have two tickets to a TIFF screening next weekend for you compliments of Orville Redenbacher’s, a sponsor of the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival. See below on how to enter. You must enter by tomorrow and contest is only open to GTA residents.
Film: Writers (Festival – Special Presentation)
Greg Kinnear, Jennifer Connelly, Lily Collins, Kristen Bell and Logan Lerman star in this touching comedy-drama about a successful novelist whose obsession with his ex-wife has sent his perplexed family into a tailspin.
Date: Sunday, September 9, 2012
Time: 6pm-8:06pm
Location: Ryerson Theatre
PRIZE:
A pair (2) of tickets to a TIFF screening
A bunch of Orville Redenbacher’s new ready to eat popcorn in four delicious flavours
I would love to see ‘Writers’ movie and am going to try and catch it the following day. So many great films, so little time! Make sure you also enter the Orville popcorn national contest through the newly launched Orville Canada Facebook page at Facebook.com/OrvilleCanada.
You could win an all-expense paid trip to a start studded TIFF event!
I’m in love with “It’s Time” by Imagine Dragons. It’s in the soundtrack for Perks of Being a Wallflower and I’ve purposely not finished the book so I can stay in it longer. Be infinite. Title is one of of the lyrics.
I had such a beautiful weekend in Montreal. I’m uploading a bunch of photos to Pinterest here if you wanna check ’em out. Will have a video up later today. It’s lovely getting away for a few days. Being back in the city is good too, but busy. TIFF starts next week. One of my fav events is the Festival Music House put on by RockIt Promotions, there’s always a bunch of good bands and the crowd is fun. See posts from 2011 & 2010 here. Can you believe it’s almost September? Crazy!
I love the way my tattoo looks in this photo I edited. It was taken w/ Cannon Rebel and messed around with in Picasa. I use my iPhone so often for photos I forget how amazing it is to work with a great camera.
Adieu Montréal! Temps de rentrer à l’Ontario et à retourner au travail. Ça a été une tranche. Merci W Montréal pour un excellent séjour, Ford Canada pour une voiture douce et la technologie pour rendre tout cela possible. La vidéo nous avons fait est rad. J’ai utilisé Google Translate. J’ai une amie française qui pense qu’il est tout à fait hilarant et c’est pour elle.
Vous avez un super journée!
Great weekend in Montreal so far. Filmed w/ GoPro in the car today. I am going to be GoPro obsessed now. The Ford Fiesta is fun. Really good on gas. I love the old cobblestone streets in Old Montreal, this is such a great city. Beautiful day out today, super hot. Heading back to Toronto Monday.
The clock is ticking! On Setember 6th Toronto joins over 18 countries and a zillion worldwide events for Fashion’s Night Out. This is the first ever FNO in Toronto so it’s kinda a big deal. It’s also the opening night of TIFF so, izzz gon’ be crazy!
FNO was created in 2009 as a collab between American Vogue, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, NYC & Company and the City of New York. It’s a night for shoppers, celebrities, models, editors and fashion lovers to get together over shopping, style tips, make-overs, and parties.
I’m on the social committee and will be bopping around to events ALL night.
FNO Toronto runs from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm on September 6th.
Had a great sushi lunch at Guirei on Queens Quay yesterday. I like it there cause the sushi is super fresh and the rolls are not cut too thick.
Tested out Car2Go at their new Toronto Head office on Bathurst. I’ve never driven a Smart car but I think they’re cute.
Stopped by Brill Communications for the launch of two new beauty products. Micropedi is an electric buffer your feet. I have baby feet now, they are so soft. It retails for $39 which is pretty good considering how much a pedi is and you can reuse this little gadget over and over. Easy to use, portable pedicure.
Was given some samples of Viviscal. It’s a favourite hair booster of in-the-know celebrities that just launched in Canada. It makes your hair healthy, strong, and grow faster. It’s loved by Liv Tyler, Reese Witherspoon, & Local 706, the Hollywood stylists union.
I’m gonna give it a go for the next couple months. My hair is still really short! My fist pony in years. If you can even call that a pony tail!
Working at 1188 Films this morning today then going to Oakville to pick up car for Montreal later.
I hope you took my advice and went to something at SummerWorks this year. As someone new to the theatre scene, SummerWorks introduced me to a culture of awesome in the city. It was amazing to see so much talent from around the world brought together through art. I wish I could have seen every show and performance. Huge congrats to SummerWorks Theatre Festival Team! If you didn’t experience the festival, now you know for next year!
My letters from the Letter Writing party should arrive this week!
I loved the creativity in the live art sessions, Dare Night Lockdown, Letter Writing. Taking part in them infused a childlike fun that I feel people lose when they grow up. Don’t ever lose that. Festivals like this open your mind and heart to see things that inspire your life.
You are not getting younger but you can always get awesomer.
Last week I had a full on escape from the city. It was so much fun. It reminded me of camp when I was a kid but it was way better. We drove cars fast and had beers after.
There was about 20 bloggers on our ‘escape’ and the day started with lunch, then games, kayaking, rock climbing and extreme driving on a closed track. We finished with dinner and drinks at Arto Gallery in Distillery District. I’ve been on a few trips with Ford this year and am consistently impressed with their innovation as a brand. Thankfully, they provided us with kayak trailers so we could easily move them from point A. to point B.
I scaled seven stories like a spider monkey. First time outdoor rock climbing and I was awesome at it.
Instagram: This was GNARLY!
My driving partner for the day was Toronto blogger Lisa Charlieboy. I’ve known Lisa for years so spending the day wth her was awesome. We were in Banff together in July for the World Media Fest. See her post from the day at Urban Native Girl. Follow her on Twitter at @UrbanNativeGirl. We did pretty good in the challenges and laughed our heads off.
Gas, sharp turns, slamming brakes. I really, REALLY loved driving the Escape (hard) on the track. This is my face after totally tearing it up. I may have injured a few pilons on the way. They are fine.
Ford Park Assist: Look ma’ no hands!
Extreme Kayaking (with my phone):
By the time we drove back to the gallery and got dinner the digital team had produced a video of all the days content. We all watched it together, there are some really funny parts and crazy driving. I’m trying to get it to show you. Photo credit goes to Michael Marmur, Pinpoint National Photography.
This weekend I’m driving a Ford Fiesta to Montreal w/ a friend and will be writing about it for the Ford Canada Blog. I’m ready for some relaxing, great food, and adventure. We’re staying at the W Montreal which I LOVE. Spent NYE there w/ some friends a couple years ago. It’s hilarious looking at old posts and seeing how things have changed, writing, hairstyles. I had the ‘Miley hair back then. You know what I’m talking about. Should I cut it again?
The other day we had a BBQ inspired by Courvoisier as part of a their current Courvoisier Challenge contest. I must give credit where due because I was in charge of the cognac and Barbie did all the cooking. I’m no chef! It turned out REALLY tasty so I asked her to share the recipes. I took the peach photos.
If you are a budding chef, go get a bottle and cook something! The Courvoisier Collective Culinary call for Submissions ends Friday, August 24th. Visit courvoisiercollective.com or Facebook.com/CourvoisierCanada for details. There are cash prizes and trips to Toronto.
Marinate the chicken: Put chicken breast strips in a container or bowl. Generously pour marinade over the chicken; let sit for several hours, the longer the better.
BBQ the drunken chicken:Brush grill with oil and put chicken pieces on the grill. Turn frequently and bbq till fully cooked. Enjoy tender chicken with whatever side your heart my desire – I recommend a spicy fried rice to offset the sweetness in the chicken.
Cognac Cursed Peaches
Buy a variety of peaches to make it interesting. Cut peaches in half and remove pits.
In a bowl mix together 3 parts Courvoisier to 1 part honey. Add ground cinnamon to taste.
Place peach halves in large Ziploc bag(s). Pour cognac marinade into the bag. Let the peaches soak up this marinade for a few hours, at least one hour before cook time.
Brush the grill with oil. BBQ peaches on the grill, 5-7 minutes on each side or until you can easily press a fork into the flesh. Leftover marinade can be drank, as it’s delicious, or poured over the fully cooked peaches. Serve peaches with a side of your favourite ice cream or pie.
I am in love with this campaign. The guy who eats frozen blueberries, the one with out a car, the bearded blonde looking for a grant. My favourite is Former Apollo dancer, Jacquie “Tajah” Murdock, the film ends with her saying, “Well I said that when I was 18 I wanted to go to Paris so he could turn it around and put the eight in front and the one behind it… Eight one, instead of one eight.” In the background you hear Alber Elbaz say, “Paris is coming to you!” With a big “MWAH!”. It’s magical.
I think we’re going to see more ‘real people’ in campaigns. Real people like me and you. The girl with purple hair is NY blogger Stella Rose who writes Confessions of a Female Drag Queen. Her blog is as awesome as her style.
I feel like Telus uses real people and Mastercard just did a casting for ‘real people’ for Toronto Fashion Week. I sent in my photo late so the chances of me getting that one are slim.
Sebastian Simon Lifschitz, the one who eats frozen blueberries, used to be a blogger. It is the first time I’ve seen a post on someones blog saying “I don’t really use this blog anymore, if you want to follow me, find me on instagram: sebastianlif”.
I wasn’t sure what Italiam sashimi was but I love Italian food so I was in. The meal at Church was excellent and I tried a few things I’d never had before. My notes are not nearly as neat near the end as I’m sure I drank a bottle of wine to myself.
Italian sashimi is cut thinner than traditional sashimi and comes served with toppings. I appreciated this because although I enjoy eating raw fish, sometimes it’s cut too thick at Japanese places and I struggle to get it down my throat then spit it out in a napkin. I know that’s gross but it’s true ok! I can’t be alone here?
I felt pretty great because they had a section ready and a personalized menu. Thanks guys!
I slept more in the last three days than I have in ages. I was wiped. I didn’t even tweet until late in the day last night which had friends wondering if I was ok. It’s good to take a digital detox. I’ve got heaps to blog about and will get all those thoughts updates out this week. I was going to call this post Monday Motivation when I wrote it Sunday but now it’s Tuesday. I have lots of work to do before I’m off Montreal this weekend.
Applications are now being accepted for TEDxToronto. I’ve been a delegate the last two years. I love watching TED videos. Great motivation to do anything, ex. clean your room or write that paper. I think to myself “if they can do that, I can surely do this”. Try it, it works!
This book was in my mailbox from the publisher when I came home last night. I’m already halfway through. I was saying I needed a book to read and something about this one is just right. I can’t wait to see it at TIFF this year.
Performances by:
Dear Winner, I would love you to share some photos.
