CASIE STEWART

THIS IS MY LIFE • BLOG EST. 2005
Tech HOT TECH TIPS FOR YOU

Best Buy Life and Tech Show 2017

Best Buy Life and Tech Show 2017

Earlier this month I attended the Best Buy #LifeandTech event at YD Square. This is my second year attending and honestly, it feels like Christmas for tech lovers! I got to test out and bring home some of the coolest tech around. You can find everything mentioned in this post at BestBuy.ca. I’ve been working with Best Buy Canada for the last couple years and it makes ME SO HAPPY. I love being invited to test out the latest wearable tech, smart home gadgets, and overall life-enhancing products.

Here’s a few of my favourite things from the Best Buy Life and Tech show!

SMART HOME

SECURITY: One of my ultimate favs is this Ring Wi-Fi Video Doorbell Pro. I haven’t set it up yet but I can’t wait to creep anyone who comes to my door or walks past. Since moving into a house with a front door (from a high-rise condo) I get so freaked out when I’m home alone and someone knocks on the door. Who does that! Unexpected! Gah! I get all packages delivered to the office so it’s extra weird if someone sends something to the house. I feel that this new burglar alarm will give me peace of mind and make me feel much safer. I like that I can see everything in real-time too, so if there was a burglar, I would be able to have an instant description of them!

With the new Ring, you are able to monitor hour home with audio and video from anywhere. The rep I chatted with was from Minnesota and he showed me his backyard while we were chatting in YD Square. He’s able to record video, sound an alarm, or say something to an intruder if he see’s someone suspicious around. So cool! Imagine yelling ‘HEY BUDDY GET OFF MY LAWN‘ from another country, haha! Especially if you have it paired with something like Crestron Lighting along with your home security system!

SMART LIGHTS: Earlier this year I went to the National Home Show with Best Buy Canada and decked out our house with the Nanoleaf Aurora Smart LED Light Panel and Phillips Hue smart bulb starter kit. The lights are so cool, I have them set to dim every night at 11pm and have really grown to love the ‘concentrate’ setting for its bright whites.

BIG SOUND for INDOOR OR OUTDOOR: Talk about boom for your buck! This little UE Wonderboom speaker has loud, 360 sound, and is waterproof. I took it on my recent trip from Toronto to Montreal and New Orleans, the battery lasted the whole trip for hotel room dance parties and background noise while I worked (up to 10 hours battery!).

I also tested the waterproof-ness at the cottage over the weekend and can verify, it is definitely water safe. I only tossed it in the lake for a couple seconds but the speaker can be immersed in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. It’s also avail in pink, red, black, lilac, and grey.

ui portable speaker, life and tech, bestbuy, best buy, speaker, 360 sound, casie stewart

WEARABLE TECH

MEDITATION: I got one of these a couple years ago around TIFF and I can tell you Muse, the Brain-Sensing Headband definitely helped me feel calm. Muse is like a personal meditation assistant, it measures how calm or active your mind is, then helps you channel that energy with guiding sounds. It’s created by Toronto company Interaxion and the co-founder Ariel Garten is a friend!

FITBIT: Fitbit’s new wireless headphones are so cool! Since I’ve been working on trying to live a healthier life, I’ve come to really love my FitBit. I currently have the new Fitbit Alta HR and Sean has the brand new Ionic (with Fitbit Pay!). These headphones can withstand the sweatiest workout, have great sound, 6-hour battery, and have music & call controls. This is my first pair of wireless headphones, I love the future! I wish there had been more headphones featured at the show because I know there have been some big steps taken recently in sound quality. The latest headphone technology includes things like 360 audio, how cool!

DON’T LOSE YOUR STUFF: What is that tiny little gadget you ask? This is TrackR Bravo, a Bluetooth tracking device you can add to your keys, wallet, luggage, purse, child, anything, then keep an eye of its whereabouts from the app. I used it recently on my luggage and although I was only doing carry-on, I knew where my stuff was at all times.

You know when it’s a full flight and they still make you check your tiny suitcase? This is a great way to make sure all your outfits are on that plane. I also keep one inside my purse, god forbid I ever leave it somewhere!

Another great moment from the day was chilling in this Lamborghini w/ Alcantara interior. Microsoft was on site to highlight the Alcantara fabric used in the new Surface Laptop. I tested the Surface Pro earlier this summer, great machine! The laptop has a 13.5″ PixelSense touchscreen and Alcantara fabric covers the keyboard for comfortable, quiet typing. Find it at Best Buy here.

Ok, when can I take this baby for a test drive?!

LIFE AND TECH FTW!

LIFE

You are one yoga class away from a better mood.

You are one yoga class away from a better mood.

I’ve missed a lot of yoga classes thing month due to work. My schedule is usually pretty chill but the last 4 weeks have been non-stop events, travel, and work w/ 1188. It has been really fun but also very exhausting. I’ve been hustling pretty hard, up early in the morning to get blog things done before heading to the office, working on things late at night, rinse repeat.

Today I went to an event, had some chats, a meeting, and was really not in a good mood after. I missed doing something kinda fun due to the meeting. It was hot. I was tired. I was being snarky to my bf. It’s not all rainbows and sunshine all the time, ok? I was laying on the bed in my yoga clothes, thinking about bailing when I got off my ass and out the door.

The hot, fresh air, riding my bike to class felt so nice. I felt free. The sun was shining bright and lighting up the studio as I walked in. I was already glad to be there. Our class was hot and sweaty, I worked hard. I breathed right into my back, side ribs and let the air out slowly. It’s amazing what a good yoga class will do.

Sending love & sunshine, 

YOGA YOGA, JUNCTION TRIANGLE

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Travel TWO ISLANDS WEEKEND

CAMP WAS SO MUCH FUN! TWO ISLANDS WEEKEND 2017!

two islands weekend, casie stewart, camp timberlane, haliburton, lauren onizzle, influencer, camp, summer camp

At the start of September, Lauren O’Nizzle (my bff) and I packed the car with all our gear and hit the road to Camp Timberlane in Haliburton for Two Islands Weekend.  Imagine, 250 campers, mostly 30-40, sleeping in cabins, eating in a mess hall, doing group activities, and an open bar for the entire weekend. It was so much fun!

The organisers invited me early in the summer to come to camp as a guest and my email reply was something like ‘OMG YES I WANT TO COME OMG‘. I went to camp as a kid but this place sounded legit amazing. There were heaps of activities like Beyonce Dance Class, archery tag, dance party, karaoke, talent show, jazzercize, movies, camp sing-a-long, and heaps more.

We were a bit of a situation when we arrived. Both of us were super excited after the 3hr drive, parked the car, and walked down the big hill past everyone, wearing huge sunglasses, city clothes, and more luggage than two people need for a weekend. We were so extra, haha! 

Attention everyone, we’re heeeeeere!

For our first event, Welcome Drinks, we wore matching INTERNET sweaters by Shelfies from a shoot with Becca Lemire a few years back. Everyone stared at us like we were weird but we didn’t care. We ARE weird! And matching outfits were part of our weekend plan! Also duh, internet is our jam!

Shoot with Becca Lemire back in 2014!

I don’t know what I was expecting but it was totally a real camp! There were about 8 girls in our cabin and we slept in stacked bunks. We made heaps of new friends and had so many laughs the whole weekend. The organizers did an amazing job of wrangling everyone to and from activities and meals. Thank you!

On the last night, there was a talent show followed by a dance party. I really pulled out all the stops and busted some fire ? moves on that dance floor. It felt so good to just let go, I even left my phone in the cabin. I wish there was a video of my dance solo to ‘Single Ladies’ because I drew a crowd and they all cheered after. It was so much fun. I love dressing up and busting moves!

Aside from all the drinks, new friends, sing yelling, hangovers, AND losing my voice, the best part was the environment. They have a zero-tolerance policy for hate, discrimination, or bad vibes, everyone was accepted. When we first arrived I had a flashback of high school like ‘omg, they’re gonna hate us‘, but that never happened! Everyone was so incredibly nice and fun. It was something truly magical. 

They were also super accommodating of different diets and allergies, offering vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-specific foods. There was no shortage of snacks and the food was good. Special thanks to Great Lakes Brewery for ALL the beers I drank, love you! ?

Thank you so much to the team for having us as your guests. We had an incredibly memorable time. I would love to make Two Islands Weekend an annual thing and go back to see the camp crew.

I highly recommend texting this post to your BFFs and getting on the list for 2018 tickets.  

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LIFE MUSKOKA

So Long Sweet Summer 2017 ☀️

So Long Sweet Summer 2017 ☀️

This weekend was so lovely. Spent a bunch of time sitting outside staring at the lake. Went out on my stand-up paddleboard. Had a great BBQ and family dinner. Pie and Kawartha Dairy vanilla ice cream. Slept in. Took naps. New book. Drank hot coffee & read magazines in the still morning sun. The weather was the best we’ve had all summer.

Let’s hope we have a few more great days. Soak up that sunshine. Let it charge your batteries!

Here’s to a great week!

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LIFE

Hot Fun in the Summertime! 

It was SOOOOO nice out yesterday. Biked down to the office. Put in some directors notes on a spot then packed up and met Lauren in the park. There were heaps of people hanging out and enjoying what’s left of summer.

Look for my face on Queen West!

This weekend we’re up at the cottage for what is looking like the best weekend of the year. Got a cute mani yesterday. Can’t wait to take my SUP board out on the lake. 

Here’s to a great weekend w/ lots of laughs, love, and sunshine! ☀️❤️✌?

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BOOKS AUDIBLE TRAIN TO MONTREAL

Audible.ca launches w/ Margaret Atwood + Elisabeth Moss Reading Handmaid’s Tale

casiestewart, audible canada, train, montreal, margaret atwood, handmaids tale

Last week was full of adventure! On Wednesday morning I was at Union Station for the launch announcement of audible.ca where Margaret Atwood spoke and Elisabeth Moss read from Handmaid’s Tale.

My fav moment was when Atwood was talking about Handmaid’s Tale and said ‘there’ll be no makeup in the dystopian future, WORST!‘. I didn’t expect that from her, she’s the best! I showed up just before it started and jumped into one of the last media seats. I love the opportunity to do this stuff! I took the UP Train from Bloor (near my house) and was there in about 10min.

Audible is an Amazon company (love Amazon!) and their Canadian programming includes 100 new titles from Canadian authors in (Eng & Fr), original programs, lectures, and comedy.

There’s a whole bunch of books on Audible read by celebrities including Samuel L. Jackson reading Adam Mansbach’s “Go the F— to Sleep”, Anne Hathaway reading L. Frank Baum’s ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’, Naomi Watts  reading ‘Summer‘ by Edith Wharton, Kim Basinger reading ‘The Awakening’ by Kate Chopin, and Dustin Hoffman reading ‘Being There‘ by Jerzy Kosinski.

I love that you can listen to familiar voices. Don Katz, CEO of Audible, said they hope to be the largest employer of actors in Hollywood.  That’s a lofty goal but possible I reckon. Maybe I’ll read one someday!

Later in the day a bunch of media peeps boarded a branded Audible train to Montreal. They hooked us up with Audible swag and iPod Touches charged, and loaded with books. After about an hour on the train, I went into the last car, behind us to find a full-on charcuterie spread w/ full bar, candy, popcorn, coffee, shrimp, and more. It was fantastic! The fanciest train ride of my life!

I grabbed my computer and sat back there for a while. A special edition of The Handmaid’s Tale read by Claire Danes is free for a month and I listened to 12 chapters on the train!

Ontario is so beautiful, taking the train is pretty rad. There’s wifi, food, drinks, and great views.
audible_blog3, le labo, montreal
We stayed at the Queen Elizabeth Montreal and they have Le Labo! My fav is Santal 33. I asked for extra lotion! ??

Sign up for your first 30 daysmembership here, exchange any book you don’t like, and access 24/7 Customer Service. Listen to Claire Danes read The Handmaid’s Tale here.  

Thank you Audible.ca for taking me on this adventure. I can’t believe Gracie, Daniel, Julio and I didn’t get a photo together!

I absolutely love my Kindle and am looking forward adding  Audible to my reading routine.

THIS WAS SO FUN! COOL OPPORTUNITY! TO BE WORKING AND  PAID TO TRAVEL, HANG OUT WITH FRIENDS, AND WRITE ABOUT IT.

THIS IS MY LIFE OMG. SO COOL!

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LIFE AMAZON PRIME

After All My Tweeting About Amazon…

As you know, I have been tweeting about/obsessed with Amazon (see all tweets) since a year ago when I forgot to cancel my Amazon Prime trial. Not cancelling Prime was one of the best things to happen and my life has honestly been better with Amazon. So…they took notice! I’ve been invited to join the Amazon.ca Associate Partner Program!

What does that mean? When I find something cool on Amazon and post it like I’ve been doing for a decade. Posts with products from Amazon will have an Affiliate link, meaning if you buy it from my link, I make a few cents. I don’t ask for much around here, so y’know, think of it as a tip! I’ve stayed away from Affiliate programs in the past, but I seriously love Amazon and am mostly sharing things I’ve already purchased.

The 2-day shipping is so convenient, I get everything sent to the office. I’ve ordered a few things each month for the past year.  I also can’t WAIT for Amazon Whole Foods to launch in Canada. Think of all the possibilities?! And Snacks!

Try Amazon Prime free for 30 days!

A Few of My Favourite Amazon Purchases

This is one of my fav wearable accessories. I love my FitBit but I felt like the band on my AltaHR wasn’t stylish enough. I ordered this band from Amazon for $24.99, get it here.

Rose Gold FitBit Band, casie stewart
Rose Gold FitBit Band

When I was in LA in January I was hanging out in Venice Beach and this bkr water bottle was so popular. I came home and ordered it right away. It’s glass with a removable BPA-Free Silicone Sleeve and loop handle. I have been taking it with me to yoga and the office since I got it. Ordered a second one since I’ve been going to the gym heaps lately. Hydration is so hot rn. Find it on Amazon for $32 and get it in 2 days w/ Prime.

This Belkin tassel charger is one of my favourite tech accessories. I have it in tan and black. I keep it on my everyday purse and it’s been a lifesaver. It’s real leather and gives a powerful charge because it’s a Belkin.

It comes in pink, black, gold (tan leather), or silver and is $41 as a single item (black) or the tan one is $6.99 as an add-on item w/ Prime orders over $25.

 

I’m stoked about this bc I love Amazon and how they’re taking over online shopping. The future is NOW! Last night I ordered a BUNCH of Halloween things and will be posting about those next!

Stoked to be part of the Amazon.ca Associates Program as a Partner. Honestly, if you put your mind to it (or tweet at someone enough they will notice you and) anything can happen. 

Thanks for following along and always supporting me. ?

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Travel NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana, USA

Speaking in New Orleans + Cute Dress from Studio Fitzroy

Speaking in New Orleans + Cute Dress from Studio Fitzroy
Cambridge represent!

Last week I flew to New Orleans to speak at a conference, first talk outside Canada. Woo hoo! It was also my first time in NOLA! I’m heading back to New Orleans in November for a week vacation w/ some friends. I was booked via my agency, the National Speakers Bureau, I’ve been with them for about 2 years now. Check out my NSB profile here.

My talk was ‘Get Trending: Building Campus Engagement with Digital Media‘ and it went great! Conference attendees stuck around for half an hour after to chat, take selfies, and ask questions. I get a little nervous/excited in the 5min before I go on stage, then, once I get going it’s over before I know it. The Q&A at the end is always my favourite part.

I even met someone from who was from my hometown in Cambridge, Ontario. Hi David!

The hotel was right beside the Superdome and U2 played while I was there. I was tucked away in my room putting finishing touches on my preso so didn’t make it over.

The view was pretty cool and the Superdome photo was taken from one of the huge glass hotel elevators.

I wore the cutest little, crushed velvet dress by For Love & Lemons from Studio Fitzroy. I loved it!

They have heaps of beautiful new dresses for rent, you’ll love it.
Visit shopfitzroy.com to scroll the gowns or your dreams.

studio fitzroy, dress rentals, casiestewart, speaker, blogger, fitzroy boutique

Took a little walk around the hotel early Friday before I got ready to hit the stage. It was so warm and sunny. There was a Starbucks inside the Hyatt, so convenient! I imagine that happens a lot in the USA. I wasn’t sure if conference attendees knew I was a speaker or not but I definitely had a *different* style.

I got heaps of positive feedback from organizers and attendees. I absolutely love being on stage and speaking about something I love, THE INTERNET!

Feeling refreshed! Here’s to a great week!

casiestewart, blog, blogger, toronto, canada, travel, tech

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Travel

Bonjour! In Montreal for a Hot Minute ✈️????

Bonjour! In Montreal for a Hot Minute ✈️????

Spent the day w/ Audible taking the train to Montreal. I listened to Claire Danes read The Handmaids Tail. Feeling pretty exhausted and will be up early for a 6am flight back to Toronto. I fly to New Orleans at noon. 


Ordered a pizza. It was ok. The hotel is really beautiful. Stayed here in 2015 and they’ve really made some beautiful design changes since! 

They have Le Labo products and you can bet I asked for an extra couple lotions! My fav scent from Le Labo is Santal 33, it’s amazing!

XO Montreal! Have a great day! 

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LIFE FOXY LAXY

It’s In The Cards

drawing tarot, danielle meder, casiestewart, toronto, final fashion

Today was so much fun. I’m feeling really excited and inspired this week. It’s one of the busiest few days I’ve had in a long time with a different job each day and 3 different cities but I wouldn’t have it any other way!

I met up with a blog OG friend Danielle Meder, who recently started Drawing Tarot where she combines ‘a thoughtful Tarot reading with a live watercolour portrait session‘. Mine portrait is above and I framed it when I got home. The reading was just what I needed today, this week. I’d like to go back again in a month or so. You can book an appointment to see her at the Darling Mansion or her studio near the Junction Triangle here.

Danielle Meder, Drawing Tarot

Tonight I bailed on going to anything TIFF so I could stay home and put in a few hours on a presentation and get a good sleep. I have no FOMO only JOMO (Joy of Missing Out) because I know that self-care is important and if I don’t take care of my priorities, I’ll lose my mind.

This week is a crazy one, especially after my very relaxing summer. Monday was filled with TIFF stuff and celebrities (Justin Trudeau, Angelina Jolie!). Today I was the #LifeandTech event with Best Buy Canada. Wednesday morning I’m at a top secret event then head to Montreal on the train for the night. I fly back to Toronto early Thursday morning then to New Orleans, Louisiana in the afternoon. On Friday morning  I’m speaking at a conference and fly back to Toronto in the evening. On Saturday I’m in front of the camera for a commercial and Sunday I am doing N-O-T-H-I-N-G.

Cutest entry way, also GOLD STAIRS and the whole inside is pretty & pink!

Popped into Studio Fitzroy today, my favourite dress boutique to rent a dress for my talk on Friday. Took my sister with me to show her around and get her opinion. It was so fun looking at all the dresses together!

 

Sending sunshine wherever you are. Remember to take care of yourself and don’t let anyone or anything get in the way of what you truly want to do in this life. You can make anything happen if you throw all your energy at it.

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