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!

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. ?

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

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! 

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.

Where Would You Go with 1 Million Miles?

I love to travel and have been jet setting round the world since my first NZ/Hawaii trip when I was 2. When I was a kid mum was adamant about us collecting Aeroplan miles on those long trips and we’ve since redeemed a bunch towards other trips and non-flight rewards. I’m currently saving up money and racking up miles on my Aeroplan Visa to go visit my family in New Zealand.

However, with the latest contest from Aeroplan, you and I could be there in a heartbeat, WITH an entourage!  

Aeroplan has announced a new contest where they’re giving away 1 MILLION MILES A WEEK for 5 weeks. This is their biggest giveaway ever and honesty, a life changer for each person who wins.

Do you have any idea how many things you can do with miles like that?!

Take 20 girlfriends to Hawaii in for Economy Class

Take your 8 fav rellies to Paris,
ride bikes, and eat baguettes by the Eiffel Tower

 

Be the best bae ever and take your one true love
on a FIRST CLASS trip around the world.

Fly Premum Economy to Dubai w/ 7 friends

OR YOU take 40 trips in Economy from TO to LA
(or Toronto to Vancouver)

Me in Venice Beach driving a convertable this year!

How to Enter?!

Aeroplan wants to know where your Aeroplan miles have taken you and the amazing memories you’ve created. Show and tell a little bit about your adventure by posting photos, videos, and stories and tag them #withAeroplan on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.  Each post is a chance to win 1 of 5 prizes of 1 million miles.

For more information and rules/regs on the Aeroplan Memories Worth MIllions contest visit this page on aeroplan.com.  If you’re curious about how many miles you need to take your dream trip, there’s a chart right here.

And finally, if you win I can be packed and ready to take a trip with you anywhere anytime! 

 

 

 

This post is proudly in partnership w/ Aeroplan

Panago Pizza Picnic Party in the Park 

Panago Pizza Picnic Party in the Park 

Summer isn’t over! Ok, I know you can feel the change in the air but we’re still got a few weeks of sunshine left before we all hibernate for the winter. Last week to kick off Labour Day long weekend, some of my BFFs and I ordered Panago Pizza to the park (yes you can do that). I ordered a bunch of decorations on Amazon Prime two days before and we got everything set up in the park before Harmony arrived. We were actually all there on time (for once) when the birthday girl arrived! It was perfect!

You might recognize these pizza boxes from earlier this summer when I posted about them here. To celebrate Canada’s 150th this year, Panago partnered with Toronto-bred, Vancouver-based illustrator Chairman Ting . The boxes have heaps of Canadiana on them from Mounties to mountains, beautiful forests, lakes, trees, a moose, the CN Tower, and heaps more.

I coloured one and posted it on Instagram here. If YOU colour YOUR pizza box and tag it #ShareMoreCanada, Panago’s social team will be keeping an eye on the hashtag and giving out #RandomActsofPizza.


We saw this cool guy carring a huge beautiful painting. Great way to meet girls in a park I tell ya!


You can only get the Chaiman Ting X Panago pizza boxes till the end of summer. So, celebrate the last few wonderful weeks of great weather and order your friends/yourself a pizza!

PIZZA FOREVER!

Artist Designed Pizza Boxes + Pizza from Panago! ?? #ShareMoreCanada

This post is proudly brought to you with the pizza awesomeness of Panago. ?

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Being Prepared Helps Me Feel Less Stressed

Being Prepared Helps Me Feel Less Stressed

Some cottage time this weekend was the perfect way to prepare for this week. It’s always super hectic and I love it so much at the same time. I’ve been doing TIFF for 10 years. The things I do during the festival now are so much different than when I started. Back then it was a party here or there and now there is work, daytime stuff, more exciting events, a lot more people. It is so important to take time to balance yourself, chill out, sit quietly, let your mind wander.


Shared this tweet yesterday and it kind of sums up how I feel about the seasons changing and winter coming. This month is very busy (TIFF, TFW, speaking, travel) and will be fun but I need to stay focused on the self-improvement track. I look forward to going to the gym these days and I hate missing yoga for anything. I also love reading a book tucked away in my favourite room or spending hours in the kitchen.

Tweet from Chance the Rapper

Don’t forget to take time for YOURSELF.

 

 

 

 

School Yourself! Life is One Big Lesson

School Yourself! Life is One Big Lesson

Seeing so many school photos today made it feel like back to school. The craziest thing for me is seeing friends who have kids that are the age they were when I met them. It’s so weird/cool I guess? Gah, how old am I, I still feel young! Still learning new things all the time, excited about life. This week is an exciting one with all kinds of new experiences and people. Today I am going to the TIFF Stylist Box and then attending Toronto Fashion Week for a show. It all kind of gives me anxiety but this year I’m trying harder than last to prepare, plan accordingly, and not stay out too late.

Today felt kind of like back to school because I saw hundreds of kids! Mostly on FB but we also went to Em’s first day, which is exciting. One of my friends said that she has to listen to songs for children on the way to school with her kids in the car. They love listening to these songs because they’re educational, and most of their friends listen to them as well. School has changed a lot, there were no videos like that for us to listen to when we were younger! Now that I think back to actually being in school, I really liked it. I mean, I still left all my projects to the last minute and dragged on doing homework but it was great! School teaches you so many things you don’t learn in class. Problem-solving, giving and taking constructive feedback, working in teams, being a leader, creating.

Sometimes I see myself teaching, although that would be kinda like going back to school. But then I think about those who can’t, teach’ and I’m like no way. Maybe just a couple classes here and there!

HOPE YOU ARE HAVING A GREAT DAY!

 

Long Live Summer Chill Vibes

Sat out on my patio w/ some wine thinking about the last few months. It’s been nice to spend the last two weekends in the city but most my summer weekends were at the cottage. I’ve mentioned a whole bunch this year how I’ve been working hard to maintain balance. With social media and the life I’ve created surrounding it, it’s hard to keep balance. I’ve actually had to learn and discover what balance means for me.

Part of that has been yoga, reading more books, and getting to bed earlier. At the start of August Sean, and I spent a glorious 11 days at the cottage. We had a few nice days and it rained for 5 days in a row. It didn’t even bother me because I watched 2 entire seasons (Ozark + OITNB5) and read three whole books (How to Murder Your Life, The Killing Circle,  The Currency of Love). Each was a different story that took me to another place or made me think about my own life in a new way.

I’m looking forward to September, the change of seasons always brings a new energy, change of pace. Autumn is great for layering outfits. I ordered a few great items online that should *hopefully* all arrive in time for TIFF.

Next week is going to be really busy with the film festival and Toronto Fashion Week. I’ve got tickets to a couple films and fashion shows along with a few gifting lounges. I will be documenting EVERYTHING. I live for/love this time of year. It’s a chance to see heaps of colleagues, friends, and media related people I don’t see in my day-to-day stuff the rest of the year.


SUMMER FOREVER / LONG LIVE SUMMER


Shoutout to Jacob’s Creek winery from Australia. They sent over a few of these little cans of Moscato. It’s delicious. Balance is a healthy mix of yoga/wine, ok? ??

The cans launched this year at the LCBO and are $4.95 each. So great, so cute.

In other news, I painted our patio tables gold with Kyrlon a la Tiffany Pratt and they look amazing!

I’ve got the cans chilling at the office before a backyard hang w/ my BFFs later. I’ve also packed a sweet picnic setup from Netflix and Panago is hooking us up with PIZZA. Follow on my IG Stories here!