CASIE STEWART

THIS IS MY LIFE • BLOG EST. 2005

AND THE HOLIDAY CONTEST WINNER IS…….

Mary Mason from Waterloo, Ontario!!

This year we are all bombarded by pressure to give and spend money, all the while facing difficult times in the economy & job market. Take a moment to read Mary’s touching holiday memory, it brought tears to my eyes. Remember, just because you don’t have money or a big family around, there is always opportunity to share, give and spread joy to others.

Mary is the proud winner of Organza gift set thanks to Givenchy. Organza highlights the femininity of every woman- that of the mother and the lover. Organza awakens the goddess within and is the perfect fragrance for an exceptional and timeless woman as it combines elegance, richness and purity.
Congratulations Mary! Thank you to everyone who sent in holiday memories. Stay tuned for more contest giveaway’s in 2009!

Mary’s Touching Story

Most Meaning Full Christmas:

As we head into the holiday season and we worry about economical uncertainty I would like to share my most meaning full Christmas that my children still talk about today and one that changed our lifes for ever.


I was recently divorced from a 23 year marriage, had just entered back into the work force after being an “at home mom” and money was very tight. With no extended family to celebrate Christmas with I was feeling alone. I had in the past always got through sad times by reaching out and helping others. So I talked an idea over with my children.

We would open our home to anyone we knew who would be alone for Christmas evening dinner. Instead of buying gifts we would use the money to prepare our Christmas celebration. We would prepare everything for supper in the morning and in the afternoon we would volunteer to help serve Christmas dinner to the needy at a local restaurant.

What a day! At the restaurant strangers arrived with cooked turkeys and prepared food offering to help. Small children sat with their families and were served this fabulous meal and to see their delight was amazing. There was music and laughter and such a sense of community spirit.

That evening we had 12 people to celebrate the love and caring of Christmas in our home. A wonderful evening that has become a Christmas tradition.

When my eldest daughter returned to school after the holidays her teacher asked each student to share a holiday story with the class. When she finished her story about our Christmas day her teacher was in tears.

We all can make a difference.

Merry Christmas, Mary Mason

feeling the friday-ness

the sun is shining in my window and
heating up my face. it warms me on the
inside and sets my thoughts in race. the
weekend is almost here and I’m longing
to enjoy it. the rest and relaxation, family,
friends. my thoughts escape my mind
and enter a new reality where can be free.

i’ll have a second cup please

This is totally rad! My french press, (which I loved, thanks mum!) broke when I moved into my new condo. Yesterday, I got this amazing contraption from Second Cup. It is a french press on the go. I tested it out today and just like the packaging says, it really does keep your bevvy warm for two hours. I love it. Makes drinking coffee so enjoyable! Get one for your mama!

Giving is the Best Gift EVER!!

Last night I volunteered at an event I have mentioned several times to benefit of the Hospice of Peel. Networking for a Cause was a great success! I was selling tickets and spreading good cheer and THAT was the most fun I could have had.
After work I was feeling a bit down as I have a very close family member who has recently been in hospital and yesterday had to return for some tests which was very scary. I was not feeling like my energetic self. However, instead of staying home and feeling sad, down, or upset, I put on my winter gear and headed over to 244 Adelaide to help out with the event. This opened an HUGE opportunity for sharing and giving. I was instantly filled with joy to help others and raise money for families affected by terminal illness to enjoy a Christmas dinner or buy gifts for the children of the family.

It is a true fact that giving is its own gift. I gave my time and in return, (without asking) I received so much joy that everything else wonderful about the night was a genuine blessing. I met some great people and look forward to building those relationships.

Here’s to the holidays!! Give & life!!

All the proceeds raised go directly towards the inaugural Give the Gift of Giving program. To learn more visit the Gift of Giving site here.

Oh, that’s just what I was thinking!

I’m not reading Perez nearly as much as I used to but my RSS feed had this today and I totally needed to share it.

And my mind wanders……..