CASIE STEWART

THIS IS MY LIFE • BLOG EST. 2005
Tech

Light Up Your Life with Best Buy Smart Home

Last week I went to the National Home Show as a guest of Best Buy Canada to check out smart home accessories. After CES and the Interior Design Show this year I’ve become obsessed with making our home more efficient with smart things. Upgrading appliances in your space can help save energy (thermostats/appliances), make things more comfortable (lighting), and keep you safe (security camera).

For the National Home Show, Best Buy partnered with designer Christine Dovey to design a fully stocked smart home pop-up where you could see all kinds ways to pimp your place with technology. I left dreaming about new appliances for the whole house complete with a super skinny & smart Samsung QLED tv.

I was obsessed with the Samsung ‘Family Hub’ fridge, this thing is totally from THE FUTURE. It’s got a wifi touchscreen and three inside cameras that take a photo every time the fridge closes. Then, you can check your phone to see what’s inside, it also knows what’s inside, it make recipes, it can track expiration dates. Kinda hard to wrap the old brain around! I LOVE THE FUTURE. My friend was telling me about how they recently got a new smart AV system from Crestron System and I think she is as much in love with the future as I am!

When I was at CES in Vegas this year, one of the award winning new products was the Nanoleaf Aurora light panel.All the lights connect to my iPhone and can change a zillion colours and different shades of white (warm vs cool). I was so excited to order this for our house! I would love to say I went for the cool lights knowing Emily (9) would love them but they were totally for me too.

We had guests over this weekend and I set the Nanoleaf up on a table in our living room and it was so awesome. I set the lights to slowly go through colours of the rainbow (this gif is fast so you can see). The 9 little triangles can be moved around to any shape as long as they’re connected. I plan to put them on the wall eventually.

Some other things I ordered from Best Buy) were a set of Philips Hue A19 Smart Wireless bulbs, a cheap IP camera and the little Hue Go Portable Smart LED Light. They both can all be controlled by my phone and adjusted to encourage moods or be programmed to timers.

My mum stayed over the other day and this works as a great little night light. I easily fits on your hand, isn’t to bright, and is super light.

Phillips wireless HUE light in action

By changing a couple lights in the house to smart bulbs we’re saving energy and changing the way it feels. We’ve also compared Cirro Energy plans to our own to find where the most competitive rates are so that we can save money. These were all pretty simple to set up but you can always have someone from the Best Buy Geek Squad help you out.

Learn about the wide variety of Smart Home products available and determine what fits your home and lifestyle by visiting your local Best Buy or BestBuy.ca.

This post in is in partnership with Best Buy Canada and the National Home Show. In exchange, I received perks in the form of products and/or compensation. All opinions on this blog are my very own! Thank you for reading!
Inspiration

Make Yourself Happy. Do What You Love. #stickwithit17

Make Yourself Happy. Do What You Love. #stickwithit17

The last couple weeks I’ve been on a journey of making my self happy, practising what I preach, making the most of each day, and following things that give me joy. I can tell you from the bottom of my heart, it has made a big difference. The last couple months of 2016 I was totally drained, didn’t feel creative, felt a bit lost like ‘what am I doing and why‘.

So, I made a change. I started putting  myself first
and really doing WHAT I WANT.

It’s easy to get side tracked from your goals, over worked, under stimulated. The thing is, you can totally turn that around any singe day, at any time. You’re in control of your happiness. You’re the director of the movie that is your life. You always have a choice.

2009 BLOG POST

Years ago (2008-09) when I wanted people to remember me and my blog I made these little stickers on white Avery labels after work (at an IT company). I didn’t have $$ for real stickers, so I had to be creative.

They had a strip of photos I took of myself (now called selfies) and my Twitter @casiestewart with my URL casiestewart.com.

While most people will take your business card and never follow up, this is not the case with stickers. I found that people would go to my blog the day after a fun party where I stuck my sticker on them, their sweater, conference badge, and leave a comment, or tweet me it was nice to meet.

The first round of ACTUAL real stickers I made were from StickerYou when a friend worked there. They were heart shaped photos of me with a painting in the background and my Twitter handle.

2017 reissue of 2011 stickers (see originals)

This month I was invited to create a Mantra Box of stickers to keep me motivated. WELL, I went and ordered a whole bunch. So many that I ended up spending more than the gift code they sent!

Over the last week I’ve mailed out a bunch of hand written letters to long time blog followers, old and new friends, with pieces from my Mantra Box. I already knew the quality of stickers and I can say I am so impressed with this batch. I really love them.

Use code CASIESTICKWITHIT17 to order some for yourself.

The price point is affordable, here’s a screenshot from part of my order. I’m surprised how many stickers I got. I also ordered clear stickers of my signature (for windows/everything) and signature tattoos. Yay!

I have a bunch so if you want some LMK.

casie stewart, autograph, famous, blogger, canada, toronto

 

 

 

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

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LIFE

Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!’

Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!’

This weekend we had friends in town from Boston. Instead of facing St. Patty’s Day crowds on Friday we hosted them for dinner (Uber Eats!).

Saturday was pretty relaxing except for the call I got at 10:30am saying Mum was in the hospital. She ended up having appendicitis and getting her appendix out. Just like that! She was back home just after dinner time. Canada is such an amazing country.

Hale Coffee, love this place

At yoga on Sunday, Sandy read a few horoscopes and mine mentioned gifting myself a young cactus. The cool thing about that was I had a ticket for a terrarium workshop that afternoon.

It was my my 3rd terrarium workshop of the year and want to make a really big one now that I understand how. It was at Untitled&Co and a couple friends joined me in the fun.

This week I’ve got an event at Twitter HQ & am seeing another show at Mirvish. Since I’ve made yoga a priority and started focusing on doing things for ME that I really want to do, I’m so much happier.

Today I’m doing 9am yoga with the team at 2Social in the Junction. Hope to get my bike tuned up later today.

Here’s to a great week! Sending sunshine through the internet to you! Longer days are on the way! ☀️??

 

TITLE QUOTE IS BY ROBIN WILLIAMS VIA BRAINYQUOTE.

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Fashion

Live Action Short Drama? Story of My Life! 2017 #CdnScreenAwards Recap

Last weekend I attended the Canadian Screen Awards as a guest of the First Weekend Club. It was my second year attending the ‘Canadian Oscars’ after last year winning the award for Voice Pioneer at CSA’s Social Awards. The awards were hosted by Howie Mandel and held at the Sony Centre on Front Street.

I absolutely love attending these kinds of Canadian events. Since my first job working in TV almost 10 years ago, and being on tv/in a couple documentaries since, I’ve grown to know a lot of people in the industry. I love seeing old friends and colleagues take the stage and supporting creative work by amazing Canadians.

This great dress was rented from Studio Fitzroy, my go-to!

One highlight of the show for me was when Strombo announced an award in the name of Canadian filmmaker and friend Rob Stewart (Sharkwater) who recently passed away. Starting in 2018, the award for Best Science or Nature Documentary Program or Series will be in Rob Stewart’s name.

The pre-show was hosted by Emma Hunter (The Beaverton) who was super funny. My fav line of hers was when she was announcing the nominees for ‘Live Action Short Drama’ and she said ‘story of my life’. I was like ME TOO GIRL, ME TOO. Haha.

I made notes in my phone during the show of Canadian films to add to my watch list including Weirdos, Born to be Blue, and Two Lovers And A Bear.

Thanks you kindly First Weekend Club for inviting me to be your guest. I hope to attend more Canadian Films things with you this year!

casie stewart, toronto, blogger, speaker, influencer, "this is my life"

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LIFE

Spring Forward 

Spring Forward 

I hate to blame daylight savings but this week I have been so tired. I had to fight myself every morning to get out of bed. I managed to do yoga and spin on Wednesday which was a big accomplishment.

Last week I was so high on life and motivated. Writing heaps. Killing it everyday. This week, opposite. Almost everything I’ve had to get done work wise has been an up hill battle.

End of the week, mum came to hang out and I took her around my neighbourhood and to some fab spots in the city. We picked Em up from circus camp, went to YouTube, got pizza, then saw Beauty & the Beast in 3D. It was go good to hang out. Mum has been my biggest supporter my whole life and it was really nice to treat her yesterday.

Tonight we have some friends from Boston coming for dinner. I’ve got heaps on my to-do list but I’m determined to cross them all off today! I’ve got yoga at noon which will give me the energy I need to keep this momentum going. Em has a recital at this afternoon for March break Circus Camp.

This week I mailed a few hand written letters with new stickers I had made in them and that made me feel really happy. This weekend I’m doing another terrarium workshop! (3rd of the year lol, I’m obsessed). My new pillows from Notion Manufacturing arrived this week which was also a small joy and good for a few LOLs. Sean loves it hahahahhahaha.

Remember it’s important to listen to your body and relax if you need to. Being ‘on’ all the time and always on the go is great but it’s hard to do 24/7.

Take some time for yourself this weekend to recharge ‘dem batteries!

SPRING STARTS NEXT WEEK.

With love,

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Tech CREATIVITY STATION

Don’t Wait For The Perfect Time, Create Today!

Last nights @meetDITTO event was really great. I was super tired before getting there, ate a sub and felt  gross, the day was long and busy. On my way to the event I picked up a card for Natalie (organizer) as a thank you and bought her some patches for her jacket (FIMINIST/BOSS WITCH).

Got a last minute coffee before it stared and bought one for Carolyn too. HUGE thanks to Nataliegh and Avery for bringing us all together to learn and celebrate.

Stories the other women shared were so inspiring. Gave me so much energy. Don’t forget…

We’re all just out here hustling and making things up as we go. Nobody knows wtf they are doing. 

I talked to a fab young woman who’s been following the ol’ bloggy since 2009. How cool is that? She was telling me how she wants to create but wants also it to be perfect, so she hasn’t been making things. I told her she’ll wait forever with that attitude. Don’t wait.

You need to create in order to make mistakes, to learn.
You have to work hard to get to the next level.

So, make as much shit as you can and do it fast. Learn faster.

Don’t sit there tinkering, put your hands together and make something!


Writing

Hi Mum, I just called to say thanks.

Today I rung mum at work and I think she must have been busy because she seemed a little surprised when I said ‘hi mum’. I told her I was calling to say thank you for having me and being so supportive. She didn’t have a lot of time to talk but I wanted to thank her for everything.

To tell her I love calling her all the time when something exciting happens and I can’t tell anyone else or they just wouldn’t feel as excited as her. For all the times she stayed up late sewing ballet skirts to sell at the studio so she could afford our dance classes. For driving to all those dance competitions, skiing, skating, birthday parties, recitals, modelling, tae kwon do, and to all my friends houses for sleepovers. For showing me how to bake and encouraging me to make things in the kitchen, thank you.

For embracing my weirdness and letting me wear what I want as a child no matter how bizarre the neighbours thought she was for doing to it.

For putting us in summer reading club at the library. For all the work that went in to creating JEANS Publishing company and helping me write that book as a young teenager because I know it was shit ton of work and late nights (for her). For teaching me to work hard and not listen to anyone who says ‘you can’t do that’.

Your strong attitude is with me everyday and I carry it close to my heart and I hear your voice in my head.

For teaching me to be tough and know how to throw a damn good punch (whoops!) and studying Tae Kwon Do together.

For getting me braces because you knew that my smile would bring joy to other people and I really love flashing it around.

For teaching me to sew even though I don’t do it much, I still know how. Thank you for making me comfort food and allowing me to take naps in my old room when I’m run down and need a break from my life.

I know how to make a perfect pavlova because of you.

For inspiring me to be a leader. For being honest with me and calling me on my shit, cause lord knows I need it sometimes.

For giving me a sister, and three awesome step-sisters! For being good friends with dad. For giving me nana’s number in New Zealand, she was definitely surprised!

For flowers from your garden and telling me when Winners clearance is on.

For learning how to text and send photos because I love messages from you. For reading ‘bloggy’ when you got to work just to check in on me. For checking my Twitter if you haven’t heard from me in a couple days just to make sure I’m ok.

Thank you mum, for being a strong woman, a great leader, and best support my entire life.

I’m so proud to be your daughter and I love you the most.

Mum + Me

Today I messaged a bunch of women in my life who I love, respect, and miss. I made plans to see them. I had my BFF stay over last night. I have a different BFF date tomorrow. I’ve been really trying to make time for friends and not be ‘too busy’ to see them. Even if it’s a coffee and walk, breakfast, lunch, snack, maybe it’s picking up the ol’ telephone. Make time for the people you love, the women in your life.

AND one more thing, don’t ever forget that you can achieve ANYTHING you put your mind to. Be clear about your thoughts when you put them into the universe. Don’t confuse the universe with self-doubt, be clear about your intentions.

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. 

YOU CAN DO IT!

UPDATE: ? My favourite thing about today was talking to SO MANY people. Messages, making plans, reaching out. People celebrating themselves and each other. I feel like I really celebrated. Not with partying but with talking, making action. Had super early yoga w/ Keri and did a lot of other things today, I can’t even remember. Just got home from speaking at an event and I feel so genuinely thankful for friends. Sometimes I think I don’t like social media and it gives me anxiety but today it brought me closer to so many people IRL and in messages, in comments, in posts on every platform, all day. I like you. Thank you for being a friend! ❤️??

Tech TELUS, EATON CENTRE

Some of my favourite tech things right now for SPRING.

casie stewart, telus, telus store, technology, iphone

This is Sacha (above) and we work together on Telus. I’ve been partnered with the Telus team since 2009, my longest relationship! Working together has brought us closer as friends and every time we meet to ‘work‘ it hardly feels like we’re doing a ‘job’. I’m smiling as I write this thinking of all the LOLs we had last week at the Eaton Centre Telus Store. Don’t know if you’ve been in a Telus store recently but there’s HEAPS of home, audio, fitness, and fashion tech, aside from phones.

I cruised the store picking out some tech things I love, to share with you. Here’s a few of my favourites right now and why I love them.

JBL Clip 2 – Travel & Party On with This Loud Lil’ Thing

I was sent to CES (Consumer electronics Show, Vegas) in January with Harman, the parent company of JBL. This little speaker packs major power and the 2017 version is waterproof not just water resistant. At CES they had them planing tunes in the water.  Last year at the cottage I used this little buddy so much and it’s my go-to travel speaker for hotel room dance parties. It’s surprisingly LOUD for it’s size.

Lose your stuff all the time? Me too! Get a Tile!

I backed Tile when it was a Kickstarter a bunch years ago. It’s a little plastic thing with Bluetooth that connects to an app on your phone.  You put them on your stuff to track it and the device makes a noise when activated. I can not tell you how many damn times I have lost my keys in the house, in a purse, in a jacket, in the couch, behind the couch, in the blankets, in a drawer, or in the pantry (yes).  Turn on the app, locate keys, listen for sound, then rush to your Uber before he drives away. Life saver. The new Tiles are also super small.

DON’T BREAK YOUR PHONE (again ?)

I love my iPhone so much but for SOME REASON I can’t take care of it like a grown up. Up until Sacha and I hung out last week, I was going around without a screen protector on my new iPhone 7+.  WHAT WAS I THINKING. I picked one up that day and high recommend you don’t leave home or the mall without one.

* I dropped my phone the following day and it must have been a sign because I would have for sure cracked my screen. I recommend one that’s glass and something that goes edge-to-edge. A good one can be $30-50 but think how much cheaper that is than getting your screen repaired. Right? Exactly. Grab a case while you’re at it. 

I can’t force you to protect your phone, stop you from losing your keys, or make a party happen (ok that I can do) but I can suggest you peek your head in, and take a stroll at your local Telus store. I think you’ll be happily surprised!

Over the past few years through my work with the company, I’ve helped out in community projects, raised money for the Make a Wish Foundation, taken Emily to WE Day, supported WWF, donated electronics, and more. I’ve always loved their commitment to communities, people, and the environment. We’re planning some more things for this year and I’m really looking forward to it.

They recently brought back the ‘Future is Friendly‘ slogan and this commercial shows how they do so much more than just phones.

 

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Art

CEREAL KILLERS! Creative Typography at @weare1188

weare1188, cereal killers, cereal, national cereal day

Got an email last week about National Cereal Day and I know the 1188 dudes love cereal. So, I asked the agency to send a bunch of boxes and I would post about it in exchange.

Welllllllll, the 1188 crew loved the idea so much we made cereal typography art. Jeff Woo with the typography skills! 


The office ‘free blog food’ rule is you have to let me take a photo of it. Here’s a few bowls! I want (Jeff) to make more stuff like this. It was fun and I love sharing with everyone bc like who doesn’t love cereal/snacks? Thanks Kellogg’s & Strategic Objectives!

Thankful for the 1188 team because I don’t know if I would have had an idea this great let alone the skills/patience. ??


 The office is ALWAYS open for snacks so feel free to send if you would like us to try! ?

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Art

DO WHAT YOU CAN’T

Years ago I was on a tv show called ‘Maxed Out’ and I told the host I wanted to be a brand and partner with other brands, and essentially be ‘paid to party’. She told me ‘You can’t do that, you’re not paris Hilton, you don’t come from money’. At the end of the show I launched casiestewart.com with a landing page that said ‘COMING SOON’. And the rest is history…

I LOVE this video and Casey Neistat is my fav person on the internet with the same name as me for sure. If you were looking for some motivation, here it is. I’m so proud to be a creator, I’ve been building the internet for over 10 years, and I’m not stopping anytime soon. Here’s to making more things and making a difference.

‘The haters and doubters are drinking champagne on the top deck of the titanic AND WE ARE THE FUCKING ICEBERG’

WHO DOES THIS B THINK SHE IS?

you will never be younger than you are today, make the most of it

P.S.  This latest video from Gunnarolla has me laughing my head off. He is a very funny and talented friend. If you aren’t following him yet I recommend you do because LOL. Enjoy!