Stephanie de Montigny
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Stephanie de Montigny
  • Boss Mama Diaries
  • About Stephanie
  • Work With Me
    • Sponsored Content
    • Product Photography
    • Image Subscription Plans
    • Brand Portraits & Headshots
    • Family & Newborn Photography
13Jul

How A Pandemic Changes Your Work From Home Life

I’ve been a work-from-home-boss for years before the pandemic (hipster moment!) and the only thing that has changed my routine and business more was the birth of my child. Now with these two big players, my life as a boss has been flipped upside down, but in true mama fashion — I’m making it work! With childcare bring ripped from my grasp — not just daycare but friends and family too! — my schedule and
14Jun

My First Period With a Menstrual Cup

Definitely not a blog post I ever thought I would be writing, but here we are, ready to deep dive into personal territory and discuss all things periods. Which means you probably never heard me talk about my experience with my actual first period, at the ripe age of 11. Actually, a few weeks shy of. Beautiful! Oh, and that my mother was nowhere to be found so it was actually my dad who explained
06May

Chocolate Mug Cake – Dairy, Egg & Nut-Free

For the past year, I have been learning to deal with the added restrictions and allergies of feeding my daughter. I began on the journey of adapting recipes that were baby-friendly, and also free from 5 of the most common allergens: nuts, dairy, soy, eggs and legumes. Keeping in mind that baby-friendly also means sugar-free. If you loved the banana muffins recipe I published a few months ago, you are going to want to add this one to your try list!

24Apr

Supporting Small Businesses Is Easier Than You Think

A wrote this a while back as an Instagram post, in fact I reference this topic all of the time here and there, but especially given the wordly situation right now, it deserves to be highlighted as it’s very own post. Supporting small businesses is easier than you think. And no, you don’t need to spend money to do it, it just helps that much more! View this post on Instagram As we packed up
31Mar

Naptime Priorities Of Motherhood (& My Top 7 Productivity Tools for Bosses)

Motherhood shows you what your true priorities are. You become reliant on naptime to get everything done, and since the duration is always unknown, you have to make your list of need-to-get-done tasks and hope you get as many done as possible. It can quickly get overwhelmind if you haven’t planned things out, because you get frazzled trying to decide which things to get done, and end up spending the entire nap planning what you
07Mar

5 Empowering Gift Ideas for Your Best Babe, In Honour of International Women’s Day

Tomorrow is #InternationalWomensDay and I am celebrating by putting together a #GalPalGiftGuide with gift ideas that your best babe will love (at any time during the year, but feel free to use tomorrow as an excuse!). Another way I will be celebrating is by sharing about all of the badass women in my life and their accomplishments in my instagram stories. For this I need your help, so go ahead and send me their usernames in the IWD highlight on my
24Feb

Can’t. Gotta Pump.

Providing for a baby is hard work. Deciding to allow someone else to care for them—even if only temporarily—is a very difficult decision. And as if making that decision wasn’t hard enough, making enough milk for those one or two days a week is nearly impossible for a just-enougher. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Stephanie de Montigny (@bossmamadiaries) on Feb 2, 2020 at 5:27am PST It means pumping between feeds. It
23Jan

Happy 1st Birthday Little Miss!

There are so many emotions attached to that statement, which I have left for another post (all about my first year of motherhood) so this one can be all about Little Miss and her birthday celebrations. She welcomed her best buds over to play while the mamas caught up on things, she thouroughly enjoyed opening her gifts, and by golly did she ever stuff her face!

16Jan

Divide And Conquer

Even though we both chose to have a baby, to create a tiny human, there are bound to be things we don’t want to do. Things like dealing with tantrums, shitty diapers, cleaning bottles and endless laundry… So the best way with dealing with everything is to actually not deal with every single thing—divvy up the tasks and it’s like you’ve only got half the crap to deal with. Literally!

10Jan

The Banana Muffin Trifecta: Sugar-Free, Dairy-Free & Nut-Free

I cannot remember the last time I got to enjoy the deliciousness of a banana muffin–between the keto lifestyle I had to follow for a few years, the dairy-free for my breastfeeding child’s allergies, and the no-nuts for my mine, this really limited my opportunities. So, now that I am back on a simplified regime, I decided to adapt a handful of recipes into the perfect sugar-free, dairy-free, nut-free, soy-free banana muffins. This one is pretty darn close, if I do say so myself!

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WELCOME TO THE BOSS MAMA DIARIES

Discussing the daily wins and struggles of being a work-from-home boss trying to raise a business and a baby at the same time, amidst the family adventures, while also trying to feed a household full of allergies.

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bossmamadiaries

Boss. Wife. Allergy Mama.
Work-From-Home-Mom Life
💻 Educator at @bossmama.collective
Pro 📷 at @purenaturalnewborn & @stephaniedemontignyphotog

Stephanie de Montigny 🇨🇦


We were lucky that our first was so easy to concei
We were lucky that our first was so easy to conceive and carry to term, so I cannot help but feel extra disappointed that I would be giving birth next month had it worked out again on the first cycle, but instead I find my empty womb 😔 ⠀
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So every time we embark on another cycle, that has so far always ended in tears, I try to take a moment to appreciate what I have—a beautiful and wonderful baby girl—before my dreams are crushed and I loose all hope, again, but it doesn't take the pain away. Especially when it starts to affect your marriage, ugh. At what point does it become secondary infertility? ⠀
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For those of you having difficulty conceiving a subsequent child, what keeps you feeling positive without raising your hopes too high?⠀
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#throwbackthursday #longingforthepast #wishingandhoping #mamaadaily #iwantanotherbaby #ttc #secondaryinfertility #ttccommunity #ttcsupport #ttcjourney #ourmotherhoodconnection #ottawamom #ontariomoms #canadianmom ⠀⠀
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⁣📷 : @stephaniedemontignyphotog (filter added) --> For reposts or use of copyrighted images, please DM or email collabs@bossmamadiaries.com

This kid is my world. That smile of hers can brigh
This kid is my world. That smile of hers can brighten even the darkest of moments and I am forever grateful. Especially when she runs towards me with open arms and yells HUUUUUUGGG! It is the sweetest thing 😍 ⠀
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We were so lucky to be able to play outside yesterday as a family with the weather being so warm (it was PLUS degrees!). Little miss and her daddy even made a snowman complete with a face and limbs, and boy did she LOVE it! She was even giving it hugs—but this cheesy smile was so much better! ⠀
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Who else got to enjoy the beautiful winter weather this week?⠀
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#thedemontignyadventures #thischildofmine  #letsbuildasnowman #toddlersnowman #winterwonderland #springiscoming #themidweeklife #babysnowsuit #roadcoatcuties #carseatsafecoat #ottawamom #canadianmom #ontariomoms ⠀⠀
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⁣📷 : @stephaniedemontignyphotog (filter added) --> For reposts or use of copyrighted images, please DM or email collabs@bossmamadiaries.com

I was able to reopen the studio this week and I am
I was able to reopen the studio this week and I am so excited to get back to work!⠀
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I live and breathe my business, so it has been extra hard to swallow the fact that it has been closed for more than half of the past year. Despite how much I love being able to spend extra time with my daughter and watch her grow into a tiny human with a big personality, it is soul-crushing to know I won't make it through another round of lockdowns. So while our government has offered some of us grants and assistance that help minutely, it won't rescue most of us who quality for it. ⠀
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So I make a vow to spend every damn penny that I possibly can locally at small businesses to keep that money in small business pockets. I challenge you to do the same! Also, because I am curious. What do you plan on investing in?⠀
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#shopsmall #supportsmallbiz #supportsmall #shoplocal #smallbusinessowner #ottawamom #ottawasmallbusiness #ontariosmallbusiness #canadiansmallbusiness #graceinmychaos  #bossmamadiaries #PNNPbehindthescenes⠀
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⁣📷 : @stephaniedemontignyphotog (filter added) --> For reposts or use of copyrighted images, please DM or email collabs@bossmamadiaries.com

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! ⠀
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I know I tend to ma

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! ⠀
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I know I tend to make it look easy to narrow down from a photoshoot to pick ONE or two for printing or social media, but the truth is that it is waaaaay harder to do it when it comes to my own kid. So today I present to you as many as I can possibly fit into one post to show off the fun, the hilarious, and the true behind-the-scenes of what it is like to photograph a toddler AND be in the photos too (which is so important!).⠀
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Anyone else attempt Valentine photos?⠀
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#mylittlevalentine #mommyandmephotos #toddlermom #toddlermomlife #behindthescenesphotoshoot #toddlerphotoshoot #ottawafamilyphotographer #ottawababyphotographer #ottawamom #canadianmom #mamababykisses  #lovebugsandhersheykisses #laughuntilyoucry #wingingmomhoodtogether #thisismyhappy⠀
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⁣📷 : @purenaturalnewborn (filter added)

Little miss has officially started Step 2 of the D
Little miss has officially started Step 2 of the Dairy Ladder and we are so excited! Okay, mostly ME, but she has thoroughly enjoyed the baked goods I have been making her, including these delicious blueberry biscuits. ⠀
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The recipe is actually DAIRY-FREE as you have come to love and expect it from my allergy household, it can be easily tweaked to include dairy since it was based upon the recipe given to us by our health care practitioner to have the correct dairy ratios.⠀
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They are the perfect hybrid between a tea biscuit, a scone, and a muffin. They are also sugar-free and completely customizable, making them the perfect Valentine’s Day treat for our allergy household! The recipe is on the blog [link in bio] and I would love for you to tag me in your creations! ⠀
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#blueberrymuffins #blueberryscones #blueberrybiscuits #sugarfreemuffins #babyfriendlymuffins #dairyladder #dairyladderstep2 #nutfreemuffins #eggfreemuffins #dairyfreemuffins #peanutfree #nutfree #babyfoodsadultsactuallywanttoeat #babysnacks #healthysnacks ⠀
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⁣📷 : @stephaniedemontignyphotog (filter added) --> For reposts or use of copyrighted images, please DM or email collabs@bossmamadiaries.com

Little missed refused naptime again today, and her
Little missed refused naptime again today, and her 'quiet time' consisted of singing and chatting AT THE TOP OF HER LUNGS. Oie!⠀
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So, like the true amazing and resourceful parents we are, attempted to replicate the theory of our after-toddler-bedtime 9PM movie (the one where we fall asleep half way through and need to rewatch again later). It worked like a charm! We got her to nap for an entire hour on the couch!⠀
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What not-so-ideal parenting tricks do you use?⠀
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#parentinghack #toddlermom #napregression #terribletwos #naptimeroutine #naptimefail #woodnurserydecor #momlife #littlebaeofmine #sweetchildofmine #ohheymama #imnottired #quiettimeisformetoo⠀
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⁣📷 --> For reposts or use of copyrighted images, please DM or email collabs@bossmamadiaries.com

Today's post is a little different: a break from t
Today's post is a little different: a break from the heavy and truthboms you are used to commiserating with in order to show off an unusual mommy-and-me moment.⠀
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You see, my husband has told me for years that I made an adorable scrunch face when I laugh, and recently while photographing my daughter he pointed out that she made the same happy face. > >  S  W  I  P  E >
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Does your kiddo mimic your facial traits or are they their own person so far? ⠀
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#motherdaughter #mommyandme #ottawamom #canadianmom #mamabear #thursdaymamma #scrunchieface #toddlermom #themanyfacesofmotherhood ⠀
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⁣📷 : @stephaniedemontignyphotog (filter added) & @purenaturalnewborn --> For reposts or use of copyrighted images, please DM or email collabs@bossmamadiaries.com

Some moments as a mom are pure bliss with uncontro
Some moments as a mom are pure bliss with uncontrollable laughter until the point of tears and the calm snuggles in between. Others make me second guess my decision to do it at all. Those moments are the hardest and seem to haunt me every day as I try to get some semblance of work done. And there is no escaping them when I can't even escape my home other than to go to the mailbox. ⠀
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As the lockdown keeps going for us, these moments keep escalating and compounding and it takes every single fiber of my being to fully appreciate the amazing smiling moments in between. I just keep telling myself that once my toddler has finished rolling on the floor screaming for her [insert object of the hour here], she will be the most angelic little thing asking for an extra hug and kiss before nap time [those squeeze hugs arethe best!]. ⠀
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So to raise morale and perhaps lower expectations, what adorable thing does your kiddo do that keeps you going through the meltdowns and the madness?⠀
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#toddlertantrums #toddlerfun #workfromhomelife #toddlermom #pandemiccrazy #pandemicblues #spreadpositivity #bossmama #bossmamadiaries #ottawamom #canadianmom #laughtilyoucry⠀
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⁣📷 --> For reposts or use of copyrighted images, please DM or email collabs@bossmamadiaries.com

Even before becoming a parent, there were always n
Even before becoming a parent, there were always never enough hours in the day to complete everything that needed to be done and still do things that I want. Becoming a mother stretched that time out even further, but I make it work. ⠀
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Forget about the pandemic for a minute and dream. If somehow you were able to have one extra hour every day to do as you please without worrying about anything, how would you spend it? Would you take a nap? Would you do some chores around the house? Would you go out to see a movie? Would you take the time to cook yourself a fancy meal and then enjoy it bite by bite? Would you take an education course or read a book? Would you spend it with your child or family? Your options are endless! ⠀
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TELL ME! ⠀
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#bossmamadiaries #ottawamom #canadianmom #ontariomom #momlife #bossmamalife #bossmama #oneextrahour #bossmom #bossbabe #loveyourrgals #callingfebruaryl #empowerr_me #letterboardquotes #lifeofamompreneur #lifeofaphotographer
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⁣📷 : @stephaniedemontignyphotog (filter added) --> For reposts or use of copyrighted images, please DM or email collabs@bossmamadiaries.com

T W O Y E A R S O L D. How is it even possible
T W O  Y E A R S  O L D.  How is it even possible that this kid, who was born pretty much a few months ago is somehow TWO!? ⁠⠀⠀
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She is learning new words every single day, learning new physical skills (finally gets air when trying to jump!), and is such a snuggly cutie when she wants to be (and I love it!). 💕⁠⠀⠀
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What fun new thing is your kiddo learning this month?⁠⠀⠀
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#thedemontignyadventures #kidsarehilarious #lifeofanewbornphotographer #babygirl #purenaturalnewborn #ottawanewbornphotographer #growwithme #antiquepinkchair #vintagerose #twentyfourmonthsold #24monthsold #twoyearsold #heyitsmemama #littlemover #shesofficiallyatoddler #toddlerjumps ⠀ ⁠​​⁣⠀⠀⁠⠀⠀
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📷: @purenaturalnewborn (filter added)

I know it's only been a few weeks, but this year a
I know it's only been a few weeks, but this year already feels like forever because we've been living like this for ELEVEN MONTHS. That's heavy on my heart, and many others I am sure. So, here is your friendly reminder to take a moment for yourself, find something that makes you happy (no matter how small!) and treat yourself (even though it should NOT be a luxury for basic selfcare). ⠀
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For me, that was making the decision to splurge on myself and buy a new set of loungewear from @kytebaby with my birthday money (happy 30th!), and it was exactly what I needed to feel good about myself. It let me accept my “work uniform” as a boss mama can absolutely be pyjamas and that what I wear should NOT be a burden, and that if I am going to be wearing it 24/7 then I ought to at least have a set to wear while I wash the other. It's been a glorious two weeks of soft, comfortable 'uniform' wearing!⠀
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What is your "helps-you-feel-better" basic necessity?⠀
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ps: there is a giveaway for a loungewear set happening on my feed until end of day today, so go enter!!⠀
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#kytebabygiveaway #kytebaby #mamaloungewear #mamapyjamas #kytejoggers #kytemama #kytepyjamas #kyteloungewear #momstyle #momfashion #ottawamom #canadianmom #bumpfriendlypjs #heymama_friend #dancingwithtoddlers #bossmom #momboss #workfromhomemom #workfromhomelife⠀
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⁣📷 : @stephaniedemontignyphotog (filter added) --> For reposts or use of copyrighted images, please DM or email collabs@bossmamadiaries.com

Sometimes my kid eats more than my husband and I c
Sometimes my kid eats more than my husband and I combined, and other times she will barely lick what we give her. That's toddlerhood for ya!⠀
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But when it comes to making sure her favourites (like rice, noodles & bread, of course!) are actually healthy (more nutrients, less empty calories), our hack is piling healthy things on top of a it (think of it as a well-received vessel), and making sure that base layer is as healthy as possible. ⠀
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Today's creation: a slice of bread, tuna with olive oil, pickle bits, hummus, paired with a small glass of iron-infused oat milk with high-fat coconut cream (dairy allergy, remember!). ⠀
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What is one food that your kidddo LOVES that you perhaps wish they loved a little less?⠀
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#snacktime #toddlersnacks #babyfoodsadultsactuallywanttoeat #lunchtimefortoddler #toddlereats #toddlerlovestoast #momhack #ottawamom #canadianmom #momblogger #love_mamalife #momlife ⠀
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⁣📷 --> For reposts or use of copyrighted images, please DM or email collabs@bossmamadiaries.com


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