07Dec

Honeymoon in San Francisco – Our Trip In Review

Honeymoon in San Francisco

Our Trip In Review, With Photos

for purposes of easy-lists, everything per category is in alphabetical order

[more photos at the end of the page]

We spent a full 10 days on our honeymoon and I must say that it was a well-needed vacation, and a chance for us to reconnect after a stressful few months with the move to the new house. We did something new and exciting every single day, and took the time to relax when needed. Great company, good food, and a ton of fun. I’ve put together a list of all the cool things we did, where we ate, where we stayed, and gave recommendations and a review where I could. We loved San Francisco, and I highly suggest you add it to your travel list if it is not already there!

365 project 365 days of happy challenge stephanie de montigny
01Dec

365 Days of Happy | December 2017

If you haven’t already heard about my special project for this year, you’re missing out! Every day, for the entire year, no matter what, I will write about something that makes me happy: 365 DAYS OF HAPPY. I invite you to join me in creating the happiest year for yourself! It is never too late to start 🙂 #sdemontigny365daysofhappy2017

365 project 365 days of happy challenge stephanie de montigny
01Oct

365 Days of Happy | October 2017

If you haven’t already heard about my special project for this year, you’re missing out! Every day, for the entire year, no matter what, I will write about something that makes me happy: 365 DAYS OF HAPPY. I invite you to join me in creating the happiest year for yourself! It is never too late to start 🙂 #sdemontigny365daysofhappy2017

Grange de la Gatineau Cantley Outdoor Ceremony Ottawa Bride Bridal Party Formal Wedding Photography Melissa Morrissey
24Sep

Alex & Stephanie’s Wedding | Married at La Grange de la Gatineau

First things first, a shout-out to our friend and photographer, Melissa Morrissey, for these amazing keepsakes from our wedding. Second, a HUGE thank you to our amazing venue and staff (here’s looking at you, Mina!) for their great location, customer service, and sheer willingness to make our day perfect.

Now for the showcase, Alex & Stephanie –> Married!

365 project 365 days of happy challenge stephanie de montigny
02Sep

365 Days of Happy | September 2017

Day 2, 365 Project, 365 Days of Happy, Welcome to 2017

If you haven’t already heard about my special project for this year, you’re missing out! Every day, for the entire year, no matter what, I will write about something that makes me happy: 365 DAYS OF HAPPY. I invite you to join me in creating the happiest year for yourself! It is never too late to start 🙂 #sdemontigny365daysofhappy2017

Keto-Friendly Low Carb Zucchini Enchiladas melted cheese
03Aug

Low Carb Zucchini Enchiladas | Keto Recipe

If you love cheese, then you will absolutely adore these Keto-Friendly Low Carb Zucchini Enchiladas. They are packed with some serious flavour, and the perfect amount of heat. They make life worth living. Seriously, they are amazing! Try for yourself…

365 project 365 days of happy challenge stephanie de montigny
01Aug

365 Days of Happy | August 2017

If you haven’t already heard about my special project for this year, you’re missing out! Every day, for the entire year, no matter what, I will write about something that makes me happy: 365 DAYS OF HAPPY. I invite you to join me in creating the happiest year for yourself! It is never too late to start 🙂 #sdemontigny365daysofhappy2017

wedding photo gatineau marriage ceremony wood welcome sign grange de la gatineau
10Jul

Behind The Scenes of my DIY Wedding | Ottawa Bride

Read on as I walk you through the behind the scenes of my DIY wedding, the things you can skimp on to splurge on the rest, and the things that you absolutely should outsource in order to have the best day possible with the least amount of stress. And yes, there are a few DIY tutorials for some of the decor items.

reupholstering-vintage-chairs-DIY-tutorial-antique-to-modern-how-to-before-after
09Jul

Reupholstering Vintage Kitchen Chairs | DIY Project

Our adventure to reupholster vintage chairs began so we could have beautiful and unique chairs to sit upon at our wedding reception’s sweetheart table, and it was a roaring success! And let me tell you that when I say vintage, I mean super authentic and really old! How old, you ask? Check out the ‘cushion’ that we found beneath the fabric! Yep, that’s straw! And yes, my dad helped and supplied the power tools…

365 project 365 days of happy challenge stephanie de montigny
02Jul

365 Days of Happy | July 2017

If you haven’t already heard about my special project for this year, you’re missing out! Every day, for the entire year, no matter what, I will write about something that makes me happy: 365 DAYS OF HAPPY. I invite you to join me in creating the happiest year for yourself! It is never too late to start 🙂 #sdemontigny365daysofhappy2017

A-Caged-Mind-Showcase-Stephanie-de-Montigny-Stone-Walls
18Jun

A Caged Mind

Explaining Concussions Through Body Paintings

When I was first introduced to the ‘A Caged Mind’ project by May Mutter, I was definitely intrigued. The more May told me about her experiences and the truths about concussions, the more I wanted to help. Her idea to create awareness by telling the stories of concussion sufferers through visual representations was something I was very excited to participate in. Her plan was to use her talents as a body painter to showcase the true nature of concussions, each individual telling their own story. 

365 project 365 days of happy challenge stephanie de montigny
01Jun

365 Days of Happy | June 2017

If you haven’t already heard about my special project for this year, you’re missing out! Every day, for the entire year, no matter what, I will write about something that makes me happy: 365 DAYS OF HAPPY. I invite you to join me in creating the happiest year for yourself! It is never too late to start 🙂 #sdemontigny365daysofhappy2017

stephanie de montigny white cherry blossoms photos ottawa melissa morrissey photography fiance hugging bride, curly blonde hair, stunning pink vintage dress, natural cardigan with elbow patches love
28May

Engagement Bliss In The Cherry Blossoms

I recently set out on the adventure of getting engagement photos done with my fiancé, and the gallery is back. They are amazing, and I am even more excited for the wedding ones now!

365 project 365 days of happy challenge stephanie de montigny
01May

365 Days of Happy | May 2017

If you haven’t already heard about my special project for this year, you’re missing out! Every day, for the entire year, no matter what, I will write about something that makes me happy: 365 DAYS OF HAPPY. I invite you to join me in creating the happiest year for yourself! It is never too late to start 🙂 #sdemontigny365daysofhappy2017

keto weightloss story, success story, 20 pounds down in 4 months, no excersize, before and after
28Apr

I was on the radio! | My keto weightloss story of how I dropped 6 inches in under 4 months

There’s no denying that it was super cool to find out I was going to be on the radio. Combined with the nerves, my excitement was evident. Luckily I tend to perform surprisingly well in stressful situations, and while I don’t like to give speeches to crowds, I certainly am a talker! I finally received the audio, and while I am totally guilty of having fast-forwarded to hear my part, the show as a whole was quite interesting to follow. Hearing everyone’s unique weightloss success stories, along with doctor snippets, really gives perspective on the no-diet-fits-all theory. Definitely consult a professional before you dive into something drastically affecting your health, good or bad. Without further ado: the interview about my keto weightloss story.

A Beginner's Guide To Setting Up A Cheese Platter - cheese platter brie mine pun wine vintage lace
26Apr

Beginner’s Guide To Setting Up A Cheese Platter

If you’ve ever been in my company at a cocktail party or luncheon, you know very well that I will be hanging out near the veggies and cheese platters. I mean, it’s cheese! This has not changed since I converted to the ketogenic lifestyle, I just can’t put in on crackers or top with jam anymore. Even the most experienced cheese-eaters like myself who have a knack for visual creativity have trouble designing the perfect cheese platter. So I have sourced this amazing Guide To Setting Up A Cheese Platter infographic for you that explains all you need to do — Enjoy! 

Imperfect Boss, Ottawa Blogger, Ottawa Photographer, Local SEO Strategist, Start the Movement
25Apr

I’m an Imperfect Boss & That’s Okay

I’m an Imperfect Boss and that’s okay. The important part is that I own my imperfections, my talents, and take longs strides with confidence. Nobody is perfect. I am not nobody. Therefore, I am imperfect. And I am absolutely okay with that!

Art House Cafe Ottawa, Chinatown, Coffee Shop, Art Gallery, the-art-house-cafe-bronson-somerset-bay-chinatown-coffee-shop
21Apr

Art House Cafe Ottawa – Art Gallery or Coffee Shop

I love supporting local businesses, especially when they support local artists and help the community grow. Not only does it help our spirits, but it improves the local economy. In a huge city like Ottawa, if each of us spent an extra dollar at a small business instead of a corporation each month, that’s almost a million dollars into the local economy every single month. Talk about an amazing investment! Need a suggestion on where to spend that dollar? Try The Art House Cafe, in the heart of Chinatown, which is a two-in-one establishment: an art gallery & coffee shop — best of both worlds!

12Apr

Vegan Low Carb Butternut Squash Soup | Keto Recipe

While I am an omnivore, I have found that I am eating more and more meat-free meals these days because they are just so delicious! This delectably tasting wonder is a vegan low carb butternut squash soup, which has all of the traits of an amazing keto-friendly meal, plus the added bonus of being nut-free AND vegan, which is a hard combination to come by. Enjoy!

southern-inspired-eggplant-sausage-shrimp-gumbo-bowl-keto-friendly-ottawa-food-blogger-photographer low carb slow cooker gumbo keto recipe
11Apr

Cajun Low Carb Slow Cooker Gumbo | Keto Recipe

This cajun slow cooker gumbo is sure to get your taste buds fired up, in the best and most flavourful way. It can easily be made on a stovetop, but it was designed for an easy ‘throw everything in’ crockpot recipe. I can’t wait to indulge in this keto-friendly twist on a southern inspired favourite!