27Sep

Are You Focusing On The Right Things In Your Business?

With the recent mass power outage in Ottawa, there are a ton of stories being passed around, recounts of adventures, and despite all the negative things that have happened, there is still so much positivity in the air. I am so proud to be a part of a community that lives that way. And, of course, I’ve got my own story to tell–but it isn’t about ME, it’s about YOUR business.

I was lucky enough to be able to photograph all of my clients over the weekend with natural light, and that my studio was at an acceptable temperature throughout the day (thankfully no newborn sessions, just older babies and expecting mamas). I had all forms printed out beforehand, and batteries charged, so I was well prepared. See mom; my Murphy’s law mentality DOES come in handy! Had I not previously practiced with natural light instead of my strobes, I do not think the days would have gone so smoothly.

My husband on the other hand, was not so lucky with his work…

07Aug

Getting Ready For Baby

When it comes to choosing to be parents, you’d think you’d have more time and focus when it comes to getting ready for baby to arrive. Nope. You let time pass by thinking you have so much left, and then it hits you that you’re over 30 weeks in, and have less than 3 months to go to get everything done!

19Jul

We Built A Shed!

I will let the photos do most of the talking on this one, but we are very proud of this shed that we helped my dad build, and we truly made it feel like another room in the house. Well, from the outside anyway–the inside is unfinished and just your garden variety of utility shed. It’s got dirt, planters, shovels, and will eventually house a patio set if we ever buy one, ha ha.

So what you would never know from these images is that the majority of the wood used to build the actual shed, not the outside (siding & shingles) was actually re-purposed from my uncle’s deck. 

19Jul

I Know I’ve Been MIA, Here’s Why

So the last post I published was about our Christmas holidays–over 6 months ago, yikes! But don’t let that fool you into thinking I’ve left the blogging world. I have simply been busy with life & work, and haven’t quite found the balance that allows for me to keep posting about my personal life. That and I stopped inventing or recreating recipes, and opted out of the 365 project for 2018. BUT now that things have settled a little bit after moving into the new house, and while I am much busier with my businesses, I have more of a streamlined process and have a little more time to start writing again.

First things first, I have transitioned from eating keto to eating low-carb and healthy. What does that mean? I now enjoy sugar-free smoothies in the morning that include bananas or cherries, and a tasty glass of [pure] orange juice on the weekends. I still avoid pasta and potatoes, and other culprits like bread and any processed sugar or sugar-substitutes. So yes, some nut-free, sugar-free recipes might be in the works in the future. But for now, I am just focusing on eating healthy, and finding foods that don’t make me feel like crap. So far, so good.

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26Dec

Christmas 2017 – Favourite Holiday Traditions

Holiday traditions are always a fun thing to hear what other families do differently than yours, to hear about similarities, and to get great inspiration from completely out-of-the box ideas. This year was the first my partner and I spent together as husband and wife, and in our new home. When it comes to Christmas, I have got a boatload of traditions that I want to keep going, but this year felt like the perfect year to just do ‘us’, before the family and children come into play. And of course, we kept our little ornament tradition alive!

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.

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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.