Naked Photoshoot at the Chateau!

[@fip62]

The chapel is beautiful, so pleased that you found someone to restore it.

[@TheChateauDiaries]

Me too! It’s such a relief because I had no idea how I was going to find an expert to tackle it!

[@sylviacheal5925]

Stephanie and her Mum Isabel are amazing Women. I just love this program and a little jealous. Looking forward to seeing the beautiful Chapel renovated.

[@Taonga-Maps-International]

Marie is a huge asset to this family. You all get from her the best of the best-prepared food. I like her good mood. She is a keeper

[@mariacanto1871]

You have a lovely voice, Stephanie! No wonder people love to come and spend time at the chateau, you welcome and make them feel right at home!

[@FrugalOverFifty]

As a voice teacher I've heard many versions of "Amarilli" over the years. Thanks for bringing such beauty to the song - it's lovely to hear it sung so beautifully and with such respect for its history. You have such a beautiful voice.

[@robsondog01]

"Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm." You are a product of the people you surround yourself with, delightful .

[@TheChateauDiaries]

Those are very true words, we’re all so affected by the people around us!

[@onedandylion]

How wonderful! Good on you for doing the photoshoot... Inspiring! Another fabulous week at Lalande - thank you for sharing with us.

[@TheChateauDiaries]

It’s my pleasure 💛💛💛

[@kindlydude]

... and tasteful

[@endeavouringit]

The gifts from Marie are so thoughtful and beautiful. The photos taken of you are stunning

[@marilynloucks1121]

I've watched most but not all of your vlogs apparently! this one had me giggling tonight on my night shift at a group home for individuals with intellectual disabilities in Northern Ontario Canada. You've entertained me and so many others during this pandemic and I'm so grateful. I recommended your channel to my mother in law and it's been just the ticket for her as well. Thank you, thank you! :)

[@webmario2]

That chapel is a true gem! You are so lucky and bless! Im living my dream of owning a chateau through out your vlog! Thank you!

[@benedictegaspard5867]

Stéphanie you have so much talent and knowledge ! Chateau Lalande with your family and the wonderful volonteers, makes this entertainment unique, joyful, and full of hope ! Thank you very much.

[@lindajones8253]

I am so proud of Marie for the photo shoot. She has really blossomed since coming to the chateau.

[@cathyhelmuth823]

I love watching Maddie about cooking and flower arranging! I do hope that you will have a shop one day that all of your viewers may purchase cards, art, books, etc. Donna's children's book jacket of the five Ian's is beautiful, and I hope she writes and illustrates the book for you! Thank you for providing experiences for others and myself that we may not have without your channel. I am a very simple woman from Georgia, USA.

[@sylviemacfarland8503]

Happy birthday Stephanie, from Melbourne Australia! May you be blessed this coming year with more joy and love in your life.

[@TheChateauDiaries]

Wow, all the way from Melbourne! Thank you! 💖

[@Jacqueline-es5yb]

It's odd that you did that on your 44th birthday, I did a model style photo shoot (like yours) at 45, I was so glad I did. Very liberating! I loved how they turned out (in black and white also). You are lovely and SO talented, Marie's looked like they will be lovely too. x

[@SeaMistLights]

I hope once your chapel is fully restored that you can hold the performances there too! That would be quite moving and beautiful. The music in this video is breathtaking! And so is your singing!

[@kimberlyllamas5804]

Had no earthly idea you were also an Opera singer Stef. The acoustics in the chapel were exquisite!

[@kindlydude]

Yesssssss!!!!!

[@josephinedavidson5968]

Stephanie you sing like an Angel and your voice is awe inspiring, what glorious news regarding the Chapel, I am so thrilled for you, really thrilled it is such heart warming news and what goes around comes around, you are a perfect example of one of life’s givers ! People want to give back. Lovely to see such a happy birthday and Gerry back with you ! Vietnam Wow, something to truly look forward to. What an uplifting heart warming Vlog. X

[@TheChateauDiaries]

We are all so excited about the chapel, I want to make sure that we leave it in a beautiful state for future generations. It would be awful to allow such a jewel to fall further into decay. In fact the very first thing we did when we bought the château was to reroof the chapel! But since then we’ve been stumped re the interior.

[@THX3811]

Happy Birthday Stephanie! Your videos are a highlight each week. Thank you! By the way your Mum with her sunglasses reminded me of Patsy from Ab Fab!

[@TheChateauDiaries]

😂😂😂 That’s so true! 😎

[@1weazy291]

Omg‼️😁I just luv these videos. All the laughing and guests that are having such a grand time, it’s all so uplifting‼️😊

[@sunnygirl87]

Amazing People/Friends. You are inspirational in many ways. Thank you for sharing and encouraging others to dream.

[@patriciacalunniato6872]

Stephanie your voice is just fantastic both you and Michael are so so talented thank you can't wait to see the chapel finished st Joseph is a wonderful Saint he Helps a lot of people even today just prayers that is all it takes God Bless

[@alicenettleton366]

‘I’m not sure because I’m very very British’ 😂😂😂 this made me laugh so much because that was exactly my train of thought

[@_PGBUZZ]

Happy Birthday!!! Such a wonderful place and lovely people to celebrate it with. So happy for you about the news of the restoration of the Chapel. Looking forward to seeing it all unfold on your chanel. Also get well wishes to your Peahen.

[@TheChateauDiaries]

Thank you! I’ll pass your best wishes onto our peahen 😊 I’m so very excited about the chapel!

[@angeladresler1855]

Beautiful singing Stephanie x

[@mayradell3953]

That sweet frisky ram is hilarious.

[@amandavanlingen1768]

Beautiful Happy Birthday Blessings to you Stephanie 🧁🌸💋 May you continue to be surrounded by all you love & may all your dreams come true 💛 Once again - loved your singing & you looked absolutely stunning in your gold dress 👑 Congrats on "striking a pose" good for you. I have no doubt the pics will be classy & artistic 👌🌟. Happy that the Chapel is being restored 💒. You truly are surrounded by beautiful history, scenery & loving people. Beautiful blessings Mandy 👑 SA

[@TheChateauDiaries]

Thank you Mandy! I do feel incredibly lucky to be surrounded by such lovely people, it’s them who make the chateau special ❤️

[@joannecordelia]

Please continue to video some of the workshops! So many of us would love to be there but can’t. ☹️ Thank you! Merci!❤️

[@sunglist3677]

This is amazing what you produce!!! LOVE it ALL!!, you are so talented! What a beautiful, touching voice you have! And how funny the sheep!

[@ZenithCoachingWorks]

Happy Birthday Stephanie. Looks like you had a fab day ♥

[@TheChateauDiaries]

Thank you! I did 😊

[@suehesk]

So glad you had a wonderful birthday Stephanie. xx

[@donnarowell8281]

Happy Birthday. I’m a high school music teacher in the USA. I love this channel.

[@TheChateauDiaries]

Wow, it’s lovely to hear that it’s being enjoyed so far away! Thanks 😊

[@silvergirl7810]

The Chateau Diaries oh yeah, I’m watching from Vegas and I LOVE this channel as well, my favorite!!

[@marcovegt2147]

Wow, you have such a beautiful voice Stephanie! I would have loved to have heard much more. I love early music. And this was 7 years ago!

[@roseypeach8363]

Stephanie you sing like an angel.

[@kindlydude]

I think so too!!! She sounded especially ethereal with the wonderful acoustics of that chapel... wish we could hear the whole concert sometimes... her dress was particularly beautiful!!

[@Rebekahlow]

Wonderful to hear you sing!!!!!! Love from Vermont

[@steviefirst]

Stephanie ! I think your birthday is the same day my mother's was. :) I too, am vicariously living thru your and Jay Swanson's videos. In this difficult time I'm enjoying your videos immensely. Can't fly....and I have dogs ....but someday I'd love to come for a visit.

[@riauresort4555]

Dear Stephanie, you have a voice of an angel. Beautiful! And good news about the chapel

[@carolworsley1015]

Happy Birthday Stephanie and I adore your vlogs x

[@TheChateauDiaries]

Thank you 😊😊😊

[@carolworsley1015]

Cannot wait for your photos Stephanie you look stunning xx

[@gingerellison2497]

What a happy life you project on a cold, snowy day in Boulder, Colorado. Thanks for sharing your 44th birthday with all of us.

[@amandacorey1939]

I almost spat out my wine when Stephanie said she's shy :p

[@punkrocker4julie]

LMAO

[@breakfastattiffanys741]

😂😂

[@kindlydude]

One can be gregarious and quite sociable ...and shy at the same time believe it or not.... in fact comics and actors often begin their disciplines as a way of overcoming their shyness. As a child, I was painfully shy and almost withdrawn, but then came out of my shell much later in life & no one would believe it was the same person!

[@amandacorey1939]

@@kindlydude I agree, I was the same way. I used to black out during a presentation in school, but by the time I got my first job presentations were one of my core strengths. I guess I was surprised she was like us!

[@ddenice963]

😂😂😂😂

[@twobins2060]

You have great friends and family. Happy birthday.

[@TheChateauDiaries]

I do, they have me in stitches all day long!

[@nmarzuke]

My goodness! Your voice is beautiful! 🥰

[@beverlyjeursen6311]

I love the fennel photo shoot and would love to do the same in a similar environment. Lovely birthday Steph, still awesome as ever. Not seeing enough of Gerry lately, will have to import him ;) so happy for all about the restoration of the chapel, will be well worth it. excited for the next vlog xx

[@themickeytrain]

Happy Birthday Stephanie Hope It’s A Great One. How beautiful and sweet is Marie she brightened up my day. X

[@TheChateauDiaries]

I know the feeling - she brightens up my day every day!

[@lindasnelson7036]

Happy birthday Stephenie. Loved the vlog.😀

[@TheChateauDiaries]

Thank you, Linda!

[@sindysimms4001]

You sing like an angel or a diva. The photograph was just stunning.

[@michaelgarcia7539]

Happy Birthday! May you have a Very Blessed Day!

[@ivanahanus5101]

I love your channel. I love the beauty of your chateau and of course you and your mommy.when I have a chance to travel abroad from South Africa I always visit some lovely chateaus. I love the décor and all that you have done at La Lande, you are very talented.I love the traditional and English cottage style myself and enjoy decorating my own home.blessings to all.

[@karolina2384]

I have just found your lovely channel and am absolutely enchanted! I can effectively say I have spent all morning getting up to date with your story! What a wonderful attitude towards life you have! You're like a breath of fresh air! Will keep watching! Your birthday gift is so gorgeous.. where could I get a tea mug like that? I'd love to gift it to someone special for Christmas xx

[@karinbergman1646]

Beautiful----I so look forward to your videos! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Yes, perhaps use white cotton gloves with archival documents, although there is some debate about it amongst curators. Your vlogs really make one feel a part of everything going on. Thank you!

[@TheChateauDiaries]

That’s a very good idea re the gloves, I hadn’t even thought about it! Luckily we don’t look through the plans very often and they’re kept in a dark cupboard, but I keep thinking I should get a fireproof safe for them!

[@thomasmcmahon9028]

My favourite channel,always so wonderful to watch you.

[@TheChateauDiaries]

Thanks! That’s lovely to hear 💛

[@ilovejewelyn]

✨I enjoyed your singing so much... I had to rewatch that part 3x! Lovely dress✨

[@LuthorvilleCA]

As a fellow photographer, I actually knew Renee when she lived here in Los Angeles. I'll send you an email about the party I co-hosted at her house, but totally dropped the ball, because the night before, I eloped with a girl I never met at an Elvis Chapel in Vegas...

[@alisonblack1824]

Oh wow and she sing too .Stephanie sings like a angle .

[@mariagillinson8527]

This is such a gift! A blessing

[@badapple65]

Very interesting accents on this channel , French , English, South African, Norwegian, Australian etc. Then when an American is thrown in the mix I think Wow! How plain we Americans speak. I can say this since I am one. I would love to see the game played where everyone tries to imitate each other’s accents. It cracks me up when I hear someone with such a beautiful European accent break into their best American accent.

[@gaby9808]

Ooh truly beautiful, al of it.. what a lovely life you make of your.. and your family and friends..🙏🏽🍀

[@marybrand1977]

You are so talented. The church has come along way .

[@connieserrano6521]

So Beautiful place.

[@TheChateauDiaries]

Thank you 💛

[@banitesscruz9771]

(0:28) Devotion to San Roche (St. Rock /San Rocco/San Roque - the patron saint of healing) has been growing again because of the Covid 19 pandemic. Thanks for a lovely video. Stay healthy and safe. God bless!

[@emilye1962]

Marie is just charming, and has a child like character which is completely endearing!

[@IssieODonovan]

Love your videos 💞 you inspire me so much 💕

[@wendyfrench9898]

Yet another fab vlog , you are all so wonderful and charming . I love watching all the things you get up to . Thank you for sharing . 💕💕

[@TheChateauDiaries]

Thank you 😘😘😘

[@viewfrommylensjane]

Stunning chapel and your singing was beautiful. Thankyou for sharing.. LOL Ally was so good to begin with hahaha! and then he changed his mind haha

[@joannecordelia]

Have not heard any more about the chapel restoration. Would love to know if it’s going to happen!

[@donnamay4016]

You will love Vietnam. My husband and I loved it there.

[@TheChateauDiaries]

I can’t wait to go!

[@viewfrommylensjane]

Happy Birthday! Nothing nicer than breakfast in bed! on a tray with flowers so sweet. xo

[@carawinsorhehir]

yay! good on you for dropping your kit! and on your birthday! in your first suit! ive been nude modelling for about 20 years. it's brought me wonderful experiences and more confidence than i deserve. also, angkor wat. i'm fascinated by it. just watched a timeline about it this week. i'm very jealous. and with gerry! who needs his own youtube channel. and can marie tell us about the fennel?

[@TheChateauDiaries]

Yes, a birthday photoshoot in my birthday suit! It was more fun than I was expecting. I haven’t seen the edits of the fennel photos yet, but I know that Marie absolutely loved the experience. I’m so very excited about Vietnam and Angkor Wat - hopefully we’ll go this winter, maybe in February or March.

[@deborahflello2316]

Looks like your birthday was filled with love...just as it should be! best wishes from la Charente

[@TheChateauDiaries]

It was, I’m lucky to live with such lovely people ❤️

[@chporti]

Hi Stephanie, I hope you're doing great. I'm binge watching all your videos during this confinement. I wanted to ask you what's the name of the piece you're singing in the church with the ensemble. Thank you, hugs from NY.

[@LL-sq8se]

I love this channel ❤️

[@nadinetasmania]

I think this has to be my fav video from all I have viewed.

[@lindahedman3115]

What a treasure to hear the music.

[@reinaldophotographyart2193]

aplaudir!!!! Stephanie's birthday like!!!

[@wendyfrench9898]

Opp's meant to say Happy Birthday Stephanie 💕💕x

[@catherinedurbin9298]

next time you have the renaissance workshop (because I assume it won't in 2020) I want to come! I'm a classical soprano and ADORE all things pre 1650!!! We can make beautiful in the chapel!! P.S. Lovely job singing!

[@hisnewlife3543]

I wish to be one of the artists to restore the chapel paintings!

[@pokomocogolo]

Such pretty food and photos! Catching up on older episodes and I am obsessed with figuring out the snack cake mentioned after the crisps at almost 8 minutes! It sounds like "mocker cake" but I googled that and it doesn't seem to exist so I keep trying different spelling. Does anyone know what cake that is?

[@allymayful]

Mocka usually means a mixture of chocolate and coffee.

[@allymayful]

Mocka usually means a mixture of chocolate and coffee.

[@allymayful]

Such an awesome vlog. One l have missed from the past. Your singing is amazing. I imagine that you would have to do consistent performing/practice to perform at this level??? How and when do you fit this in???

[@Jennifer62389]

Your Norwegian friend Marie always looks like a young maid working in the kitchen in period paintings. She needs a white apron and that little white cap with the two strings that hang down and the sun shinning through the window, she's so cute, love her.

[@fourtails1192]

Happy belated birthday..

[@TheChateauDiaries]

Thank you 😊

[@donnamay4016]

Hoping you had a beautiful birthday

[@TheChateauDiaries]

I really did, thank you 😊

[@oliveappleby8672]

I had a wish to become an artists model. So at the age of 65 I realised my ambition, a nude artists model. What a fabulous liberating Experience. I modelled for 2 years and got paid💖💖💖💋 I had scars from operations, saggy bits but I didn't care and neither did anyone else🎉 great fun.

[@joannecordelia]

When repainting the chapel, have you thought about creating stencils? This would be perfect because the design is repetitive. Also it would allow you to put the paint on in a weathered look, so it does not look brand new. You would create one or more stencils per pattern, then overlay them to keep them straight. Much easier than painting each piece separately. Or again create wallpaper. 😉

[@susansparke3462]

The document particular to the special piece of furniture appeared to have a black border around the perimeter. I was always told by my maternal grandfather, (1922-2005), who was the son of a (French) Basque immigrant father, (1886-1949, immigrated to California, USA in 1905) and a Béarnese immigrant mother, (1894-1978, immigrated to California, USA in 1913), that stationary, such as papers and envelopes with black borders, were used exclusively when sending death announcements so as to warn both the letter carriers and the recipients of both the importance and the gravity of the letters' contents. My great-grandmother's older brother had to send a letter from their home village of Arette, France, announcing their beloved father's death in 1935 to his sister and brother here in California and he used the special black-bordered stationary to do so. When my grandfather would show me these things and speak of his maman he passed on these little tidbits of information to me, but perhaps it was more of a regional practice. As your mother was born and raised in France, though I do not know whereabouts she spent her formative years, and she is obviously significantly younger than my relatives who were still using the stationary, perhaps she may know something about the practice from a bygone era from her grandparents or great-aunts/uncles. I would be very curious to know if you have any other information to share on the subject as I've never seen any other black-bordered stationary. Thank you for sharing your life and experiences with all of us as they truly bring me joy. Wishing you all the best my dear Stephanie! Sent with love from Susan Sparke of Madera, California, USA Wishing you a very Happy Belated Birthday!!!

[@michaeljohnson4636]

Pleased the peahen is doing better another interesting video and funny too it will be very interesting to see the progress in the chapel as it happens it will look a lot better when the inside walls are cleaned

[@TheChateauDiaries]

I also can’t wait to see it - after all these years!

[@hectorbrown656]

So sorry I'm late , but Happy Birthday , Maureen

[@TheChateauDiaries]

Thank you!

[@carlaaudo2697]

O my god how i wish i can be with there with all this renaissance heaven I'm from Syria and sing renaissence and baroque music it would be magical to sing in the chateau's chapel

[@myhappynest6125]

Stephanie I bet your were the cutest most precocious little girl. Happy Birthday 😊

[@jitaamesuluma9730]

ah calcium , so it was egg bind , then the blood should return to the legs even if she can not be as swift as she was , if an egg gets stuck then it can effect the spine and the legs will stop working , once cleared they should eventually work properly all birds need calcium hens of all sorts they need it to make the shell and to keep them strong , we always fed the hens the egg shell in their feed and a small bowl of sea shells (crushed shells ) and pebbles , one for calcium and the other for breaking down food in their gut , yours roam they will get the pebbles but not the calcium , unless they have a good supply of small snails , they will need shell of some kind

[@jitaamesuluma9730]

i grew up in an Elizabethan house , we had a lot of animals , we inherited the peacocks/hens when my adopted parents bought the place , they liked being cuddled

[@carolflynn7933]

❤wonderful ❤

[@earthangel7889]

I love your mom and Percy!!!

[@sharonK71]

I would have never guessed you were 44 here. You are so beautiful! I just love your videos.

[@bridgetcooper176]

What happened to the expert restorer? This was a year ago. Is he still going to restore the chapel?

[@garlandgarrett6332]

So how long to restore the Chapel?

[@HeatherRenee2017]

That sheep is a hoot

[@amberbrown5359]

Why is the peahen paralyzed? What happened to her?

[@annivali4356]

There was a heat wave and it got a heat stroke.

[@angelagalloway5275]

Aww lovely music yes agreed, lovely cake

[@lynnmontgomery9227]

What did Stephanie study at uni? She’s so adorable!!!!!

[@lifewithkidsandcats5473]

Do you ever share recipes? 🖤