From Heels to Homesteading: Why I’m Blogging Again

Stephanie Danielle
Sep 16
3 min read

If you had told me five years ago that I’d be blogging again—but this time in overalls and Muck Boots instead of 6-inch heels and custom hats from my own fashion label—I would have laughed in your face.

And I mean really laughed. Because back then, I was convinced my life was headed back to Los Angeles, California. I thought I’d marry a rockstar, thrive in the fashion and music industry, and live the glamorous city life forever. Instead, here I am: head-over-boots for a head-strong former Army man who couldn’t name a single Night Ranger song, raising chickens and rabbits on a half-acre homestead, with a toddler at my side and another baby on the way (with a couple more to follow after that, God-willing).

And honestly? I wouldn’t trade it.

The Dream I Didn’t See Coming

Even in those high-fashion days, a little piece of my heart whispered “wait, really?” whenever I pictured a slower, simpler life. I always knew I’d circle back to writing and content creation someday. But after burning out on the fashion industry and watching social media spiral into mindless, unoriginal content, I didn’t know how or when.

Still, I couldn’t shake the call. Writing, storytelling, and encouraging others have always been a part of me.

The Birth of Steph on the ‘Stead

This blog has been stirring in my heart for over a year. I wrestled with the idea for so long. But little by little, I kept feeling that nudge—through Curtis (a.k.a. Handsome Man), through family and friends, and, most importantly, through God.

Finally, this past September, I decided: “the hay with it!” I dove in—branding, designing the site, drafting content, and even learning video editing (something I’d never touched before). And the more I leaned in, the less anxious I felt. Prayer became my anchor. I asked the Lord to guide me and help me keep balance as I stepped back into the blogosphere.

Silver Fox rabbits kits in a colony setting on our homestead. — *some of our Silver Fox rabbit kits running to the feeder because I was 3 minutes late feeding breakfast.*

A Long Way from Where I Started

This is a far cry from the content I was publishing back in 2012, when I was writing fashion columns for my city newspaper and reviewing rock albums. It’s an even farther cry from those nights I spent longing to be in a Los Angeles apartment, chasing dreams that don’t look much like the ones I live now.

But that’s the beauty of it.

gratuitous photos of me in my former elements (2018, 2014, 2017 - approximately)

What You’ll Find Here on the Homestead

Steph on the ‘Stead is a reflection of the life I’m living now—and the one I’m building for the future. Here, you’ll find:

Homesteading Tips from our half-acre farm (low-fuss, practical methods)
Faith and Motherhood—learning to lean on God while raising little ones
Biblical Homemaking & Stewardship woven into everyday life
Western-Inspired Lifestyle Content, because once a fashion blogger, always a fashion blogger
DIY Projects for Home and Homestead (from décor to practical fashion pieces)