Nope, I really haven’t moved. Seems since 1998 I’ve been in the exact same place. That’s the kind of person I think I am, though. I bloom where I’m planted. And guess what? I like my pot. It’s a nice pot, plenty of sun, good soil, I’m watered regularly. Sometimes I have to be repotted and push the roots further, not always a comfortable season, but it promotes growth. There is sometimes pruning…ew. But again, it promotes growth.

The last pruning seemed to beget more pruning rather than growth. But I think it was just a more complex prune; took a little longer than usual. And as look back on the process, it’s looking like it was worthwhile! In January 2025, Epicure filed for bankruptcy. It was surprise and resulted in a lot of emotion (to be expected when you file bankruptcy on payday and don’t pay your people). But that business was something I did and not who I am.

I took a pause. I spent a lot of time just feeling my feels and crying my cries. My husband wisely suggested I just take a month to not make a decision about anything. So I didn’t, but I did pray — a lot. And I just did life.

There is a lot of life in my life: handsome hubs, brilliant children, two of them with brilliant spouses, a supercool sister, and comical and loving mother, extended in-law sibs and nieces and nephews, a blessing of a church community, amazing friends and neighbors, and so much more! Not to mention, meals, dishes and laundry as the glue that holds it all together!!

I’ve taken the year to really evaluate and plan. I sought the Lord on what he wanted me to do for income, if anything. Perhaps he had other plans. The answer wasn’t a singular track, but there was a singular focus: women. The mom kind, the single kind, the married kind, the homeschooling kind, the retired kind, the young adult kind…women!

For many years I introduced myself as “Hi, I’m Stephanie Pressley and I love my job!” Guess what? I still do. I love my wife job, mom job, friend job, educator job; loving your life is choice. But what absolutely revs me up is encouraging other women to do their jobs, to find the joy, to not give up, to see themselves as God sees them…to love themselves as God loves them!

Years ago, I heard a message in which the speaker said, “You should live life by design and not from crisis to crisis.” In the course of my devotions and prayers and musings, I personalized that phrase; it was just after I withdrew from law school while expecting child #2 to be home full time. I am Home by Design.

I am Home by Design

living life by design and not from crisis to crisis

I had a scripture as a foundation that still serves my decision making to this day, which is why it was easy to pivot. I’m in the same place adjusting my (perimenopausal) glasses to see what focus the Lord has for me now.

It has already been so much fun to cultivate!! So what am I doing? Over the next days, weeks, months, you’ll learn more. You have an opportunity to join free workshops to encourage you in various seasons of mothering. You’ll find a homeschool coaching service launched. You’ll discover services to make and preserve the memories you treasure with your family. I may or may not dabble in the food space with our recipes and favorite products (definitely not Pinterest level, cause y’all know that’s not me); I have found a few fun products and recipes. Here’s my current seasoning obsession in the gluten free space. My wellness journey continues and I’ll be sharing tidbits on that comedic adventure. And you’ll see me blogging a whole lot more!

CAVEAT: My #1 priority is my hubs and family, so if you wonder why I suddenly disappear for a bit…it’s because I will not compromise them. You may have noticed that happen this year a couple times; I actually have spent nearly 1 month in New York City for family matters. No regrets. Not much I won’t do for my people. I blogged the summer portion of my trip if you’re curious. They are my home and my heart, and I am Home by Design.

What’s my first big kickoff? Holidays, Handled: homeschool edition. It’s a fun workshop to help moms have that happy holiday feeling without losing their sanity. I hope you’ll check out this free event and invite a friend!

Thanks for catching up with me…and hanging out with me for my in-place pivot! May your day be full of smiles and belly laughs!