Desiree Steele l Backroads & Backporches

Desiree Steele l Backroads & Backporches Raw. Honest. Unfiltered. Backroads and Backporches: The Road Back to Me is Desiree Steele’s journey back to herself. Explore more at www.desireesteele.com
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08/05/2026

Storytime...

Last night I finally made it to the Tuesday dance lessons at Sagebrush in Austin. I haven't been to a dance hall where people danced all night long in years. I left around 9:30, and they were still going strong.

I took the 6:00 lesson for what I think they call Austin Swing. The instructor explained the difference between the Texas Two-Step—the old-school dance I've known all my life—and Austin Swing. It took me a little while to catch on, but it was so much fun. I actually think it's a prettier dance.

Between dances, I sat down because it's a damn good workout. As I caught my breath, I found myself listening to the rhythm of the dance floor mixed with the music and the dancers. The place is old, and that worn wooden floor became the heartbeat of the room. You could actually feel it. (Very cool and unique experience  - dont miss it)

Between dancing with my son and feeling that rhythm beneath my feet, my soul felt alive.

Music, dancing, and laughter... I think we all need more of that.

If you've never been, you have to experience it for yourself. It's one of the things that makes Austin, Texas, such a special place.

I'll definitely be back.

08/01/2026

HOT OFF THE PRESS 🔥

Tomorrow (August 2nd), the very first issue of The Newsboy Local hits the shelves at all Cosmic and Radio locations, and I'm honored to have two features in the inaugural issue.

One article shares the story behind my book, Backroads & Backporches: The Road Back to Me—why I write, where my inspiration comes from, and why I hope my words feel like sitting on a back porch with a friend. The second feature is one of my favorite summer recipes from Momma Steele's Elevated Kitchen—my Peach & Blueberry Kale Salad.

Over a year ago, Lacey McDaniel and I met through the Buda Area Chamber of Commerce, and I'm so thankful our paths crossed. It's one of the things I love most about our little town. Buda has an incredible way of connecting people, encouraging small businesses, and turning introductions into lasting friendships. Lacey believed in my writing, encouraged me to keep creating, and has become one of those people who cheers others on every chance she gets.

Congratulations, my friend, on creating something that celebrates local artists, writers, musicians, businesses, and the people who make our community so special. This first issue is absolutely beautiful, and I'm grateful to be a small part of it.

If you own a local business where people come through your doors, reach out to The Newsboy Local about carrying the magazine. It's a wonderful way to support local businesses, local creatives, and help these stories reach even more people.

If you pick up a copy, I'd love for you to snap a photo, share it, and tag Desiree Steele | Storytelling Creative | Photographer & Author, Momma Steele's Elevated Kitchen, and The Newsboy Local Magazine so we can celebrate with you!

Thank you to everyone who's supported my photography, my writing, my book, and now my recipes. I truly wouldn't be here without this incredible community. It means more than you know.

***A special thank you to my friend Ana and Willie's Remedy+ for the introduction to my favorite drink.

07/30/2026

The other day a friend here in Buda said something that's been rolling around in my head.
She said, "Your Instagram isn't all of who you are." Paraphrased
And she's right.
None of us are.
But I'm really glad she likes the little piece of me she gets to see. The rest... well, you only get to know that if we spend time together. And she's still hanging around, so I'd say that's a good sign.
Yesterday I took the back roads to Boerne. What should've been about an hour-and-a-half drive turned into four because I kept stopping. That's just how I travel. If something looks interesting, I stop. Curiosity usually wins.
I spent the evening with a friend I've known for 22 years. We don't get to see each other very often, but somehow we always pick up right where we left off. Those kinds of friendships are a gift.
Driving home, I realized those two conversations fit together.
One reminded me that social media is just a glimpse of someone's life.
The other reminded me how friendships are really built—not online, but sitting across from each other, listening to music, sharing a meal, and simply taking the time to know someone.
And I think that's why I love taking the back roads. I love going to towns I've never been to, wandering into places I didn't plan on stopping, and meeting people along the way.
There are so many beautiful people in this world.
Sometimes all it takes is slowing down long enough to meet one.

07/21/2026

I told myself that if I walked every step of the Camino de Santiago by myself, without any help, I'd get a tattoo.
I had to finish.
And I did.
I walked every single step of the Camino de Santiago—100 kilometers and then some. A little extra because I'm short... and because I tend to wander when something beautiful catches my eye.
Every blister. Every sunrise. Every hard conversation. Every quiet moment.
They all led me here.
This isn't just a tattoo.
It's a reminder that healing isn't something someone else can give you. It's a road you choose to walk, one step at a time.
The Camino shell marks the journey. The winding road tells the story. And the words The Road Back to Me remind me that I was never really lost...
I was simply finding my way home.
Sometimes the longest journey you'll ever take isn't across a country.
It's the one that leads back to yourself.

Buen Camino. 💙

07/20/2026

This is an old reel, but it popped up today and made me smile.
It's a good reminder to take the photos. Take the videos. Capture the ordinary moments.
Because one day, when life has moved on and memories begin to fade, they'll remind you of all the good that was there.
And if you're anything like me, you'll realize... there was a whole lot more good than you realized.

07/18/2026

If you're ever looking for a salon, you should know about Salon One 12.

My friend Rebecca is an incredible entrepreneur who truly believes in people. She cares deeply about both her team and her clients. I always say I only promote people who are genuinely good, offer a great service, and truly care about the people they serve.

At Salon One 12, you're not just another appointment. You become part of the family.

Today I went in for a shampoo, blow-dry, and style with one of the new graduates from the GLAM Squad Program, and she did an amazing job. I walked out feeling beautiful.

Thank you, Rebecca, and thank you to your wonderful team. ❤️

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Austin, TX

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 8pm
Tuesday 9am - 8pm
Wednesday 9am - 8pm
Thursday 9am - 8pm
Friday 9am - 8pm
Saturday 9am - 8pm
Sunday 8am - 8pm

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+15125541572

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