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Decorating with Flowers Decorating with Natural Elements Spring Easter

Signs of Spring and A Blog Story

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Don’t get too excited…there are absolutely no signs of spring here in Ohio. I decided to add a few to my house though and will be showing you pics through out this post. I’m really here just to chat. No project to share. No recipe. No nothing. I hope you don’t mind. From the very first post on this blog, I have said that I will always be honest…that what you are seeing and reading is as close to the real thing as I can get. It’s been a journey, with this last year being the most important. I want to tell you about it so you know what’s going on…in my head and in my heart.

Vintage Blue Scale in the Kitchen | On Sutton PlaceFor several months I have been growing my number of email subscribers. I am so grateful to all of you…especially the ones who actually click over and see my posts. (Hint, hint to those of you who don’t.) As a result, there are new readers stopping by who might not know how this blog got to where it is today.

Fresh Mint Kitchen Vignette | On Sutton PlaceHere’s the story in a nutshell. I took a gigantic leap of faith and quit my day job in June of 2012. I began blogging full time and it became a real job. I made no money for the first 6 months. Not one cent. The seventh month (after going full time) I made $40.65. My point being that it took a while and I have you all to thank for helping me grow. I learned how to market my blog on Pinterest and made a very important connection that got the ads on my site squared away. These were the two turning points that enabled me to finally begin to earn a small living.

Spring Tulips | Signs of Spring | On Sutton PlaceWhen the realization hit that I could actually make decent money, I stepped up my content. Over the past year I have tried to always bring you my very best. I didn’t want any fluff or filler posts. Of course, this was more work and much more time. I didn’t care though. I was willing to do whatever it took, within reason, to grow. 

Spring Coffee Table Vignette | On Sutton PlaceAlong the way there have been growth spurts and plateaus. Lots of ups and downs which is very frustrating. Working from home was my dream. What I didn’t realize was that at times the isolation would be overwhelming. When things are going well, being alone is not an issue. When I hit a road block, or experience some sort of disappointment, it sure would be nice to have a co-worker who would listen to me whine. Again though, this was a choice I made and I’m not complaining. Thankfully I have met a few wonderful friends who are bloggers too. Kindred souls and all that. I’m not sure I could do it without them. 

DIY Watercolor Wall Art | On Sutton PlaceI love what I do. I am blessed beyond measure and among the things I am most thankful for are you all, my readers. I consider this blog my job and along with any job, there are responsibilities. I strive every day to combine marketable content with the real me. My hope is that every time you come here, you leave with a lighter heart…or a fresh idea…or the confidence to do something you didn’t think you could do. I don’t know what lies ahead…no one does. I do know that life can change in an instant so we need to live in the moment. Right now, my moment is here. On Sutton Place. 

Kelly | The Best. Dog. Ever.| On Sutton PlaceOne last thing. When I said that I would do anything within reason to grow my blog, the within reason part is important. I will never, ever step on another blogger or be mean-spirited in any way. I have tried my best to follow all the rules…that is when I knew what the rules actually were. I have tried to stay the same person I have always been. A daughter, mom, wife. Now I can add “blogger” to the list…thanks to a little luck, perseverance and faith.

Thanks for listening.
Kelly and I would like to wish you a very happy Friday…see you soon.

Ann signature flower nosegay

P.S. Just in case you are wondering…I got the blue scale on Etsy, the basket on my coffee table was on sale at potterybarn.com. The egg wreath was $5.00 at a home decor store about an hour away from where I live. Could not pass that one up. 

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Thoughts from my friends...

  1. Ann, I have followed you for some time and have never been disappointed! You are one of my favorites that I actually look forward to reading every day! Keep being who you are and post your wonderful, creative, beautiful stuff every day!

  6. Hi Ann, I am a recent follower. I have just recently started my own blog, and your blog and your personal story are such an inspiration. I do learn from you– blog related and “life-related” stuff. Honestly, the amount of unoriginal, “copy cat” home decor blogs out there is overwhelming. There are just a few that produce interesting content that is meaningful and unique. Yours is one of those rare blogs. And I know it IS work, thanks for doing it!

    -Mila

  7. As a newcomer to your blog, I would just like to say that I love it! I have a few blogs I read on a daily bases and some not so often. Your blog is at the top of the list for everyday reading. There’s something about the way you write that makes me want more and I can’t wait until the next day. Keep up the good work and have the faith that all is good. Blessings

  8. Ann,

    I love your blog and enjoy every post, whether or not I plan on personally using the craft instructions or the recipe. I just enjoy hearing from you. I recommended your blog to my daughter. You decorate very similarly. Keep up the great job, and thanks for inviting us into your home.

    Blessings to you.

  9. I found your blog a few months ago and have enjoyed reading it everyday. Some days I don’t comment….some days I don’t think I have anything to say….but I do read the blog. Personally, I think you do a great job and look forward to following you for a long time…..Good Luck!!!!

  10. As a new follower, I thought I would reach out to let you know that your blog is one of the first things I check each day. You are always inspirational! This post was felt, and I appreciate the expressed feelings. Thank you for choosing to be a positive, kind hearted blogger. I look forward to each and every post!

  11. I don’t subscribe to many blogs, but I do love yours! Look forward to your posts and always find inspiration in each of them. I’ve sewn all my life, so I really enjoy your sewing ones. I like baking better than cooking and have tried many of your recipes! Keep up the good work!

  12. I found your blog this past year and it has become one of my very favorites! I love the email and I look forward to reading it each night. I feel like you are a kidred soul. We are about the same age and have many of the same interests. I admire you girls who can do it all and would love to blog. Your sincerity shines thru and your posts are simple and appealing. I posted recently that I made your Cinnamon Chocolate Loaf Bread..it is delicous and was so easy to make! Keep on posting. I for one, will be reading! Thanks for all you do!

  13. Ann,
    I found your blog and you have become like a good friend you love to have come visit. I look so forward reading your blogs. Your personality shines and your blogs are not all about “me” like some I read. You can tell your a very sincere person, it comes through in your blogs. Sometimes in life success isn’t always indicated by “money” but by the “impressions” you have made. You have inspired us, entertained us and most importantly shared your passions with us.
    I hope you much success and look forward to reading many more posts from you!
    Thank you cyber friend.

  14. I too, enjoy your blogs that come in my e-mail. I click through the photos and wish I could be as creative as you are. I love your color combinations. Thank you for always sharing.

  15. Ann, I’m a relatively new follower, and I am amazed at each of your posts, and I do read them all. I appreciate today’s post, keep up the work you are doing as it is truly one of the best blogs I read. Take it from someone who’s been on this earth a long, long time, there is only one constant in life and that is change, and in the dark times, remember, there is a new dawn each and every day. Thank you for sharing your talents!

  16. Ann…I wonderful post. It is especially of interest to me b/c hey, I like you a lot & I love to hear how successful bloggers started out. Thank you for sharing…I am so happy you are growing & I hope we get to meet in person someday.
    p.s I didn’t know your pooch was is named Kelly…cause I don’t think that was a random reference to me at the end of your post (hahaha)

  19. Hi Ann,
    I am a relatively new subscriber also and am really enjoying your inspiring ideas. Keep up the good work. You seem to be one class act.
    In regards to your beginning comment, I can relate. I live in Ontario so my winter cup has overflowed a long time ago.

  21. I enjoy most of your posts, but was disappointed to hear this is your “Job” … :( thought of it more as a hobby, hope it is a fun job …. thanks

  22. I enjoy you blog most mornings. Your ideas are wonderful and the DIY’s are doable…..I like that. So, you told us where you got the tray, the egg wreath, etc. but where did you get your darling Kelly…the perfect model who looks like she enjoys being photographed.

  23. I just joined your web site a few weeks ago via Pinterest and I love it. I know what you mean by working alone. I’m not sure how to blog but give me time and I’ll learn. Bought three dozen tulips yesterday!

  24. Ann, I’m a new subscriber too, so I appreciate hearing your start up story too. I love your blog, and your fresh, easy ideas. I have done several of them, adding my own special twist. Your inspiration is wonderful! Keep the faith, you can do it!

  26. I rarely comment, but just wanted you to know how much I love your blog. I have made recipes, used tutorials for crafts and my mom bought a table runner last year for Christmas which I adore. Even though I don’t comment, I read every single post when I get my email. Your blog is 1 of 3 of my favorites!!

  27. Ann – I really enjoy your blog. You have great ideas and wonderful recipes. You always inspire me to do a little better! And I love the photography, too.

  28. I love all of your spring touches. It’s great to read your blogging story and how you evolved. I am at this almost a year now, and have yet to try and monetize. But that is my next goal, and I appreciate your candor and insights. I really enjoy your blog, Ann. All of your hard work comes shining through!

  29. Ann, I love this post! Everything you do looks so clean and fresh – always top-notch! My favorite things to read are posts like this, from the heart, something a little more personal than the norm. I like getting to know people, and I feel like I know you. You’ve been everywhere since I started blogging in late 2012! I thought you’d been around a long time, and here I find out you had only been at it a few months. Congratulations on a job WELL DONE in such a short time. You do amazing work on all fronts! Blessings~
    Kim

  30. Thank you for this post. I follow many blogs and yours in one of my favorites. I really get so much out of it. It’s also nice that as Toledo Ohio was my hometown, I feel that buckeye connection! We recently moved to central Illinois, and to be honest I have been feeling pretty isolated. Left family, friends, and my job, so I have built a little ‘community ‘ for myself following blogs. Believe it, it gets me through the day here!

  31. Ann, you have inspired me to have a blog someday. You have a real flair for this and it shows in your blog and your home. My goal, when I retire in 4 years, is to have my vintage Etsy shop (my hubby and I love scouting out garage sales and estate sales) and a blog. It is all I can do to keep up with my Etsy shop right now, so I am trying to be very patient before starting a blog. Yours has given me some great decorating ideas and it is nice to hear how you actually started, the problems you encountered and the great friends you’ve found along the way. I look forward to reading your posts and seeing photos of your lovely home!

  32. I came across your blog accidently and it was a accident that was suppose to happen.
    I love what you share. I actually printed out 5 of your 2013 favorite bake goods and I have tried 3 so far. I’m not one for sweets but I did bake them and gave to family and friends and of course I tasted them too and they were awesome!
    I too love your house and all the ideas that you share.
    I help a store owner and am always so happy to get fresh ideas to decorate her window.
    I’m excited to go in tomorrow and display the birds nest in the window……thank you!
    Keep up blogging and never quit!!
    You give others inspiration and always happy to share.
    Till next blog
    Sincerely
    Shirley

  33. Oh Ann, you’ve always been nothing but nice. I always feel that what you are doing is real and important for making a home. Your home is gorgeous and you give us great ideas.

    My blog is strictly for fun but I can imagine that if you are making it your job that you would spend a lot of time alone and on the computer. Get out and have some fun! Friends who are with you in real life will always be more important than the ones we make on the computer…even though I adore those too. :)

  35. Hi Pat. That red tulip is so beautiful. I just had to show a picture of it and mention you in my blog today. Please come by and visit!

  36. Ann, your blog is perfect as you can tell from all the work you put into it. I hope it will always be a source of happiness for you as well as it is for those of us who visit here frequently. Your home seems to be so welcoming just as I like them. I hope you have continued success in your future blogging and I just have to say–I love that sweet little doggie face. He looked as thought he knew you wanted to get a good pic. Thanks for making our days a little bit on the lighter side!

  37. You are very talented and have a lovely home. I love your blog. Everything I have ever read has been beneficial. Sometimes, I get a little sad when it seems I have hit a concrete wall. My home now is a mess and hope eventually to sort things out. I just started reading blogs last year and have learned so much; however, I feel guilty when I am reading too much and should be making mine all beautiful again. Thanks always for sharing and keep up the great work. I just need to manage my time more fruitfully……

  38. Ann, I love your blog which is why I subscribe. I especially loved today’s post along with your beautiful pictures! You are a true inspiration and I enjoy each and every one of your posts! It’s a pleasure to read your blog and I feel you’ve become a friend that shares wonderful ideas, tutorials and all of those yummy recipes!
    I enjoy seeing your beautiful home and always feel as though you welcome us in. Thank you for all of your hospitality and friendship even though we have never met:0)!
    Xo,
    Charlotte T

  39. Hi Anne,
    I came upon your blog a few months ago and have thoroughly enjoyed it all!
    Your design ideas are a true inspiration to me. Love your craft ideas as I too am a crafter.
    You are a true friend to us all and I just know that we would have a great chat over a nice cup of tea!

  40. Ann,

    I am a fairly new follower to your blog and I really enjoy your posts. I can’t believe the egg wreath was five dollars, I love it.

  42. Ann,
    Love reading your blog and your inspiring ideas!
    Thanks for blogging!
    PS.
    I wouldn’t have been able to pass up the egg wreath either!

  44. Dear Ann
    Your blog and projects are inspirations to me, and many others.
    I don’t know how I found you, exactly, but glad I did.
    Thank you,
    Janet

  46. Ann:

    I discovered your blog this last Fall and look forward to your posts. You have great ideas and have inspired me to start and finish projects. I bought one of your “give thanks” pillow covers nod received so many compliments on it. I envy your abilities, talent and ambition. Thank you!

  47. Ann and Kelly – What a wonderful post today. I can tell that you do enjoy your work and most importantly, you are very good at it! Thanks for bringing so many gorgeous things and new ideas to my email box many times per week. I always smile when I see On Sutton Place as the sender. Take care, Jill

  48. Dear Ann, You have a beautiful blog full of great ideas, delicious sweets, and wonderful inspiration. I also enjoy the many lovely things that I have purchased from your etsy shop. One day, I would love to learn to make or buy one of your grain sack bows, I love them! Most importantly, the thing I love most about you and your blog is that you are not afraid to show your love for God, and give him the credit for all of the beauty that is inside of us and our homes. Thanks for sharing and God bless you!

  49. Ann,

    I am a fairly new subscriber. I found you via Miss Mustard Seed. Loved the apron you made for Marion! Yours is one of the few blogs I subscribe to. I enjoy your content and your easy going style. You recently inspired me to get back into sewing and last week I made new shams and pillows for our master bedroom. Keep up the good work Ann!

  50. I never miss your emails, look forward to them every day. Ms. Kelly is beautiful too! Keep on doing what you’re doing, you do it so well.

  55. Ann,
    I really enjoy your blog and all of your wonderful ideas! We all need a little inspiration in our decorating and in our lives sometimes! Love all of the spring decor!
    Thanks,
    Hollie

  56. I love the authenticity you bring to your blog…it is refreshing! Gorgeous pictures…especially those tulips by your door…a sure sign of spring! Enjoy your weekend! ;)

  57. Ann, such a lovely post today, I think we share a kindred spirit. I live in Northern California would love to be where we actually had the four seasons, however, our weather here is always great! How do you store your seasonal decor items and remember what you have to use in another display throughout the year (how do you keep track of it all)?

  58. Hi, Ann!
    I love your blog & even though I haven’t been following for long, I’ve already shared a few things from you. You give great inspiration! I, also, am at home full-time although I’m not a blogger. I get how you feel the isolation, but I think that’s why I follow some (creative) people…it lessens that feeling for me somewhat. I’m glad you were one of those that popped up on my radar, so to speak. Thanks for the stories & fun you share! Also, just wondering…where did you get those beautiful white pitchers & tray?

  63. Ann, I was going to say what Liddy said! I was just telling Leo at lunch that in this blogging world, I can tell you all about my favorite bloggers’ families, hobbies, collections, etc. Sometimes I think other bloggers know me better than some of my friends in real life! I just want to say that your work has always inspired me but it’s your heart and your integrity that I LOVE!

  64. Ann, I is so nice to hear, with all of the distructive news we a filled with these days, that somesone has such a sincere heart. I love you blog and your clean, yet homey style. Please keep it up, you bring us a breath of fresh air.

  65. Lovely and sincere post, Ann. I always wish we could move Findlay and Norton closer on the map. On the search for a wreath to use to create your springtime coffee table vignette.

  66. You are welcome to talk with me anytime. I’m working right now on getting back to the basics of chats on my blogs. I’ve gotten so busy writing elsewhere that time has been so limited so I’ve got the new Sunday feature to chat now. :)

    Love that last photo.

  67. This is such a wonderful, from the heart post and just what I needed today! You have been such an inspiration to me since I began my little blog – and I just wanted you to know how much growth I have seen here On Sutton Place over the past almost two years and how much I aspire to follow in your footsteps! Just a bit of encouragement for you, Ann! I think you are amazing!

    Doreen

  68. Very inspiring and heartfelt words.By the way, you must have read my mind as I eyed your blue scale. I am completely drawn to light blue and green hues right now. Congratulations on the your success; proof that hard work does pay off.

  69. You have a beautiful home and heart Ann. I love to hear about the real person behind the blog sometimes, it makes the projects and design posts so much more personal.
    Adina @ Simply Country Life

  71. Good morning Ann, my first introduction to the blog world was The Pioneer Woman last year. My daughter was reading her blog and thought I would enjoy it. I certainly did and it led me to other bloggers. A Blogger wrote on her post and from her, it opened a world for me. I appreciate every blogger I follow. Please continue your blog. Your are an inspiration to me. Kathleen in Az

  72. Gorgeous Spring inspiration. And I love when you pause and share a little of what’s going on. I remember when I first found your blog…you’d been blogging about 6 months or so…one of the things that impressed me most was your promise to only share when you had something to share. I’ve tried to follow your example, but admittedly have failed at time. I appreciate the reminder!

    It’s also been very encouraging to watch you grow. Seeing progress gives me something to strive for.

    I’m glad you’ve found some friends to share blogging with. I completely understand that need to sometimes just have a colleague around.

  75. Thanks for putting words around what so many of us feel at one time or another. I’m so very thankful for you! You are a kind and lovely friend who has helped and inspired me on my own journey as a blogger (and in daily life) in more ways than I can possibly tell you.

    So today, for the record, let me say THANK YOU for all that you do, and share, and for the WAY in which you do it!

  76. Your photography skills are amazing! I think this is the second time I have said that on one of your posts… sorry to sound repetitive! But they do blow me away. Did you take classes? What type of camera do you use? Loved your post, I love how you say within reason. I too am very real and would never dream of hurting another for my gain. One more thing, that scale is amazing, I have a slight scale obsession. ;) Have a great weekend!

  77. Beautifully written. Although I’m not a blogger – just a blog reader – I have great admiration for those of you who took that leap of faith and have created something beautiful. I always click over to read your posts. Again, thanks so much for sharing.

  78. Lovely post! You blog has quickly became one of my favorites and as soon as I get into my new house I’ll be using a few of you ideas to decorate. Thanks for sharing!

  79. Hey Ann,
    I like it best when a blogger adds a little bit of her heart and her story to her posts..after all, it’s the woman behind the words that matters the most….
    Love, Mona

  80. Well… you’re amazing and it comes through on your blog. Never have any fear of that!

    And you know I’m here if you ever need to share! I’m so thankful to know you…

  82. Thank you for writing this; I can relate to so much. Your blog is one of my favorites so I am glad you do it! I love your taste and find you very inspiring. I am actually tackling some home improvement projects based on some of your posts. Have a great weekend.

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