On Sutton Place isn’t about one specific house or a certain location. It’s a state of mind. A way of living that’s rooted in loving your home, choosing what matters, and letting go of the rest. It’s about simple living. Enjoying the season you’re in, and creating a home that feels steady, welcoming, and true to you.
What Will You Find Here?
- uncomplicated recipes for real life
- easy, understated ways to refresh your home
- seasonal inspiration that’s doable (and budget-friendly)
- simple living ideas that help home feel lighter and easier
If you’re craving simplicity, and a home that feels calm and manageable, you’re in the right place.
What Is Simple Living?
- embracing a slower pace, with less to manage
- finding joy in ordinary days
- choosing relationships that feel healthy and life-giving
- saving your energy for what truly matters
- clearing clutter so there’s less to maintain
- accepting life as it is, with grace and gratitude
Let’s talk about that last point: acceptance. It can be a kind of freedom. When you stop chasing what you think life should look like and start building happiness inside the life you already have, things shift. That doesn’t mean you can’t have goals, just that they should fit your real season of life. The bottom line: if it brings you peace and contentment, it counts.
What Simple Living Is And Isn’t
Simple living isn’t about homesteading or living off the land. You don’t have to grow your own food or give up the comforts you love. It’s not about spending less money for the sake of it, either, but about spending intentionally to create an easier, more meaningful life. And while it shares some values with minimalism, it’s not about deprivation or strict rules. That understanding has grown alongside this website. When I started On Sutton Place in 2011, it was something I created for myself. Over time, without a clear turning point, it quietly shifted into something written for you, shaped by the idea that a simpler life looks different for everyone.
If simple living resonates with you, you may enjoy starting here:
- A Slower Pace: Simple Living Meets Homemaking
- Why Small Changes Are Enough
- Minimalist Kitchen Essentials
- Attitude Reset: Tips for a Happier You
- A Gentle Reset for the New Year
You’ll find more ideas like these in the Simple Living section of the blog.
meet ann
I hope to inspire you to make your home a place you truly love. One that reflects your family, brings you peace, and feels good to live in every day. When you visit On Sutton Place, I want it to feel like you’re stopping by a friend’s home. Comfortable, welcoming, and easy. There’s no pressure here, and no judgment. Just simple ideas meant to make life at home a little lighter. (Read more on my About page.)
Everything you’ll find on this site is written with simplicity and ease in mind. In 2021, my family made the decision to sell our longtime home and downsize to something smaller. I had been craving a simpler way of living, and while the change felt daunting at first, it turned out to be one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. It’s an experience that continues to shape the way I live, and the way I write.
How We Stay Connected
The Curated Life arrives every Wednesday and is a mid-week blend of style, home inspiration, and thoughtful finds. It’s where I share beautiful homes, seasonal ideas, decorating inspiration, and small discoveries that don’t always make it into a full blog post.
This Time of Year is sent on Saturdays and is short and sweet. Just one or two lovely links chosen to inspire you for the current season. It might be a decorating idea, a recipe, or something to spark a bit of creativity. You may notice a segment called Still Worth Sharing, where I highlight refreshed content from the archives that continues to be helpful year after year.
A Sunday Well Spent wraps up the week with fresh blog content, seasonal projects, recipes, and ideas for making your home feel warm and welcoming. Think of it as a relaxed chat over coffee, filled with timely ideas you can use right away.
When you sign up below, you’ll receive all three right in your inbox. It’s the easiest way to stay inspired and enjoy a few little extras I share only with my email friends.
JOIN THE OSP COMMUNITY
Sign up to get uncomplicated recipes, unlimited seasonal decor, and
understated ways to refresh your home sent straight to your email inbox!
Downsizing and Moving Guidance
This six-part series shares our experience downsizing and moving from our longtime family home. From the first conversations to the final decision, I walk through what I learned along the way. What worked, what didn’t, and what I wish I had known sooner. If you’re considering a move or a simpler way of living, these posts offer practical insight and honest perspective.
How To Navigate On Sutton Place
You can find everything on On Sutton Place starting from the homepage. The menu at the top of the site reflects the main categories, with links that lead you to more specific posts and ideas throughout. Whether you’re looking for decorating inspiration, simple recipes, or seasonal projects, there’s plenty to explore, and something here for everyone.
Choosing a simpler way of living doesn’t happen all at once. It unfolds slowly, often one small decision at a time. Take what feels helpful, leave what doesn’t, and trust that you’ll find your own rhythm. I’m here to share ideas, inspiration, and encouragement whenever you need it.
I haven’t been getting your emails of late. Apparently when I updated my iPhone, it wiped out several of my items. ?! I would love to be able to be part of your emails again….especially your monthly mobile calendars.
I love all your sharing!
Hi Susan…I checked your email account and it appears you were able to open one of my recent emails. So that’s good! It’s helpful to add my email address to your favorites or contacts. And if Yahoo has a feature to mark an email as important, that lets my emails land in your inbox instead of your spam. Thank you, Ann
This is my favorite blog. Low key and relatable, like having coffee with a friend.
Thanks, Ann – I always enjoy your posts and LOVE your pintables. I use them for gifts of baked goods, and a seasonal framed saying on our foyer table. Thanks you very much!
Hi Ann, I’m still unpacking from a downsizing move similar to yours — 35 years in a 2 story to a more compact ranch. I’m having trouble setting up my smaller kitchen. Would you show photos of how you organized your pantry? Your recent post on 10 essential kitchen tools was excellent. I need that principle applied to everything! If I have one pretty gravy boat, I have six! Love your new Simple Life theme. Just need your help to achieve it. Happy Thanksgiving, Chris
I really enjoy Sutton Place. I had to change email service so I am sharing my new address with you. Thank you!
Done! If you have time, send me your old email address so I can delete it. Thanks!
Hi Ann. Have enjoyed your blog for years. Thanks for sharing all you do. Will you be updating the Thanksgiving Planner for 2025? I’ve used it annually since you created it! Thank you, Mindi
Yes! I am actually working on calendars and planners in my spare time. I will let my email subscribers know when they have all been updated. Shouldn’t be too long!
I love the Wednesday series and I appreciate all the research that you do for it. I look forward to it each week!
I hope you have a wonderful Easter.
Thank you so much for all the beautiful things that you share with us each week. The simple life is best.
Your work is so beautiful
Hi, I love your monthly calendars and I didn’t see one from March 2025. I’m wondering if you’ve cancelled that freebie?
Where is the March calendar?? Thanks!
Happy to join again.Im a work in progress but your ideas hopefully will help guide me in the right direction.
I just found your post and I love everything you stand for here . Beautifully done . Thank you for inspiring me to pair down , lighten up and discover new things .
I love the comments on this post! It is so me!! Six years ago, my husband and I (retired) sold our house of 38 years and moved to a 2 bedroom apt. We gave up stuff-lots of stuff- for a simpler, quieter, and very satisfying life style. So many people are afraid to get rid of stuff, but, in reality, it is so freeing—living as though you really believe that God will provide!!
Thank you so much for the great decorating ideas, recipes, printables and just everything you share. I look forward to getting on your site to see what you have to share with us. I appreciate you so much.
Love reading your website!
I’ve subscribed to your blog for several years, and I love everything about it! Your yearly calender is so helpful and so pretty too, and the monthly screensavers are an added bonus. Thank you for all you do to bring beauty into my life. And…I love the quote from Call the Midwife, one of my favorite series.
Hi Jody…thank you so much for the lovely comment. I appreciate it more than you can know!
I always enjoy your great ideas for a simpler life. Thank you for all your work to make the days better!
A simpler life sounds so good to me. Unfortunately everything seems to be happening for us now at the same time. Between my little 16 year old dog passing and my 14 year old dog going down a little more daily and my 95 year old mother-in-law getting a little more confused and we wanting to downsize so badly and in our area nothing is available. But I love reading your blog because it is so refreshing and calming.
Hi Ann! This is the 3rd or 4th time I’ve read your manifesto on simple living and I just nod my head in agreement each and every time! I’m about to turn 64 yrs old in Oct. and am a Midwest gal like yourself!
We are “ no muss, no fuss” kind of people! I especially love how you say that we don’t have to homestead or grow our own food to live a simpler life! A sigh of relief always comes after reading that line! You are a great inspiration Ann and I always look forward to your posts. Blessings to you and your family!
“ACCEPTNG LFE AS IT IS WITH GRACE AND GRATITUE” really spoke to my heart Ann. I love your blog!
Ruth
💕
I’m so excited to join you. Sounds delightful!
Dear Ann:
Each time I visit On Sutton Place I really do feel like I’ve stopped by to visit a wonderful friend – YOU. I’ve learned so many valuable things from you. You inspire me and make me feel so comfortable. I always leave with a smile on my face. I wish we were neighbors — you are my kind of person. Here’s to you and to a simpler life.
Warmly,
Sharon <3
I always look forward to your website. Reading it makes me feel like I’m listening to a close friend. I love that you downsized and was able to let go of things. We are very ready to do the same thing. It’s letting go of things that’s hard because we don’t have much family to give it to.
I love the lamp on your entry hall chest. Would you mind telling me where you bought it? By the way Ann, how is your father doing? I know you have mentioned him in the past and how he enjoys certain foods you prepare. I certainly hope he is doing well.
Hi Marti…here is the link to the lamps. https://amzn.to/43rMHNb My dad is hanging in there. He still lives on his own, and even though he has slowed down, he’s happy he can be independent. Thank you so much for asking!
Love this! So well said.
Good Morning Ann
I have been enjoying your post a while now and you have help thou retirement and loving a very low key with hubby and I simple living is a great way to go doing less and clear the things not needed to change the color of my interior of my home… Thank You
Eva
Excellent post. And, it’s describes my personal direction and thoughts. Love your blog.
I have enjoyed your blog since before you moved from Sutton Place. I love that each post feels “comfortable” to me. I enjoy your decorating ideas, your recipes and many of your “wish list” items. I’m sure that everyone who enters your home feels welcomed and unafraid to sit on the furniture! I hope my home feels the same way. Thanks for your refreshingly positive outlook on living in this phase of life with kids grown and grandkids coming to visit now and then.
P.S. I have made a number of your recipes 😊
Thanks Stephanie!
Ann,
I have enjoyed your blog for several years now. And, I also enjoy your ideas for our home. Thank you and many blessings.
This is wonderful…we definitely are enjoying a simpler life and making more time than ever for family and friends. I have enjoyed your blog for quite a while and get so much from it….so thank you 💜
That picture of you and Millie is so sweet!!!
Love your new updated site and tidbits about you, your pup, your goals for your readers. I’ve followed your blog for almost 10 years now and you have helped me learn it’s a great thing to live simply, although I admit it was gradual, but what a blessing. I’ve had fun following your simple instructions on creating wreaths, table runners, sugar scrubs, container gardening, many things ~ Thank you for bringing joy to my inbox!
This is a truly lovely comment…thank you so much!
I love it and I don’t miss it! Thank you
Ann, you’re the best! Your blog is so “down to earth”, affordable and doable. It’s like having a good friend next door and I look forward to each and every one. And love that little Millie❤️
I love to read your posts, they give me inspiration and so many ideas on decorating both inside and outside.
Am looking forward to seeing your new site and ideas.
Karla
Agreed ! I think we are from the same mold. The older I get, the simpler I want my life to be.
I’ve been transitioning to retired life for the last five years. First working part time contracting, then full retirement this last year. After having worked all but 2 of the last 50 years, this was a HUGE culture shock. I’ve been slowly simplifying by decluttering, resisting the urge to buy every little thing, cooking and baking more and culling through my work wardrobe! I love having time to explore, going to the grocery store during less busy hours. I couldn’t agree more with embracing a simpler life, wish I’d done it sooner!
Thank You
It is time for a simpler life
Hi Ann,
Thank you so much for your blog. I have been following it for many years now and I think you are very successful at achieving the goals you have set for the blog. I love your simple recipes, your simple and beautiful decor and the clear and practical way you communicate information. I always feel a sense of peace when reading your blog and I have learned many things from you. I appreciate all the hard work you put into giving me and all of us a peaceful oasis on the internet. Blessings on you and your family.
Good morning, Ann,
I love your idea of “simplicity” on a blog, even your menu idea is great. When I open a blog and much, if not all, is staring me in the face, so much to pick from to look at, so many different categories, I close the blog. I need uncluttered choices to see; life is so full of so many different things going on, seemingly all at once, that I choose not to “partake” of that particular blog.
Thank you for your “easy to see, open & read” blog!
I have always enjoyed and looked forward to your emails.I love your recipes, tips and honesty.In a crazy world your blog is a safe retreat.
At my age ,health issues are many .When I feel overwhelmed , it is refreshing to see ideas to make things simpler.❤️
Ann…..
I was so happy to see this edition! I have felt that you might be considering retiring from your blog! I can understand, but must admit that yours is one of the few that I can totally identify with as I too am a wife, mother, grandmother, great aunt, sister and friend. I live in the midst of AMISH country and have down sized (several times). I love simplicity, I love my dog, I am at peace when emerged in my art and I love your blog!
I love your refreshed site – very nice. After being an “A” type personality for over 35 years I was able to retire at 57. I am now in my early 70’s and my husband is 5 years older. I retired early because for the prior 5 years we took care of my parents, and after losing my Dad I knew my Mom didn’t have too much longer and I wanted to show her a wonderful life for whatever time she had left. I was able to retire because we had planned for many years. I now maintain a busy lifestyle that revolves around our family, including grandchildren, maintaining our home, and cooking. I think being active is the key to maintaining our physical and mental health. Even though we are so busy I think we really enjoy the simple life. We know what’s important and don’t let age dictate how we feel about ourselves.
I always look forward to visiting your website. Reading it feels like chatting with a close friend. I admire how you managed to downsize and let go of things. We’re ready to do the same, but it’s tough to part with our belongings since we don’t have much family to pass them on to.
Hi Ann yes I am finding a more simple life is best I am 62 and loving having time to do the things i like to do but it a simpler mode…..lower key it what a say…..lol
Hi Ann – I agree with every one of your points in this post. I think it could be our age – 64 for me in a few weeks. I have found over the last year or so that I am so much happier with a more simple and slowed down life – not quite retirement, but everything you mentioned is spot on. Living with more intention is the best way to describe it to live a happy life. XO :-)