Almost a year ago, I made a quiet but important decision to step back and begin building a more peaceful life at home. It wasn’t a sudden change. For a long time, I had been trying to find a better rhythm in my personal life, looking for ways to make my days feel calmer and more manageable. But bringing that same sense of peace into my business has been a slower, more thoughtful process.
If you are new here, or just want to revisit the posts from last summer, here are the links:
This website has been part of my life for over 15 years. I’ve adapted, learned new skills, and stayed open to change in order to keep it growing. Some things worked, and some things didn’t. Social media, in particular, never quite fell into place for me. For years I felt like this shortcoming was something that needed to be fixed.
But at some point, my perspective began to shift. Because even though the follower numbers haven’t grown, something else has. This space, this website, has become a steady, welcoming place filled with readers who return again and again. And that kind of growth matters more than anything I thought I was missing.
I’ve always been an introvert, and it’s something I still work through every day. My favorite place in the world is my home. It’s where I feel most like myself. I know there’s value in getting out, and I do make the effort. But if I’m given the choice, I will almost always choose to stay home. Until recently, I felt like this was a character flaw, and something I needed to overcome to be happy.
But over the past year, I’ve started to see it differently. This space we’ve built, this website, has become a way for me to connect that feels natural and meaningful. It allows me to share the things that matter most to me: simple meals made at home, small ways to enjoy the outdoors, and ideas that make everyday life feel a little more steady and fulfilling.
And the truth is, none of it would matter without you. Every visit, every kind note, every moment you spend here…they have shaped this space into what it is. You’ve made it more than just a website. You’ve made it a place with purpose.
One thing I want you to know is that what you see here is truly me. I’m the one testing the recipes in my own kitchen. I’m the one tending the garden, trying new ideas, and sharing what works along the way. There isn’t a team behind the scenes creating content. Aside from a little help from my daughter with social media, this space is created right here at home, quietly and with care. That matters to me, because it means I can always give you my very best.
If you’re ever looking for a recipe, a simple decorating idea, or something seasonal to try, the easiest way to find it is to come straight to onsuttonplace.com and click the search icon. Everything I’ve created over the years is here, in one place. I do share on Pinterest and show up in Google searches from time to time, but those platforms are always changing, and it can be difficult to keep up. Instead of chasing that, I’ve chosen to put my time and energy into this space. My goal is always to make it helpful, reliable, and easy to navigate.
I have spent fifteen years building a site that helps people make their homes feel comfortable, cook something good for their families, grow a few flowers, and enjoy the changing seasons. With the way this world is changing, I have to believe that’s still valuable. If I didn’t, I could not continue.
Thank you for being here. Whether you’ve just found me or you’ve been reading for years, you are truly welcome. Every visit matters, and I’m so grateful you choose to spend your time here. Everything here is for you. Every recipe, every idea, every post is created with the hope that it will make your days a little easier and more enjoyable. And in a way, that focus has shaped my life too. By keeping things simple and staying grounded in what matters most, I’ve been able to create a slower, steadier rhythm at home. It’s not perfect, and it’s always evolving, but it feels right. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for being part of it.
P. S. If you missed it, I shared a bit about the process I use to make my watercolor images. I get a lot of questions, so having the answer ready to go has been helpful for everyone.
A YEAR OF SIMPLE LIVING AT HOME
A gentle guide to slowing down
and enjoying the seasons at home.
Ann, I don’t remember how I found you, but I have visited for about 8 months and truly enjoy your posts! I, too, am trying to find a more peaceful everyday rhythm. Thanks so much for sharing!!!
Chris from Lancaster, PA
Thank you for sharing your heartfelt thoughts, Ann! I feel you are a kindred spirit and enjoy reading your wonderful posts. All the recipes I have tried have been delicious especially the small batch chicken cobbler and chocolate chip cookies! I look forward to many more years of viewing your lovely watercolor paintings and reading your musings on life. Thank you!
Good Morning Ann, I could tell from finding you years ago that you put your heart in all your post. I have done a few changes along the way with you and worked you slowing down to a better pace of living with you from decoratingmore simple but beautiful lighter colors to taking time for porch sitting….I have tried a lot of your recipes love them as well I understand being consistent in bring your heart to the table for return readers because we coming back because you do a great job keeping us interested with beauty for are home and recipes to feed are soul ….shopping to keep in fashion its like having a friend to check on from time to time to she what she’s up to
I hope to keep enjoying your Emails as a friend next door !!!!
Very nice for you to share your time with us !!!!!
My favorite place is my home to most of the time when I’m asked to go have lunch with a friend I really think about and do a minimum per month because sometimes I just rather be home ….. hope to keep enjoying your Emails
Ann, I always look forward to your e mails. They are simple, informative, and just a joy to receive. I too look for ways to find that slow living path. And yes my favorite place is my home too. Keep up the good work.!
I am so much like you. In this note you wrote it was from the heart and very well written. I hope you continue because I enjoy your web site so much. I rarely leave a post but have enjoyed your website so much. I also appreciate the free printouts. I do crafts myself and have gotten some great ideas from you. Continue to be you and thank you for being you…
You are a kind and lovely lady! I so enjoy reading your blog
Well said! Love your world! Thanks for sharing!
Love all your information
Hello Ann, I have followed you for many years and always enjoy your posts. I appreciate your honesty and kindness. Home is also my ‘favorite’ place to be. Thank you for giving us so many wonderful ideas on how to make our homes and lives lovely and enjoyable. Even though we’ve never met, I consider you a dear friend. 💕
Thank you for all your tips, ideas, and recipes…and beautiful pintables – I really enjoy reading your posts!
Your blog is my favorite place on the internet. You have always come across as genuine. I am so glad that you have continued the blog all these years. As a fellow introvert, I understand that it may be harder to put yourself out there but I am so very happy that you did and still do. Your content is very relatable.