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.
You are very wise in your decision to make your life slower and simpler. I wish you much happiness and joy. I too hope to make my life much like yours but it will take a little effort
Thank you, Anne, for On Sutton Place. I’ve been following your posts for a long time. I appreciate your slower pace also. Sometimes other blogs are overwhelming: click here and watch this. I enjoy your style. Keep on at your own pace.
Ann, this was beautifully expressed and truly resonates with me. I, too, am a solid introvert, and after my husband passed, I couldn’t continue to live in our RV in the camp, all by myself (I was able, but I didn’t want to). Your shared ideas and thoughts have helped me shape my new home into a place that is peaceful and charming to me; a place that feels welcoming and offers respite; both to me and my guests. Thank you for so generously giving of yourself this way (your artwork is up in several places in my space, and I absolutely adore the calendars), and congratulations on fifteen years! I believe I’ve been here for the majority of it! :)
You are not alone feeling like a homebody. All the gals I know, we all feel the same way. We all agree that we’re more comfortable and content to stay close to home and do ‘our thing’. Don’t get me wrong, we still make a point of getting together several times a month to work on our rug hooking projects and just spend several hours chatting about everything under the sun. It’s just like the old-time quilting bees and it’s so satisfying. Contact with like-minded people is so important.
Ann I love your blog…your recipes are delicious, your pictures are always so pretty, your pictures of your house are always so put together so nicely. I always can count on reading something calming and peaceful…like seeing your bestie.💞
Thank you for your posts! They are heartfelt and welcome.
Kathi
As you said, your favorite place to be is your home and it truly shows. Your home is lovely and gives a sense of calm. I feel the same way about my home. There is nowhere I’d rather be than home.
Ann,
I’ve followed you for years and I have always enjoyed your style and the lifestyle you share. It’s like a calm and enjoyable visit with a friend. I’m happy to hear you will continue. I confess to being a little lazy about commenting. I used to have a blog so I understand the joy of hearing from your readers. I’ll try to be better.
Meanwhile, please know you are one of my favorite sites and I get so much from your perspective on life, food and HOME.
Karen B.
I never comment but felt compelled to. I enjoy your posts very much. It is a very soothing and calming website that I love visiting. Thank you for sharing your recipes, projects, and decor ideas with us!
Ann,
I continue to enjoy your posts. Thank you for sharing yourself with us. May God bless you!