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 have been an email subscriber for several years and I love your posts. I’ve printed printables, made your recipes and done many of your crafting projects. Thank you so much for sharing how you do your watercolors. I’m an artist at heart but somehow my brain/hand connection is missing! Now if I can just figure out ChatGPT! I also appreciate that you’re an introvert. I am as well and really have to push myself to get out of the house and be with friends, even though I love them. I really enjoy your posts and hope you don’t stop anytime soon! Blessings to you!
Ann,
I too share your love and attachment-of-the-soul with home. I’ve so enjoyed getting familiar with you thru your lovely website where I find all your content to be nurturing, inspiring and an anticipated “time out” when I need to put my feet up and rest a bit from my daily home and property care. We’ve much in common.. I live alone with my fur buddy Dunnagan on a lovely, quiet little cove in a small cottage that truly is my haven and hideaway from the clamors of the world. I’m always into “something “…gardening, baking, crafting, fishing or just whatever catches my eye and fancy, tho I never miss an opportunity to just sit with Dunnie on the porches and be a part of all the wonder of my natural world that my great God has gifted me. My very soul requires the quiet and simplicity of just being one with my environment. I do “sachey” out in the real world when I need to or when my friends demand the “hermit” come out of her lair and join in real social interaction..and I do simply love theater, festivals, travel, museums, antiquing etc..always so very glad to get home and decompress.
I too have evolved thru the many phases of my life..I worked for many years in a career that always involved patient, people care and I gave all I had thus resulting in retiring in my 50’s and giving the same degree of great care to myself and absolutely being okay with it! I am a 69 yo widow of 24 years ( a wonderful, kind partner) and the very last of my family( the best family ever)! Some of the stages of life were much harder and messier than others but all were rich in experience and substance..and yes, all helped create who I am today…who I choose to be today.
I’ve never written in length to anyone I’ve not known before but when I read your post early this morning, it so resonated with me that I was compelled to reach out and say “Thank you” Ann! What you do matters so much and is so needed in a time where the world seems to be spinning faster and more out of control..where the clamors and outside voices are getting louder and more demanding! The need for the importance of HOME, peace, simplicity, nurturing, kindness and all those soul enriching endeavors are more necessary than ever before….and your lovely, heart-filled thought provoking sharing is crucial! You remind us all to slow down and get in touch with what is really important..what really matters in the scheme of things. And yes..to be thankful for the growth and discovery that all our phases bring us to, no matter how scary or difficult they are…we don’t know what we are capable of until we live thru the stuff of life and come out the other side!
I will continue to put my feet up in anticipation of your next wonderful collection of Ann’s good stuff! And I will continue to keep you in thought and prayer..and to encourage you to be as good to yourself as you are to others…Blessings and grace to you and yours.
Thank you for being a friend. I look forward to every post. I have made many of your recipes and share your love of home.
Ann, I greatly appreciate OnSuttonPlace and it is one that I have never even considered deleting from my email! Everything you describe that motivates you resonance with me and I want to thank you for being present! God Bless💕
Ann, I’ve followed shortly after you began your blog. Visiting you page makes me feel like I’m in touch with a friend. I’ve loved everything – your clothing choices, decorating, and especially the recipes. I think I even commented once or twice that it’s good you don’t live in my neighborhood because I’d be over every day! I dread the day you stop blogging. Again, thank you for this very special page that I love to visit.
Ann, I love everything you do. I am very similar with a love of my home and decor. I lost the love of my life after 54 years of marriage very suddenly and unexpectedly. I am maintaining my home and vehicles with a passion. I think it’s partially out of respect and to honor my husband and the life we had to continue doing this. I am a bit of an introvert myself. My latest project this past week was to refresh my front porch and entry. Keep doing what you do because you make all of us happy!!
Thank you for sharing. I personally love the blogs where I can find what I’m looking for without searching through tons I do not care about. :) I’m thankful you have found that you do love home and in that you are also serving so many of us – to encourage us to love making a home to enjoy.
Hi Ann,
Your post today really touched me. I too am an introvert and enjoy being at home. I have often thought there was something wrong with me or that I am not that interesting. Your post has helped me to see it differently, thank you for that. I have loved reading your posts over the past few years. I love your recipes, your printables, and your take on a slower more relaxed and thoughtful presence. I appreciate the time and effort it takes for you to put such great content together for us. Thank you Ann!
Thank you for sharing. Your words resonate with me, and I appreciate your refined simple approach to daily life. Blessings to you!
I love your e-mails! Nothing pushy or trying to “influence” to buy anything! Good information and a quiet spot in my life! Plus, your watercolors are gorgeous! Have a lovely Sunday! 🥰 Linda