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.
I’ve enjoyed your emails for years now, I look forward to starting my day with you. I’m a homebody, more so all the time which is why I love your ideas and support in you saying that’s an OK place to be. You’re a friend I appreciate in your own way, thank you Ann!
I always enjoy reading your blog. You have inspired me in more ways than you can imagine. It started because I love blue and white, and your front porch caught my eye. I come back because I love the tips and the simplicity.
You are correct, things are changing, but for the better I think. Young families are getting back to some of the basics we enjoyed in our younger years. Keep on doing what you are doing. I love connecting with you.
Ann, I love your blog…. As someone who loves being an extrovert, your lovely site always provides me a welcome opportunity to sit, enjoy and be inspired! Your blueberry coffee cake is on repeat in my kitchen and I print your beautiful calendar every year. Thank you for your thoughtfulness in all you do!
Ann I have always enjoyed this special place and have been a follower from just about the beginning. I relate with so much you have shared in this post, we all come to a place where we realize it’s time to slow down. Thank you for all that you’ve shared and I look forward to enjoying more exciting ideas and inspiration! 💕
You provide beautiful and calm and just plain nice! Thank you!
Anne- I am an introvert as well. Thank you for stressing that it is not a shortcoming, simply a personality trait. I love spending quiet moments reading your posts. It is a comforting part of my day. Thank you!!
Thank you for sharing this! I too am an introvert and feel so much pressure from the world to be more extroverted but when I do that-I’m exhausted! I need my time of solitude and time in G-d’s word and that takes time. Home is truly where I can relax! Blessings on you and I so enjoy your posts!!
I always look forward to your emails. They make me feel at home like a friend is writing me a letter. I would like to know what pattern your blue and white dishes are. I absolutely love them. I want to look for them. Thank you for always keeping up the good work.
I’ve always enjoyed your blog. It’s one of my favorites.. I love that you too like the color blue and share your life. Thanks always.
Thank you for this beautiful and heartfelt message to us all.I have enjoyed reading your messages over the years. I too enjoy my home,pets, my garden and dabbling in the kitchen for my family. this feels like a great place for me and I’m sure for many others. Thank you for all your words and creations.
Kathy