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.
Thank you for sharing yourself with us❣️
I love your website and honesty. I’m a home body also and can relate. Also the slowing down and live in the moment. Thank you for your insights and all the beautiful photos and recipes.
Thank you Ann!
In a world of sometimes chaos, it’s nice to be able to go to your little corner and find peace and calm. I have been following you for a while and appreciate all the work you put into all these posts. It is refreshing to see that not everyone is looking to be “the best” or “the most” at everything…just yourself. Please keep giving us your outlook on a better pace of life and giving us little hints at how to achieve it.
Love everything you post.
I love this post! I’ve been following for a long time and always enjoy seeing your email pop up in my inbox! It is my one email I keep unopened until I have a quiet moment alone.
I am with you on loving to be home. I’m glad you shared that, because, I too, feel as you do!
Keep up the great work! I love your site and your words!
Dear Ann,
I so enjoy your posts! I have unsubscribed from quite a few bloggers because they have become click bait to make a buck. You are so genuine and a breath of fresh air. When you can make your followers feel like we could meet in person and chat over a glass of tea, you are a huge success.
Sincerely, Cathy
Thx for sharing your heart, Ann, & also for all the great recipes & ideas. I’ve read your blog for many years & love the water color prints u make. They’re a delightful addition!
Have a blessed day!
Sincerely,
Meda
Thank you, Ann, for sharing your feelings and thoughts with us followers. I have enjoyed your sight for about ten years now, and I have enjoyed watching it change in subtle ways. I have tried nearly all of your recipes, watched TV shows you have suggested, tried many of your decorating ideas, and enjoyed your quotes and photos you have posted. Your blog is a go to for me, and I appreciate the work you have put into it for your readers. Isn’t it wonderful getting to know ourselves better and better each day, learning what works for ourselves, becoming comfortable with who we are, and realizing that we don’t have to keep up with anyone but ourself.
I look forward to your future posts!
I enjoy your posts so much. I save them in a file. I especially love your art. You are so talented. You have a gift and I appreciate you sharing it. I love your heart. It’s ok to live a slower, simpler life. I too would rather be home than anywhere else. It’s my safe space. Social media is way overrated! The images that we see are a snippet of a moment where you only see the “best”. Keep doing what you are doing and don’t worry about followers. People are fickle and go where the wind blows.I’ve made several of your recipes and have all your Christmas art. I love your watercolors.Thank you for following your heart.
Ann, I have enjoyed your posts for years. This past year of “quieting” has really spoken to me. I find it refreshing and comforting. I have unsubscribed to several blogs that always seem to be searching frantically for the next best thing to buy or make. Your space is a welcome calm. Thank you.
Thanks for sharing the One Year Later post. It puts you and your site in perspective.