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, So wonderful that you have found your happy place. Thankful you share your recipes, designs, and knowledge with all of us! Namaste :)
I truly enjoy your blog and I feel relaxed and happy when I visit! I, like you, long for a slower pace in my life right now. I’m also a bit of an introvert and enjoy all things home and family! Thanks for your inspirational posts and resources!!
Good morning, Ann,
I’m so glad you shared! I thoroughly understand and am so happy that you recognized it. We’re all just working through life and things change all the time.
I’ve read you from the beginning and have saved images that I loved so much. I’ll never stop loving your white tile counters with cobalt blue!!!
Have a great day and thank you for all you do for all of us, Kathy
I look forward to seeing mail from you in my inbox. Thanks for creating and sharing..
Ann, I’ve enjoyed your website for several years. Your recipes are wonderful (I’m making the oven roasted vegetables today & can’t wait), your decorating & gardening tips have helped me many times, your honesty & heartfelt messages mean so much in today’s world. Your website is you & not a mini shopping mall. Thank you so much for sharing yourself with all of us.
Ann,
I have been following you for so long, but I can’t remember how long.
Through your sharing my garden is beautiful, I have become a better cook by trying your recipes and I have creatively tried new home decor looks.
Thank you for sharing your life. You are a friend who has influenced my life in so many wonderful ways.
Enjoy your week
I’m recently new to your website. I enjoy it immensely and am impressed at your talent. I too, love my home and look forward to the ideas you so generously share with your readers/friends. Please continue your informative content – it is so enjoyable !
Thank you for being here and sharing a genuine and authentic perspective. You are appreciated.
I found your website several years ago while searching for a print to frame. Thank you for your wonderful shares and ideas. I too, am an extrovert and enjoy just staying home for the most part. I lost my husband of 48 years about a year and half ago and I am working on forcing myself outside my home to socialize and be around people as much (which at time is very little) as I possibly can. Neighbors have changed and really are not a social outlet in my neighborhood or maybe it is just people have changed and are too self absorbed in their own lives to socialize. I do miss that from the earlier years when I first retired.
Anyway, off my soap box, I truly enjoy your website and out of the many sites I have kept over the years yours is one of the very few.
Keep up the good work it is truely enjoyed. Love the art work you share and many of your recipes I have tried and continue to make.
Carol
Dear Ann,
Thank you for your beautiful website; in this chaotic world, it’s a breath of fresh air! I truly look forward to each and every email you send and is the first one I open. Thank you for being genuine and for sharing your recipes, thoughts, and ideas on living the simple and gracious life.
My gratitude and love to you.