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 too am an introvert. And now at 75 am not feeling guilty of loving to stay home in my own home and garden. It’s where I like to be. Have been following you for years and love how you write and what you post!
Thanks from B.C. Canada 🇨🇦🍁
I just love your posts and I don’t miss them. Thank you and God bless you!
💜💜💜thank you for continuing to let us into your life!!!
All the previous comments pretty much say how I’m feeling. I too, prefer to stay at home, get out occasionally but am more at ease in my own things surrounding me.
I so appreciate your calm, friendly and honest openness in how you share yourself to your followers. You provide a quick and easy guide to so many everyday areas of life; the Jiffy Corn Muffin “hotdish” has become a favorite in our family. Love your watercolor illustrations technique, thank you for giving the “how to” instructions… might even try it for myself.
Ann, congratulations on living your honest life. Staying true to yourself and not allowing ‘social media’, or anything else, change who you are.
I read your post’s sometimes to calm down.
Thank you.
Sue
Your blog is something I look forward to each time I see you share something. I hope you continue to post as you feel comfortable.
Everything you’ve said in today’s post is exactly how I’ve been feeling lately. I have noticed that as I’m getting older, I want my life to be simpler. I don’t want every day or moment spoken for with an obligation of some sort. I have had trouble expressing this to people without getting strange looks! Everyone seems to want to be very busy with something to do all the time, but not me. I prefer being at home doing simple things like trying a new recipe. It’s here that I’m finding an inner peace, so thank you for putting into words exactly how I’m feeling!
Dear Ann, after many years of reading your posts, I feel like we are friends. You have always inspired me with decor ideas and recipes. I have taken many of your ideas and used them in my home.
I wish you health and happiness and look forward to anything that you share with all of us.
Also, to try to support your efforts, I try to remember to click through from your Amazon links before I actually make Amazon purchases. I understand that this earns you a commission even if I don’t purchase an item that you have recommended. I hope that this is true as it would be nice to know that I am giving back, not just taking.
Enjoy your summer and know that you have a faithful and thankful reader here!
Thank you for sharing your life with us. I love reading your blog. Peaceful. Love your recipes. You’re an inspiration.