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, as one lifestyle blogger to another, I understand your challenges and frustrations. We love the writing and creation process and sharing with readers, hoping that we give them things to help them in their own lives and homes. I can tell you that when people ask me about the blogs I love and follow, yours is always at the top of my list. Keep up the great work.
Don’t change a thing, your or your website! We love all you do. Every change of season I always go to your printouts and print a set for my living room wall. I get so excited to look at your prints. So don’t change a thing. P.s. I am an introvert big time and my home is my sanctuary.
Thank you so much for all that you do! I love your blog.
I also love to be at home and make small meals,do some quilting and read ( I love to sit back with a good book).Love everything you post and look forward to them. Blessings to you and your slower way of life.
I am also a homebody and enjoy your site because it is truthful and doesn’t send me all over the internet. Love your calendars and never have to buy any anymore and your recipes are simple and delicious. Please continue this format and have a beautiful Sunday!
Beautifully written & lists many reasons why I continue to follow you.
You seem very genuine, as a friend who lives next door and shares her best recipes, tips, and thoughts about the season of life you are traveling. May God continue to bless your efforts as you share what you are learning with the rest of us :)
Hello Ann!
Your post is so moving! Thank you for everything!
Dear Ann, I sooooooo enjoy On Sutton Place. You mentioned what you’ve strived to accomplish here; tasty recipes, stylish decor and garden information. There’s something else I’ve come to enjoy from my visits here that wasn’t part of my original search but now is the main reason and I wanted you to know. It’s the peace and calm that’s there in every post. It’s actually you coming through in all your writings. On Sutton Place is a haven for me. Thank you.
I love reading all your posts each week. I am a homebody and love staying at home. I do volunteer one day a week at a charity for babies and young children. I love recipes, home decor, and gardening. Thanks for doing what you do.
Thank you for sharing from your heart. I so enjoy seeing your newsletters in my inbox.
The slower pace is what I am striving for also. I thought as I retired it would come naturally. Nope, I quickly filled my days and found myself busier than a full time job. I am learning the word no, not easy for this gal.
Thank you again for the words you share, delicious recipes and beautiful things you inspire us in your home.