A large blown glass bauble is floating next to lilly pads in a reflecting pool

8-26-23

My phone is showing temps on the 80’s starting today, Saturday,

but as I write this we are still hanging in the triple digits!

I usually think of dome ceiling as beautiful,

Sadly that may now be tainted after living in a heat dome.

But check out THIS dome!

massive blown glass sculpture hanging from the roof inside a Climatron dome

If you haven’t seen an exhibition of Dale Chihuly’s blown glass sculptures, TREAT yourself!

(The opening video on his website are all from the current installation that we just saw.)

We drove to St. Louis last weekend for the installation in the Missouri Botanical Gardens.

No words can do it justice (and I really wish my pictures could, but sadly they also fall short). I encourage you to take a moment and follow the link above — slow and savor time well spent!

a sculoture is reflected in the water beside lily pads and glass art

So much man-made art and nature’s art all together!

On the Blog This Week

Natural gourds , pampas grass and dried hydrangeas make a gorgeous fall floral arrangement

I published an in depth post about tabletop arrangements — specifically Fall. I started with one inspiration photo, recreated it with what I had on hand, and then altered it for multiple styles.

To get your Fall on, check out my 9 tips for styling a display.

I revisited the first of our larger projects — a massive wall of floating bookshelves, floor to ceiling.

I had never gone back and really detailed the installation. So I fixed that this week.

You really need to see the whole wall, it’s quite incredible.

closeup of books on floating wood shelves with a green plant and a photo too.

Coming Next Week:

A couple of craft projects and we’ll be talking fireplaces!!!

What I Can’t Let Go Of:

Did you notice these lily pads next to the glass art?

Breathtaking!!!! They grow up to 6-ft across. And fast, up to an inch per hour!

See the little bud popping out of the water in the top right? She will unfurl like the one in the top left, and spread out more and more, stretching the base/skin smoother and flatter as she goes. The lip will eventually stand up straight and become thinner and more translucent.

And I am fascinated by the single thick stalk they each have going down to the central roots in the soil of the reflecting pool.

These are brand new to me! I don’t ever even remember seeing pictures of these Victoria Water Lilies before. You? You can read more about them here, and then more here.

Reminder for my fellow bloggers- content creators or influencers

This is for you!

I discovered a “new” affiliate platform. If you have not heard of Mavely, you need to!

There’s no real application, it’s just a simple sign-up. They have hundreds of brands and retailers on the platform, and as a Mavely creator, you’re automatically in with each of them.

Please click here to learn more and join. There is no obligation. This link will take you to the website to explore what all the buzz is about.

Reminder for my Stocking Families:

ONE WEEK left!

This is a reminder that if you have South House Christmas stockings and your family has or is growing, and you need an additional stocking or three to blend in with your originals,

NOW is the time to order!!!

To encourage you to order before the season starts (before Sept. 1), I waive the $15 surcharge that Add-On stockings carry during the holiday season.

Click here, to order from SouthHouseDesigns.com or click here if you prefer going through Etsy.

Sharing From Around the Web

Due to many of you asking, I’ve put together some collections to help you “speed” shop updating your wardrobe for Fall. All these options are curated to my style and taste — Maybe some will work for you. And these are all great values, because, well, that’s me to the core!

These groupings are all from Marshall’s and TJ Max online, so you know the quantities are limited. So if they look like contenders, don’t dilly dally too long, Did you know that you can return any online purchases to any of their retail locations for free returns? Yes, you have 40 days from the order date.

collage of tall boots and bags for Fall
  1. Tall leather boots in black — just $80
  2. Tall leather boots in peanut — just $80
  3. Leather crossbody bag with outside zipper pocket on bag (for phone — a must-have for me) Love the color and size and shape!!! $50
  4. Tall Casual leather boot
  5. Crossbody leather phone case and wallet
  6. Suede and leather casual boot in almond $60

  1. Dress bootie — with just enough detailing to make them special $60
  2. Black leather moto bootie with fun strap and heel loop $50
  3. Leather waist bag (3 exterior pockets, perfect for the pumpkin patch and other hands-free excursions
  4. Cozy, plaid poncho with just a bit of fun fringe $20
  5. Hiking, foul weather booties from North Face, $70
  6. Cute casual bootie (grey with fur trim also available) $50
  7. Puddle booties from Dansko $30
collage of booties and a poncho and wait belt bag

Please let me know if these are helpful to you. If they are what would you like me to be searching out next for you. Casual capsule wardrobe find? Fall decor? Halloween decor?

As you probably know by now, I use some affiliate links in my newsletters and on the website. An affiliate link means that you pay nothing extra, but I may receive a small compensation that helps me keep creating free content for you!

I truly appreciate you using my links whenever possible!!!

I hope you enjoy your weekend!!! Enjoy the cooler temps if they are heading your way!

As I said before, I would greatly appreciate your feedback, any special requests, or questions you have.

round image of Diane smiling next to a Signature that reads: With Joy, Diane

6 Comments

  1. Mary

    We live in the St. Louis area and had the pleasure of walking the garden just as the sun was setting on a cool summer evening. It was delightful!

    Reply
    • Diane

      Oh, lucky you Mary! We had a gorgeous evening there too. And watched the sunset behind this beautiful art! But you got to do it without 10 hours (round trip) in the car.

      Reply
  2. Cindy Rust

    Those glass sculptures are gorgeous Diane! I would love to see them in person ???? Maybe one day!

    Reply
  3. Marcia Logan

    I’m from the Pacific Northwest where Dale Chihuly and his team live and work. He has done glass water displays all over the world! There is a beautiful garden display in Seattle that is permanent and also in the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas. If you wanted to purchase a small piece of his you would probably have to take out a second mortgage on your house! ????

    Reply
    • Diane

      YES!, I’ve seen the pieces at the Bellagio and I first saw him at the art museum in Boston many years ago! I think I’ll stick with the current mortgage and maybe invest in a Smart TV that displays art images when it’s off. I’d have a different one of his pieces for each season!!! How’s that for a creative solution?

      Reply
      • Marcia Logan

        I would have a hard time taking my eyes away from the screen!

        Oh, he also has a lovely piece in the Milwaukee Art Museum!

        Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Diane Sudhoff
key with a tags that reads "Subscribers" Next to the words "Free Printables Library"
close-up of hand holding a cell phone mock-up of an order page on top of a collage of products
Heading that Reads: Most Popular Organizing Posts

Click Image to

Jump to  Post

view of storage tubs on rollers on a wall-mounted rack close to the ceiling
shelves holding shoes attached to the legs of a repurposed piano bench
closeup of layers of velvet lined jewelry trays in a dresser drawer
Inside of a well-organized kitchen pantry
bundles of faux flowers are stored on the side off a large painted HVAC system
Copyright © 2025 South House Designs