Oh Joy for Target!

I have been beyond giddy about the new party supplies collection designed by Oh Joy for Target! The garden party collection launched on March 16th, and I of course headed to Target that day to check it out. Unfortunately, things move a little bit slower down South and the collection was not on display until a few days later. So, last Friday, I finally made my way back to Target to check out the collection in person.  I am officially obsessed!!! All party details were thought out....even down to designing cute trash bags. Can it get any better than that?? It was really hard to narrow down my favorites because I just really love it all so much. BUT, here are my top picks...

1. Party Horns 2. Goblets 3. Favor Bags 4. Cake Stand 5. Wall Decals 6. Cake Toppers

Have you seen the new collection? I would love to hear what you think?? Hop on over to Oh Joy's Blog to check out the celebration she styled with her party and entertaining items from the Target collection!

Stylist Resource: The Flower Recipe Book

{Image via Studio Choo}

As a stylist, I'm always arranging flowers for photo shoots...especially since all my photo shoots revolve around entertaining.  What's a party without flowers, right?! Arranging flowers can be rather intimidating if you are a beginner. At least that is how I felt when I first tried my hand at it. I was thrilled when I came across this fabulous book from Studio Choo. It was just what I needed to gain confidence in flower arranging. By breaking it down step by step, this book seamlessly teaches you how to put together a beautiful flower arrangement like a pro. Click here to get yourself a copy!

Inspiration Board: A Pop of Spring

With temperatures dipping back down into the 30's this week, Winter seems to not want to let go these days. I am itching for Spring to get here....and STAY here. I'm ready for open toe shoes, white jeans, weekend picnics and outdoor entertaining. I say forget ushering in Spring with pastels this year and go for bold pops of color! 

{images via pinterest (original source unknown), j.crew,  amy osaba,  bash events, inspired goodness,  pizzazzerie,  eat drink chic, all things girly and beautiful, target, bellopop print shop, mon carnet, glitter guide}

Homemade Birthday Cake

My husband's birthday was yesterday and he had one request...a homemade birthday cake. Apparently there isn't a bakery in town he trusts to deliver a fabulous tasting cake. So, I put my apron on and got to baking!

Here are a few behind-the-scenes pics of my cake baking skills in action...

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Icing a cake can be a little tricky. I am so glad I got to work on a cake story for Celebrate Magazine where I learned all the do's and don'ts from a professional baker. (You can check out that story here.) I think my cake looks pretty good for an amateur! 

I had to add a little topper to make this cake more festive. I didn't think my husband would want to blow out a bunch of candles so I made these flags instead. All you need is some ribbon and few skewers! 

You may be asking yourself, was that cake any good?? I have to say I was a little disappointed in the cake...the frosting was fabulous though! I tried a new yellow cake recipe and I don't know why I always try to make cake from scratch. I'm starting to think box mix is the way to go. The frosting I made is a tried and true recipe from Barefoot Contessa called Beatty's Chocolate Cake. I highly recommend you try her frosting....along with the cake she pairs it with! 

Happy Baking!

Black + White

If you can't already tell from the design of my new blog, I'm crazy about the color combo black + white (and a touch of gold never hurts). I'm a classic girl to my core so this palette is right up my alley. From table top to home design...and everywhere in between, black + white seems to be taking center stage lately. I don't believe this timeless pair will be going away anytime soon... 

 {Images via 1. Reason To Breathe 2. Jill Rosenwald 3. Serena and Lily 4. Anthropologie 5. Sugar Paper 6. Lonny}

Time for a Change!

Spring is officially here and new beginnings abound. It's warming up (in the South at least) and the first hint of blooms are starting to appear. Speaking of new beginnings... I am so excited for this new blog and the adventure it will surely take me on. If you used to follow my musings on so.chic, I am so glad you've jumped on over to Sidney the Stylist. After blogging for over 4 years, I felt the need to shake things up a bit and make a change. I wanted a new name and definitely a new design! I will still be blogging about my love of entertaining, but I also want to take you behind-the-scenes in the life of a prop stylist. I'm sure I will throw in a little home decor and some other lifestyle topics too. If you have any suggestions on what you would like to read, please leave me a comment!

Since a new season is upon us, I wanted to share a few ways to welcome the arrival of Spring!

{image via Where Bluebirds Fly}

                                   
                                                  

1. Pack a picnic and enjoy the warmer weather.

{image via I'm a Beauty Geek}

2. Paint your nails or toes a fun spring color from Essie's new collection.

{image via One Fab Day}

3. Stop by your local florist and pick up some peonies to make a simple floral arrangement.

{image via West Elm}

4. Add a pop of color to your sofa with these bright pillows from West Elm.

{image via Caldrea}

5. Tackle a little bit of spring cleaning... I know cleaning is never fun, but with this fabulous set from Caldrea, it is totally bearable!