Psst…I have a secret crush. Try to guess who it is. I’ll give you some hints: queen of craft, high-quality photos, website, magazine, empire. Any ideas yet? Continue reading
Contests: 2013 Everyday Beauty Contest
It’s the day before February – and you know what that means! It’s time to start snapping and sharing your photos for our third annual “Everyday Beauty Contest!!!”
With the premise to look closer at the daily details of life that captivate, inspire and enthuse, the contest invites you to submit your favorite photo onto the Pierogi Picnic Facebook page for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate to my Etsy shop. Just in time for Valentine’s Day – the contest begins February 1st and will run through the 13th – with the winner announced on the holiday.
And how do you win?
Take a picture using this year’s theme and upload it to the Pierogi Picnic Facebook page. The photo can be a quick instagram shot or something you doctor in an editing program. The only rule is that you must have taken the pic yourself. The photo with the most likes at 10pm (CST) on 2/13 will win!
This year’s theme is: RED
So get out there and start snapping. And more importantly – have fun!
An Indie Biz: You are Loved!
With Valentine’s Day in a couple of weeks I’ve been getting sentimental.
I was thinking about all the people, pets and places I hold near and dear to my heart – and I thought of you! Whether you’re a Pierogi Picnic customer, blog follower or incidental stalker – know that I appreciate all your support and care! It’s been, and continues to be, a wonderful journey.
Thank you and know you are loved!
Re-Decorating
The weather is officially dreary in Chi-town and the post-holiday slump is coming. The decorations have come down and the new budget is in full-effect, which means one thing: It’s time to re-decorate!
Now, when I use the term I’m not talking about going out, buying lots of new accessories and paint, and cluttering my home with more ‘stuff.’ To me, re-decorate (see the clever use of the hyphen?!) means to take what you already have in your home and re-arrange it for a new look. Continue reading
Trends: Lovin’ the Leggings!
Throughout most of the country we’re bundling and living in layers to keep the cold bug from biting. One of the very best trends that continues to stick around, season in and season out, are those lovable stretchy pseudo tights: leggings. Whether you believe they’re pants or not – one things for sure – this fashion trend has become a staple beyond the eighties. Whether you’re wearing them to be a bit more demure in a mini – or if – like me – you’re rockin’ them as part of a chunky winter ensemble, you know there’s nothing more comfy or snug as a good pair of footless cotton leggings.
In ode to this oh-so-dear-and-near-to-me piece of apparel, I’ve compiled my favorite printed and dyed pairs to inspire you to go beyond the solid and try a bolder or brighter look. Whether you go high-end or DIY, hopefully these fun varieties will inspire you to take this popular and functional piece of clothing to the next level…all while staying warm and cozy! Continue reading
Inspiration: Via Pinterest
“Whenever I’m feeling down, la la la, whenever I’m feeling blue, la la la, all I have to do – is just think of you!
Or, at the very least, all I need to do is take a trip to some of my favorite Pinterest boards to collect visual trinkets that will continue to inspire me – whether in the bitter cold of winter or sticky sweetness of summer.
Do you have a Pinterest board filled with goodies to motivate, enthuse and inspire? If so – share a link to it in the comments below!
DIY: Cardigan Slim Down
When hunting for fabric for my upcycled creations it’s impossible for me to hold myself back from scooping up a goodie for myself here and there. Knowing that I’m scoring a deal and being green, by purchasing pre-worn, makes me feel doubly good!
But one of the dilemmas of buying used clothing is making it fit – which is where my handy-dandy alteration short-cuts come into play! Sure, I can disassemble each item and re-sew each seam, but there are so many other things I have to focus on: filling custom orders, updating my website, cuddling my bostons or noshing on home-baked cookies. So why not find a faster way to alter things to size?!
One of my all-time favorite sewing tricks for slimming down tops uses external seams. When created in multiples, folds of sewn fabric create a unique texture while taking-in the garment. The perfect item to test this technique is an over-sized boyfriend cardigan. Whether originally created for a man or dame, a soft cotton long-sleeve cardi is something I can’t resist when thrifting. So when wanting to taper one down, the “Cardi Slim Down” is my method of choice.
Here’s how to get it done:
Shiny Happy*People 
