Summer is Here!

June 18, 2011Leave a comment

Today is the full-out first official weekend of summer!

My plan for the day? To celebrate in as many ways as possible! I’ve already started by visiting the first Edgewater Farmer’s Market day where I sucked down delicious iced coffee from Kitchen Sink, picked up fingerling potatoes, cremini mushrooms and real strawberries from local vendors. Then David and I migrated to the secret neighborhood garden with Peanut & Butter where we noshed on a fresh piece of moist blueberry coffee cake – a perfect start to the day. As we plan our beach outing and visit to the new custard stand Lickety Split, I’m also plotting which of my newest designs I will be sporting on this beautiful sunny morning.

How will you be celebrating your first summer weekend? What will you be wearing?

Meet the Models: Jared

June 15, 2011Leave a comment

Jared migrated to Chicago from a small town in Ohio and now thrives in this new metropolis he calls home. A gifted painter, his ghostly creations infuse viewers with both curiosity and wonder as they gaze through a fog of paint where faces peer out from under the surface. Jared’s stunning art defies his cool and friendly demeanor.

Infinitely approachable with his grizzly beard and soft smirks – Jared spends his hours away from the studio reading, philosophizing, brewing coffee, napping, and canoodling with his dogs Frankenstein and Vera.

Press: Featured on Style Network

June 8, 2011June 8, 2011Leave a comment

What’s better than running an eco-friendly indie business? Getting some love for it from the major league players! Check out the article “Fashions with a Conscience” from the Style Network’s mystyle website featuring none other than Pierogi Picnic front and center. The “In Bloom” tunic dress is one of my favorite designs and it’s great to see that I’m not the only one who thinks so. Love the love.

Meet the Models: Jeannette

May 31, 2011May 30, 20111 Comment

Jeannette is a talented jewelry designer and music lover who spends her time giggling and musing with friends in her vintage Chicago apartment.

Fascinated by various curios, some of Jeannette’s favorite films include Amelie, Donnie Darko and the Labyrinth.

When she’s not busy hopping and bopping you can find her bending circuits with a local hackers group.

Comfy, Chic & Customized: Swim Wear Revolution

May 21, 2011May 21, 20111 Comment

If you’re anything like me you have a love/hate relationship with the beach. The soothing sound of lapping waves, the warmth of the sun, and the smells of sun tan lotion are sharply jarred by feelings of vulnerability and discomfort as your swim wear moves, shifts, and bulges in every nook and cranny of your body.

No matter how in or out of shape, all women fight this losing battle. And with the traditional swim suit materials only adding insult to injury the time has come to start a swim wear revolution!

By creating a new line of eco-friendly, custom fitted, vintage inspired swim suits – Pierogi Picnic is empowering you to hit the beach in comfort and style.

Each piece in the new line will be custom made to the wearer’s measurements out of soft and breathable upcycled cotton. The suits will be lined for fit and modesty and will include tailoring designed to flatter any figure. And the best part? The designs will be bright, colorful and affordable!!!

Keep your eyes peeled for the launch of the new line this June.

Team Player: Writing for Ecoetsy!

May 18, 2011May 18, 20111 Comment

Do you get overwhelmed by the sheer number of sellers on Etsy? If you’ve ever been to the site and searched for eco-friendly and have found the results too big to digest then Ecoetsy is your saving grace! The Ecoetsy team is a group of Etsy sellers all committed to green business practices and sustainable products. By typing “ecoetsy” into your search inquiries you’ll have a list of guaranteed tree huggers like yourself to choose from.

In addition to providing filtered lists of goods – the Ecoetsy team runs a successful blog that helps you take the walk beyond shopping. Filled with news, business tips, recipes, and Etsy finds, the site will inspire you to take an extra step in your conscious lifestyle. And now, every month, you’ll be able to catch my Eco-Tutorials too as I’ve become an official Ecoetsy Blog contributor! Check out my first post about how you can transform your throw pillows with a set of fabric kitchen napkins! Show some love in the comments too.

Consolidating Efforts: Working Smarter

May 15, 2011February 3, 2012Leave a comment

BEFORE

With a full-time job, three pets, a husband, and community involvement, it can be hard to find time to consistently pour into an indie business. Staying productive, inspired, and effective requires a well orchestrated schizophrenia of productivity that consolidates where you invest your energy. Between social networking and the online marketplace it is easy to become overwhelmed and distracted. Where should you spend your web time? And how do you spend it well?

Here are some tools and tips that I have discovered over the past three years that have helped me to use the most of my time online: Continue reading →