Starved Rock Babymoon

October 16, 2014January 19, 20161 Comment

Things have been really quiet on the Pierogi Picnic website as of late as we eagerly prepare for the arrival of our very first little bundle. Between battling all-day-sickness, doctors visits, and nesting, we’ve been quite the busy bees these last six months – which is exactly why it was high-time to get away and recharge. So this past weekend David and I embarked on a low-key babymoon.

What’s a babymoon? It’s the latest trend in pregnancy, encouraging the parents-to-be to get away one final time as a twosome before the babe’s arrival. When planning our getaway we knew we wanted it to be as close to home as possible, while still allowing ourselves to be immersed in nature and the outdoors. And with it being October – camping was off the list – so the choice was easy: Starved Rock State Park.

Nestled between miles of farmland and the Illinois River, Starved Rock was the perfect place for us to get out for some fresh air while disconnecting from all the hub-bub of home. Less than a two hour drive from Chicago, this picturesque preserve was one of the nation’s first sanctioned national parks, adding a rich history to the already spectacular forests and cliffs of the region.

With the confetti like fall foliage, deep earthy smells, serene visage and winding trails, we were able to hike all our anxieties about the coming bebe away. Having the opportunity to slow down and reflect on this coming new chapter, all while surrounded by the gold and amber hues of the changing season, was the best possible way for us to celebrate and prepare for our little human.

So should you be in Chicago, and looking for a way to at once connect with nature and unwind, let me be the first to recommend Starved Rock and all its glory. You won’t be disappointed!

DIY: Peppermint Mocha Body Scrub

September 11, 2014September 8, 2014Leave a comment

It’s the time of year when we turn off the air, bust open the windows, and let the cool breeze of autumn whip through our homes. Forget spring cleaning – fall is when I want things to be light and fresh – which is exactly what has inspired my classic homemade Peppermint Mocha Body Scrub.

Made with ingredients from the kitchen, the exfoliating texture and delicious smell of this DIY treatment will transform your bathroom into a foodie spa extravaganza. Unlike the fattening espresso drink of the same name at Starbucks – this luxurious scrub is actually good for you! Made with olive oil, coffee grounds and effervescent peppermint, it will awaken your senses while sloughing off dry dull skin.

Follow the recipe to see how easy it is to indulge!

Ingredients:1 cup used coffee grounds, 1/2 cup raw sugar, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 10 drops peppermint oil, 1 teaspoon cocoa

To make, combine the coffee grounds and sugar in a small bowl and stir together. Next, add the two oils to the coffee sugar brew. Once you have thoroughly mixed the oils in, add the teaspoon of cocoa to give it an extra kick of scent. Pour your concoction into a cleaned out jam jar. For gifting purposes, wrap a string of ribbon or raffia around the base and tie in a bow. Will stay good in open air for two weeks – or you can refrigerate it to extend the shelf life.

Enjoy!

Vegetarianism & Variety

July 24, 2014January 19, 2016Leave a comment

Beet & Goat Cheese Jewels

Vegetarianism is no longer the obscure lifestyle choice it used to be 10, 15 or even 20 years ago. With campaigns such as Meatless Monday and protein alternatives abounding in grocery stores, the choice to abstain from meat is one that’s much more mainstream than in years gone by.

Which is probably why I’m always caught off guard when confronted with the “oh – you’re vegetarian” face. “Don’t you get bored with only eating vegetables?” Is a commonly asked question. As is, “How do you get all the protein you need?”

Well I’m here to say, once and for all, that there’s no lack of variety or nutrition in a vegetarian diet!

Veggie BBQ Bowl

David and I have been meat-free since we exchanged wedding vows in 2006. We made it a gradual shift, first choosing to only purchase ethically raised meats. Then we shifted to no meat at home – but eating it at restaurants. After three months of this gradual decline in consumption, we completely eliminated all meat from our diets. “We don’t eat anything that has a face” is the way I once explained it to my dad. And do we suffer, even a bit, since making that decision over 8 years ago? Not one bit! We couldn’t be happier, healthier, and more satisfied with the food choices we make each and every day.

Brussels Sprout & Avocado Rolls

Whether you have an octo, lacto, raw or vegan preference, are doing it for reasons of ethics, sustainability or faith, choosing to eat compassionately is not only good for you, it’s also good for the planet and all the creatures in it.

So for those of you who still grapple with going vegetarian, thinking it will subject you to a life of bland palettes or nutritional deficits, cast those fears aside! There’s way more variety and health benefits out there than you can ever imagine! Give it a try for a day, a week, and then a month, and you’ll see that there’s nothing forlorn about living this compassionate lifestyle.

And should you need inspiration or a place to start, check out this Pinterest board which includes some of my all-time favorite veg-head recipes.

Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash

Is there a blog or website that you love from which you like to collect vegetarian recipes? If so – share the link in the comments!

Healthy Hippie Bowl

Inspiration: Advanced Style

July 7, 2014Leave a comment

There is no wont of fashion blogs on the webosphere. From street style to specific looks and aesthetics, there seems to be a little something out there for everyone. Well – almost. As is fully known in the world of runways and glossy zine pages, beauty is portrayed within a tight age demographic. Once in a blue moon there may be a feature or front page of an actress or actor who is advanced in years – but it’s a rarity and exception to the rule. That’s why the blog “Advanced Style” is so incredible.

Created by photographer and fashion lover Ari Seth Cohen, the blog captures the bold, eccentric and elevated elegance of men and women who we wouldn’t typically see in the folds of the typical fashion spread. Ari searches the streets of the Big Apple, to find men and women in their golden years who can teach us a thing, or two (or three!) about what it means to have style and class.

“I roam the streets of New York looking for the most stylish and creative older folks. Respect your elders and let these ladies and gents teach you a thing or two about living life to the fullest. Advanced Style offers proof from the wise and silver-haired set that personal style advances with age.”

So if you’re looking for your next bit of inspiration, or want to fix your gaze beyond mainstream beauty, take some time to explore Ari’s blog. You won’t be disappointed by what you find!

DIY: Homemade Cheek & Lip Stain II

June 30, 2014June 30, 2014Leave a comment

One of my all-time most popular DIY tutorials is my homemade cheek and lip stain that I put together years ago after discovering the Cosmetics Safety Database. Looking up product after product within my cupboard I had discovered that many were laced with ingredients that were toxic to my health.

This led me to do a total purge of all my make-up, including my most prized product, Benetint. After searching store after store for a natural alternative, I decided to make one up myself using basic kitchen ingredients. And the result? Perfection! My DIY stain was toxin free, easy to make and created a picture perfect come-hither glow.

Fast forward and I’ve found myself once again drawn to Benefit products – this time a pretty coral stain. But rather than compromise three years of skin detox, I decided to give my original recipe a twist and create a pretty tinted concoction that I could use all summer long. The main ingredients? Beets and carrots.

Saturated in pigment and easily pliable, both of these root veggies make a perfect base for a cheek and lip stain that will give you a rosy blush to go with your summer tan. Don’t believe me? Follow my directions below and you too can opt for a homemade lip and cheek hue that will make you glow from the inside out.

Continue reading →

DIY: No-Sew T-Shirt Turban

June 3, 2014June 20, 20141 Comment

It’s the time of year for biking, sunshine and humidity – which can mean only one thing – it’s frizz season!

If you have any hint of kink in your hair than I know you know where I’m coming from. You can be having the perfect hair day, go on a nice long bicycle ride, arrive at your location only to find that you’ve got that finger-in-a-light-socket look, and it ain’t pretty. So what’s a gal (or guy!) to do?

There are tons of products out there that can potentially help, but rather than slop gunk onto your locks try this out instead: a cotton turban headband. Not only will it keep your hair in place, it will also draw the eye away from that halo of fuzz that inevitably develops in the summer months.

Here’s a quick five-minute tutorial on how to make your very own headband using an upcycled tee and a pair of scissors. No sewing machine required! Give it a try and you too will find it’s the easiest way to beat the frizz this season. Continue reading →

Trends: Confetti Prints

May 9, 2014May 5, 2014Leave a comment

One of my favorite trends of the moment brings together two different looks: color and polka dots.

Using a simple white background and then splashing it with miscellaneous rainbow hues, makers and vintage collectors are showcasing confetti prints every which way I turn. Reminiscent of a super sugary cupcake doused in sprinkles, the trend is definitely one that will make you smile.

Here’s a look at some Etsy finds that find fun ways to harness the power of the confetti print.