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.

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An Indie Biz: Welcoming the New Year

January 3, 2014January 2, 2014Leave a comment

2013 Pierogi Picnic Annual Business Review final

It’s been quite a fruitful year here at Pierogi Picnic – and there’s much to reflect on. Whether perusing through my Etsy sales, looking back at the conjuring of new designs, or basking in the warm glow of gleaming customer reviews, 2013 was the year where my business shined.

Thinking back over the last five years, and the endless toiling to build Pierogi Picnic’s strong foundation, this was the year where the pay offs became clear and tangible. What more could a biz owner wish for?!

So to send off 2013, while joyfully welcoming 2014, I’ve drafted up a visual graphic that looks back on this year’s achievements. Because, after all, what’s the fun of running a small indie biz if I don’t get to celebrate milestones, breakthroughs, and all the success nuggets in between!

And if you’re wondering how in the world I was able to achieve, let alone set my sight on these goals in the first place, consider giving my yearly business planning worksheet a try. Download my customizable, and totally adorable, planning worksheet below to help you get your goals on paper for the year.

Here’s to a fruitful New Year to all the indie handmade business owners out there!

Designs: New Swim

May 21, 2013October 14, 2019Leave a comment

The moment we’ve all been waiting for – the 2013 Pierogi Picnic swim line is here!

Building from classics like the Green Girl, Blossom and Beach Bum designs, these new vintage-inspired suits are made custom for the buyer out of repurposed t-shirt cotton, making them as eco-friendly as they are chic and comfy! Each suit is hand-cut for the unique shape of the customer and also includes a stretchy swim lining, which helps dry time as well as shaping. Continue reading →

Featured Design: Layers Away

April 18, 2013April 17, 2013Leave a comment

Tis the season for wearing lots of layers as each hour of the day brings a new temperature. That’s where the new “Layers Away” design comes to the rescue!

Created using a home-made silkscreen and pre-loved tees, these uber soft, comfy and chic tanks are great for wearing on their own or under cardigans, chunky sweaters or dresses. With the cutesy peter pan collar print and neutral colors – they’re a great basic to add to your wardrobe!

Designs: Take A Bow

March 5, 2013March 27, 2013Leave a comment

I know I know – the end of winter is at hand so what business do I have making more cold weather gear? Well, I don’t know about you, but as far as I’m concerned the layering will continue for at least another couple of months as the current season wanes and spring takes hold. So as I was laying out my design plans for the coming days, I decided to throw caution to the wind and make more cozy layerables that can be stacked over sweaters and raincoats. And so “Take a Bow” was born.

Handcrafted from knitted, itch-free, vintage sweaters, these adorable chunky cowls are both utilitarian and fashion-forward. Creating a warm loop around the neck, these fun accessories have a pinched front to create an over-sized bow shape when worn. Great for wearing indoors or out – I predict that this new design will be a fan favorite in no time!

Bringing the Outdoors In

February 28, 2013January 19, 2016Leave a comment

As a contributor to the Eco Etsy blog – I’ve had the opportunity to write on a wide range of topics. From eco-tutorials to sustainable inspirations – I’ve covered a range of topics on the site. Most recently I gathered up some ideas on how you can bring a hint of Spring indoors with creative curating using plants.

If you’re getting antsy like me to welcome the new season, check out the article for some suggestions on how you can bring the great outdoors in this month.

Item of the Week: Hide N Seek

February 26, 2013February 21, 2013Leave a comment

What do you get when you throw together a soft pre-loved sweatshirt, lace, thread and some major scissor cutting? The adorable and oh so cozy Hide N Seek sweater! One of my personal favorites – this soft and toasty piece has a modern boxy shape with just the right dash of charm. Sporting an over-sized cowl neckline, lace embellishment, raw edges and over-sized fit, this fun piece is great for wearing alone or being layered. Perfect for the shifting season – the Hide N Seek sweater series will have you snuggling up to someone special in no time!