Hi,
If you have used the Arduino and find it friendly and easy to use I would say for now continue with it.
You can always move onto the Pics once your abilties grow or the need arises.
The Arduino Uno, like I have, is probably, currently the most popular and cheapest, though there are many other hardware versions to choose from, better to stay with the mainstream ones so you have a better selection of software.
Once you have created a Arduino project you can easily remove the chip and place it in your own final circuit or buy a cheap ISP programmer and burn chips direct.
You will find masses of help in Arduinos own Forum in doing this
Although as an Arduino they get the 'toy like' tag the Atmel micros they use are comparable to Pic 16F micros and should not be dismissed.
For about twice the money of the Uno you can get a Microchip Pickit3 programmer with a very simple testing board; there are lots more Pic dev boards to chose from but at a price.
Have also used various Pics for many years but for a quick, simple, lo cost , ready to use system the Arduino seems best in my eyes.