Jan DiCintio is the girl behind Scoutie Girl, a fresh new blog that digs up indie and emerging designers. As a small business owner herself (check out her handmade bags at Daisy Janie), Jan understands the importance of supporting the growing independent community. She has been in the business of art, craft and design for around 7 years now and has owned businesses where she designed, created and sold art pieces and painted funky wallpaper-ish designs for clients in their homes. Basically what I’m saying is – she knows her stuff!

Other than great reviews and features, Scoutie Girl features a Sponsor Giveaway and Designer Q & A’s for you to check out. I’m loving having this blog on my “daily reads” list and am always amazed at what Jan digs up. Add Scoutie Girl to your bookmarks and discover a world of cool artists.

I know I always say this and I probably will continue to say this, but here’s another one of my favorite blogs…

Box vs. Indie is a blog run by Maile in California. The purpose of Box vs. Indie is simple – sharing the belief that indie businesses provide much more than mega-stores ever will. If you are a supporter of the small business community or are an owner of such a business, you will soon be saying that this is one of your new favorite blogs as well.

Maile’s goal is to share what “indie” is all about. She believes that the sellers of handmade goods work hard to offer high quality items, provide more personal service and unique products. At Box vs. Indie you’ll find great interviews and discoveries that Maile has hand-picked from the web.

In addition to writing about the wonderful world of indie on her blog, Maile also has a gorgeous jewelry company called Fossa Designs.

My friend Lindsay is at it again. As if she isn’t busy enough going to school, running Lindsay Designs and helping many small business owners create their websites, she now has a new blog.

Love and Olive Oil is a yummy blog of food and cooking that chronicles the culinary adventures of Lindsay and Taylor. These two are an inspiration in the kitchen, so let the learning begin! They basically cook about 5-6 times a week (if only we ALL did that). They don’t claim to be chefs, but in my eyes they sure are. Everyday there is a new photo and recipe posted by the pair. There is even advice if it’s your first time trying out the dish. You can even take advantage of recipes cards that are set up on the site, perfect for printing out!

If you’re interested in great recipes that are simple, delicious and that aren’t too hard on your wallet, head over to Love and Olive Oil now. The photos alone will have you wanting to mimic Lindsay and Taylor. Who knows, you may start photographing your meals as well. Hmmm…Who’s Hungry?

Indie Fixx is a marvelous blog that brings all things creative to its readers. Each day Jen Wallace, an amazingly crafty gal herself, discovers new things from independent artists and gives us all a taste. Those who are interested in fresh ideas, supporting small businesses and aren’t thrilled by what is mass-produced will enjoy Indie Fixx.

Jen helps to make everyone’s life a little easier by bringing quality handmade goodness to her blog. When ideas of great gifts are in need, Indie Fixx is the spot. Could shopping get any easier?

When Jen isn’t writing up reviews on Indie Fixx or being a mother and wife, she is designing jewelry for her online shop, Tilting Swiftly. Check out her shop where she now also has new guest designers.

As I’m sitting here thinking about what I should make for dinner tonight, I find myself going through the list of local foods that I’d love to cook up. But where to start?

In Hawaii there are so many choices of what and where to eat. With the amount of cultures here we have a vast selection of foods. If you live in Hawaii or are coming for a visit you should check out Mixed Plate’s Blog of the Week – The Tasty Island.

Pomai runs this blog that shares the diverse ethnic flavors that Hawaii has to offer. There are recipes and reviews of eateries ranging from the local plate lunch-style stand to fine dining restaurants. But how exactly does Pomai rate his eating experiences?

Enter the Spam Musubi Rating System (I LOVE this, by the way!). If you’re not familiar with spam musubi, it’s basically a staple at every picnic, outing, party, sporting event, etc. locally (see below). Pomai “grades” different places judging on his overall impression of the restaurant, item or recipe on hand.

So if you’re looking to see how your favorite island eating spot did and what kind of Musubi Grade they got, head on over to Pomai’s blog. Me? I’m about to eat right now – all this talk of spam musubis, recipes and plate lunches made me hungry!