Wednesday: Baby bag

I love the print on this messenger bag! You will be noticed for sure with this tote. Perfect as a diaper bag or gym bag or laptop bag or...you get the picture :) Find it at Bella Sera Baby.

Sunday Brunch Special: Girls Night Out

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your indie business.
My name is Holly Bedard, a fairly new addition to the thirty-something group. Girls’ Night Out Designs came about a few years ago. Quite frankly, I started making jewelry as a way to keep my hands busy after I quit smoking. It worked – and almost six years later I’m much healthier and surrounded by tons of jewelry! You can find my collection at www.girlsnightoutdesigns.com.

2. Where are you located?
Manchester, NH

3. How did you come up with your business name?
It was a fairly painful process. I agonized over finding just the right name and always felt like it was on the tip of my tongue. Many, many girls’ nights later, it finally hit me. It was exactly what I had been looking for. I always thought the jewelry I created had a fun, slightly intoxicating feel to it, and Girls’ Night Out Designs said it all.

4. Where do you sell your products?
I sell my products exclusively online at www.girlsnightoutdesigns.com. I also have some shows coming up locally and plan to offer home parties starting in January.

5. Do you belong to any local and/or web groups or affiliations?
I belong to lots of indie Web groups. The Switchboards is amazing. I’m also listed at several indie-approved sites. It’s great to see so many people out there doing what they love!

6. What inspires you?
Color. That is always what I see first. The right color combination can make or break a piece.
I also have a not-so-very secret love affair with freshwater pearls. I just love the variety of colors and shapes you can find them in.

7. When you’re not making things, what do you do?
During the day, I am the editor of a statewide women’s magazine called The NH Mirror, which is based out of Manchester. We are coming up on our first birthday, and we’re celebrating with a charity fashion show. The bonus? I work with a lot of women who all love jewelry!

8. Do you ever get stumped for ideas? How do you work through it?
I shouldn’t say this. It’s by no means a model anyone should strive for. But when I’m stuck, I buy stuff. I stock up on pretty strands of gemstones, pearls or crystals. And it never fails. Once I make one or two things from the new stash, ideas start pouring in for all of the other beads I have laying around. It’s like I just a kickstart.

Ok, now these two are mandatory and I have to ask (this being a diner, after all)

1. What is your favorite meal?
My favorite meal is Ravioli Stefano at Piccola Italia, a great Italian restaurant in our downtown. It is made with butternut squash ravioli sautéed with chicken and pancetta in a Frangelican cream sauce with a touch of cinnamon. It’s like dessert and dinner rolled into one.

2. Do you prefer tea or coffee?
Coffee, without a doubt. But none of those weakling coffees. Needs to be something really bold! I love the Starbucks Italian Roast.

Wednesday: Market bag

Who doesn't need a big market tote? This is a beautiful deep sage green with a gray lining. I love how it has those big pleats! Find it at moop.

Thursday: Market tote

I've been eyeing this market tote lately as I really need a tote this size. I love the colors in this one and the fact that it's reversible! Find it at htNEVELE.

Monday: Cute little coin pouch

This little pouch sure would be handy to have on your keychain to hold all those loose coins or maybe some mints or pills... It's just barely 2 inches square and SOOO adorable. Find it at Cotton & Cloud.

Wednesday: Primrose Lime tote

I'm a big fan of Amy Butler fabrics. This bag was made with the new line called Nigella. It's a great size too, big enough to carry all you need but small enough so it doesn't become a bottomless pit. Find it at Julia Martinez Designs.

Monday: Metallic Pink pouch

Wow! Is this ever cool! Shiny metallic pink pouch...perfect for cosmetics, credit cards or whatever. Find it at peep bags.

Thursday: Bird Pouch

I'm a big fan of birds (as many of you already know:-), applique and hand embroidery. Well, this cute little pouch has all of that plus fabulous colors. Find this and other equally adorable pouches at Loose String.

Wednesday: Chocolate Swirls

Pretty white swirls on a rich chocolate background - this cute wristlet even has a beaded wrist strap - very cool. Find it at Bean Pickle Sprout.

Saturday: Mod Tulips bag set

Isn't this a great set??? Love the mod/vintage fabric. I could hardly decide which fabulous bag to feature. I loved them all! Find it at Candy Argyle Designs.

Saturday: Recycled Market Bag

I've always loved the idea of these bags made from recycled plastic grocery bags. So much better than having them end up in the landfill. Find these at Crafty Kathi.

Wednesday: Girls Best Friend Wallet

Looking for a new wallet? Well, here's one that will fit the bill ;) Lots of places to keep all your cash, cards & more. Find it at Jenna Lou.

Monday: A darling Pencil Case

School is starting soon and how great would it be for your child to pull out this adorable Little Red Hiding Hood pencil case from her backpack instead of some boring one like everyone else? You know you want it! Find it at Cotton & Cloud.

Saturday: Very cool wristlet

I think this bag is just fantastic! Love the blend of dark wine colored vinyl & this lovely print of green trees & black birds. Find it at Three Green Apples.

Friday Fish Fry: Pufferfish Bag

Very, very awesome leather bag with lots of cool details like a giant Pufferfish and a little pink heart. Find it at Bonspiel Creation.

Monday: Farmer's Market tote

Not only do I love the Farmer's Market but I love this bag to take to the Farmer's Market :) Find it at Purple Flower Designs.

Friday: Big tote

Yes, another bag. You can never have too many. I love the gorgeous chocolate floral print on this one. Big and Bold! Find it at candy argyle designs.

Tuesday: Have passport, will travel

Planning on doing some traveling this summer? Carry your passport (and all other essentials) in this very sophisticated passport wallet. It has all sorts of pockets to carry everything you need. Find it at glass beach.

Wednesday: Funky beach bag...

I'm lovin' the funky color combo on this beach bag. Made from a vintage shower curtain (!), the colors are just so cool. It's lined in an awesome polka dot fabric and I tell ya', I'm thinking this one should belong to me ;-) Find it at sidney ann.

Saturday: gadget bag

There's just no reason to tote around your digital camera in a boring black bag when you can use this swanky little number instead. Or use it for your ipod, glasses or cell phone. Find it at sewnsational.