Pinterest has become almost synonymous with the life of a project hound. If you are online researching tutorials or how-to’s to tackle the next DIY item on your to-do list, then chances are that you have become very familiar with, or at least know of, Pinterest. If you’re curious about what the website is or how to use it, I posted a companion piece to this one over on my personal blog. There you’ll find a detailed step-by-step process on “pins”, “repinning” and “boards.” Click here to see that.

If those three little buzzwords are already permanently ingrained in your everyday vocabulary, then skip on to these tips for how to maximize your growing collection of virtual pins.

DIY projects and crafts: This is the main purpose of my Pinterest account. With a growing personal blog of my own and freelance work, both focused on DIY tutorials, I am constantly brainstorming ideas for craft projects. Pinterest keeps that jumbled mess of ribbon, paint and furniture dreams in accessible order. When I started out, my one board consisted of pins documenting inspirational spaces full of color combinations I was dying to try or furniture arrangements that made my muscles tense with the need to switch around the angle of our living room couch. There were also pins on art pieces I couldn’t wait to create, and the perfect ratios of natural household ingredients to get rid of the tricky stains on our staircase carpet. That initial board has since exploded into multiple boards for my next nesting project: from one specifically meant for “Inspirational Spaces/Colors” to “Party Ideas” and “Holiday.” By adding extra boards, I am able to organize and compartmentalize my attack for home-related to-do items.

Recipes: Pinterest is a great place to find out where your next meal is coming from. Whether it’s a fabulous prep-time-saving crock pot meal or delicious melty panini, a board dedicated to recipe pins could quickly become your new go-to spot for meal inspiration. Feeling like something specific? Type your craving into the search bar and watch your screen fill with mouthwatering options that will satiate your hunger.

Outfits: Although unexpected, this has become another of my most-utilized Pinterest boards. A pin of Hillary Duff walking down the street in a pair of jeans, striped T-shirt, black blazer and bright scarf can easily become inspiration for my own get-up. I stick to pinning outfit ensembles I have a knockoff version of, whether linked by a similar color or maybe just the same silhouette or texture, so I don’t feel the need to rush out and purchase something new. The next time you see someone pin an outfit that could be recreated with that clearance J.Crew blouse you bought last fall and the pair of skinny jeans you picked up at Target, pin it and let it inspire you for the day ahead. It’s like having your own personal stylist without having to pay top dollar for all of that creativity and thought.

Wedding: If you are planning a wedding, you need a Pinterest account. As a bride-to-be myself, I would be lost without my “Our Wedding” board. If you are floundering when it comes to decor, hair styles, attire or flower ideas, an hour or so of pinning could be all you need to plan your entire event. Everything from my send-off dress to the favors and guest book has been inspired by pins I’ve uncovered on Pinterest. Why shell out a huge chunk of your budget on a wedding planner when you can be your own? The pride you have in your special day when you witness all of the personal touches you created will be indescribable.

It’s addictive. You’ll find yourself sitting down to quickly peruse the latest pins and then look at the clock only to realize that half of your morning is gone. But you’ll be more organized, more creative and more inspired than you might have ever been.

Happy pinning!

P.S. Remember that kitchen project I mentioned in my last Breathe post that John and I were undertaking to start the New Year off right? Well it’s done! Check out the final result here.

(Image sources: all from here)

Carrie Williams is a freelancer, copy editor and page designer in Lynchburg, VA. She is also a contributing writer and blogger for  Breathe magazine. Her “Tricks and Trends” feature is available the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. For a real-time rehash of her and her fiance’s home renovation project and other DIY how-to’s, visit her blog at DreamGreenDIY.com.