Pinterest Fans: Share Home and Garden Inspiration, Holiday Ideas, Recipes, Lisle Photos With Patch

Have you been bitten by the Pinterest bug?

If you're a guy, the answer is likely no. If you're a woman, however, there's a distinct chance you've not only heard of it, but are likely in the throes of a great love affair with it. (That likelihood increases ten-fold if you're a crafter.)

In case you haven't heard of Pinterest: the most succinct way I've heard it described is part social media, part virtual inspiration board. If you used to tear out pages of magazines for future reference, you already have the basic idea down. If you like something, you can 'pin,' or save it. You don't bog down your hard drive with saved photos, and your magazines go unviolated.

Users categorize their pins by boards, and you can create a board for any topic you like. Users may maintain separate boards for personal style, home decor, do-it-yourself projects and crafts, recipes, cleaning tips, fitness inspriation, celebrity photos, cartoons, art, favorite products... the list really does go on. My mom actually has a couple boards teased out by color. (So imagine the possibilities for someone suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder.)

My own spiral into Pinterest infatuation began this past summer. I was first turned to the site by my mom, who collects crafting hobbies like a hunter of rare creatures (except instead of displaying animals' skulls on her wall, she hangs dolls).

I didn't see its purpose at first, as the abilities to bookmark a web page or 'save as' have existed for years. But if you're always on the lookout for a new blog to read, I think Pinterest is the most logical place to go. My favorite feature about the site is that the images aren't just copies; they hyperlink out to the original source. (That way you don't simply see a delicious dessert, you can read the recipe to create it yourself.)

So okay, I'll say it: you were right, mom.

And if you happen to be on Pinterest, too, follow the Lisle Patch Pinterest boards. Currently you'll find some inspiration for home decor, gardening tips, photos around the village, and beautiful things that come in Patch green!

If you find an image you think we should share, just mention us in your re-pin!