My Favorite Finds

Finding Joy in the Everyday

19
Feb
2013

Avoiding Pinterest Envy

categories: My Favorites

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Do you have Pinterest envy?  What's Pinterest envy you ask?  It's browsing Pinterest, daydreaming about all these "awesome", "have it together", "super moms" who share their ideas for the rest of us....and feeling like we can't live up to the standard.  I’ve seen some thoughts popping up in newsletters, online articles, etc. about how moms across the country are feeling inadequate because of Pinterest.  I’m not sure how I feel about that-well, actually I do know how I feel about it and I think it’s kind of crazy.

But, I want to share with you FIVE ways to avoid Pinterest envy :) . In other words, using Pinterest effectively and to hopefully expose you and your family to new things.

1. Remember what Pinterest is intended for. It’s intended to be a place to store your ideas you find online that you don’t want to lose. Remember the old days of bookmarking websites? Consider it the same idea, just with pictures and organized a little better.

2. Limit yourself to 10-15 boards. This is a good starting point, and can help you keep some control of what you are pinning. Title them specifically-instead of “Food” try “Chicken Dishes”, “Soups”, “Desserts”, “Party Foods”. Or instead of “Clothes” try “Spring Fashion”, “Winter Style”, “Kids’ Clothes”, etc. This is something I wish I had known before starting on Pinterest. I find this less overwhelming and easier to find pins.

Pinterest-My New Favorite Site!

3. Don’t “pin” ideas that you know are out of your realm of reality. If you’ve been on My Favorite Finds long enough, you’ll know that sewing is NOT my gift. So, why would I have a pin board dedicated to it? I might pin hand sewn clothes to a board, but not with the intention of making them-I’m going to find someone else to make them for me or find something similar on Etsy :) . I’m not saying that you can’t try something new. But try to be realistic about it.

4. Each week, choose one new recipe, project, or decorating idea from a pin board. This way, you can slowly and surely work your way through the ideas you’ve pinned. You spend plenty of time on the internet to add to your pinboards. Don’t just let those ideas sit on your boards and be of no use.

5. Dedicate yourself to 20 minutes on Pinterest. I find this is hard for me personally. But, when I limit myself, I don’t get overwhelmed and frustrated. When I was spending more than 20 minutes on Pinterest, I was feeling distracted and irritated because I was pinning and intending to follow through with way more than I really was. I found when I turned my time I was using to pin and dream into time carrying through on some recipes, projects, etc., I felt a lot better.

Overall, remember that you aren’t super mom, super wife, or super crafter. Also, taking time to visit some of the blogs that are the original source of the pin can be eye opening and helpful. You’ll realize that many of the recipes, crafts, etc. are coming from real life people who truly enjoy crafting, cooking, organizing. Instead of comparing yourself to them, I encourage you to be thankful that they have the talent and time to share it.

Do you suffer from Pinterest envy? Thoughts?

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11 Comments on Avoiding Pinterest Envy

  1. Jillian @ Hi! It's Jilly
    February 19, 2013 at 7:45 pm (120 days ago)

    Awesome post! Yes, I suffer from Pinterest envy from time to time, and your tips are great! :)

    Reply
  2. Shannon
    February 20, 2013 at 9:33 am (120 days ago)

    Very nice article. It is very easy to get swept up in Pinterest and feel that way....Thanks for the tips and sharing!
    Shannon recently posted...Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake MuffinsMy Profile

    Reply
  3. Carrie
    February 20, 2013 at 11:38 am (120 days ago)

    Great topic. Pinned it! (=

    Reply
  4. Jeannie
    February 20, 2013 at 7:30 pm (119 days ago)

    good advice. I love using it like an encyclopedia.
    Jeannie recently posted...Seriously scored!My Profile

    Reply
  7. Ashley
    February 21, 2013 at 10:11 am (119 days ago)

    Truth! I think everyone has suffered a little pinterest envy at one point....it's so easy to get sucked in!
    Ashley recently posted...Hobby Lobby Shopping Trip!My Profile

    Reply
  8. The Style Sisters
    February 21, 2013 at 2:01 pm (119 days ago)

    This is such a great post! It can get depressing seeing all the creative people out there and thinking I can't create like someone else when it really only matters if I like my stuff. Come link up to centerpiece Wed and share this post with us.
    Karin
    Karin

    Reply
  9. DeDe@DesignedDecor
    February 22, 2013 at 8:09 am (118 days ago)

    Such great advice! It is so easy to be sucked in and have envy!

    Reply
  10. jennie
    February 24, 2013 at 11:10 am (116 days ago)

    Love this! Sad but true that we hold ourselves to unrealistic standards based on things we see online. A while ago I started pinning recipes rather than bookmarking them in my browser. And I have two recipe boards - one for recipes I made that are keepers, and one for recipes I want to try. If they work out, I move them over to the keepers board. :)

    Reply

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