Digital Bulletin Board

I recently discovered pinterest.com, a site that functions as a digital bulletin board. Instead of adding websites to your bookmarks toolbar, you can "pin" things you like to your "pinboard".

You can create pinboards about anything. Several templates are pre-loaded with titles such as "books to read", "for the home", "my style pinboard" etc, but can delete or edit these, as well as create your own category.

The site is very easy to use, just drag the "pin it" widget into your browser toolbar. When you come across something you like, click on the widget. A new window pops up- you can select exactly what you want to pin, and to which category.

Next add a description and tags. The site will automatically add the source, no need to keep track yourself!

Pinterest is also linked to facebook and twitter. You can "follow" other users, and "repin" items you like to your own pinboards.

To create an account, you have to sign up for the waitlist but I found it was very quick. Once you are signed in, you can invite up to five friends to join as well.

To see more, follow my pinboards here

E invitations

Online invitations, a.k.a "e-vites" are an excellent choice for many reasons-they're free, paperless and quick and easy. Two sites that I use frequently are evite.com and mypunchbowl.com
Here are some highlights of each.

Evite

• completely free (you need to register for an account)
  
• quick and easy to use
• pre-made templates for every category
• custom options are somewhat limited but you can change the design image or "design your own" from scratch
  
• easily import your contacts from email accounts such as gmail and hotmail
• guests options such as potluck requests, polls, even let guests create a playlist
  
• links to google maps
• option to post the invitation to facebook
  
• tracks rsvps for you
• after the event, guests can post photos
• free e-cards available
  

To create an account go to http://www.evite.com/

Punchbowl

• a digital version of a real invitation-designs have envelopes
• classier than a usual e-invitation
• basic options are free-you can upgrade your account to "plus" or "premium" for a monthly fee
• customize options such as background and text colour, add a photo
• tracks rsvps for you
• links to social media-facebook, twitter, linked in, my space
  
• free e-cards available
• party planning options-find a venue, create a budget, order party supplies etc.

To create an account go to http://www.mypunchbowl.com/