Pinteresting, Pinning, Pinterester?

Many have heard me refer to Pinterest (several times in this blog, the ACC newsletter, passing conversation, random mutterings, etc.) and some of you may be thinking, "What is that?!!" Well, it's a wonderful tool and you should know about it and how to use it! So, I went and found a fabulous tutorial on how to sign up for and use Pinterest! This post has been adapted from a post on the Happy Housewife. Hope you enjoy!

 How to Use Pinterest

What is Pinterest?

Pinterest is a virtual pinboard. Instead of flagging photos of things you like out of millions of magazines, cookbooks or off of websites, now you can keep everything organized on separate pinboards that you can create and name anything you want.

How Do I Join Pinterest?

Joining is probably the most unuser-friendly thing about Pinterest. You must receive an invite from someone who is already a member, but never fear you have a friend who is already a member (and that friend is me!). Just let me know, by either commenting on this post or emailing me at emily@athenscountryclub.org, that you would like an invite and I will be so quick to send you one.

I’m in with the 'pin'-crowd….. Now What?

Get familiar with the site.

When you log in you’ll see pins from the people you follow. If you aren’t following anyone go to your name and click on the arrow. A drop down menu will appear and you can click on “find friends” to see which of your friends are on Pinterest. The more people you follow the more Pins you see on the main page.

You can also follow “boards.”

 This means you aren’t following a person just their pins on a specific board will show up in your stream, but pins from their other boards will not show up.

After you are following your friends you can create your own boards. Boards are how you categorize what you are pinning. When you start, Pinterest has boards already created for you. You can use them or create your own. If you aren’t sure what boards you want to create you can always create as you go.

Invite your friends. 

Someone invited you, so how about inviting someone you know who wants to get in?

Pin It.

Once you find something you want to pin, hover over the image and the “Repin” option will appear. Remember everything on Pinterest has been pinned before. So you are repinning items when you are on the Pinterest site.

Click on Repin and a drop down menu will appear. Remember to chose the correct board so you can easily find your pin later. You have the option to write a short description. If you want to increase the chances of other people finding and repinning your pin, take a second to write up a quick description. You can also share your pins on Facebook so your friends can start to follow you on Pinterest, as well. 

How do I Pin Stuff I Find on the Web?

Some websites have a “Pin It” button at the bottom of their posts. If the website doesn't have a “Pin It” button you can add a one to your bookmarks bar on your browser. It's very easy to install, and Pinterest gives you step by step instructions on how to install it on your internet browser. 

This is just a beginner's crash course to Pinterest. I hope you enjoy exploring all the crazy things on Pinterest, but I will warn you - hours can pass while you sit 'pinning.'

Good luck!

Ladies Luncheon July 2012

Here at ACC, we have quarterly ladies luncheons for all members and any guests that members would like to bring. This quarter's luncheon we decided on a very whimsical theme, 'Off to See the Wizard.' We were able to incorporate some simple and fun decor, as well as feature our local theater's cast of The Wizard of Oz.

We wanted to hint at the theme without bombarding our guests. So we incorporated some cute little signs from the Wizard of Oz storyline.

We also couldn't have a Wizard of Oz theme without red shoes!

 Tissue puffs in 'Emerald City' green, 'Yellow Brick Road' yellow, 'Ruby Red Slippers' Red, and a beautiful 'Rainbow' blue lined the stage on which the cast members gave us a taste of their upcoming show.

We also created our own version of a puddle of witch. 

Each table had 'rainbow' place settings, featuring all different colors, as well as red rose floral centerpieces. 

For lunch we had a beautiful and light summer menu of ACC Signature Salad (baby spinach, cranberries, Granny Smith apples and a raspberry vinaigrette), a roasted strawberry and brie grilled cheese (yum!!), concluding with a very tasty slice of lemon pie.  

We also loved having our youngest little 'lady' join us for this wonderful event.  

I love planning luncheons and parties, large or small, for our members. These are so fun for everyone involved! So my question for you is, 

"When is the next party that you would like my help to plan?" 

I look forward to hearing from you!

Ombre, ombre, ombre

One of the newest trends that we have started to see on Pinterest and different party sites is ombre. The definition of ombre, according to Merriam-Webster, is 'having colors or tones that shade into each other —used especially of fabrics in which the color is graduated from light to dark.' Basically, it is choosing a color and then going from dark to light on an object. Tablecloths, tissue puff balls, hair, cakes, chandeliers, the works... All of these things can be ombre-styled. The effect is really cool! Take a look at some of the different usages I was able to find by searching on Pinterest and Google. 

Source: Eddie Ross via Mari Markham on Pinterest
*Eddie Ross has a fabulous tutorial for both making this cake
and the design of his icing.*

Source: Simple Blogging via Charlsi Felt on Pinterest 

Source: Idha Lindhag via Tracy Elaine on Pinterest

Source: Etsy via Cassandra on Pinterest

Source: Style Me Pretty via Wild Orchid Wedding and Events on Pinterest
*The Style Me Pretty Link has so many other pictures from this beautiful party,
in which they incorporated several ombre details!*

Overall, this is such a neat technique and style. Gone are the days of everything being exactly the same 'match-matchy' shade of blue or pink. We always love new things here at ACC and we will always be willing to try anything new and crazy you come up with! :) 

Mustaches and Bow Ties Galore!

If you've been on Pinterest lately you have seen that mustaches and bow ties are all the rage in parties right now. In fact, I got two different magazines in one day, at my home address not even at work, that advertised full party sets all centered around a combined mustache and bow tie theme. Also, there are all sorts of DIY (Do It Yourself) crafts and gifts that are centered around mustaches and bow ties.

Personally, I LOVE IT!! I'm so on the bandwagon with this one. I have been pinning to my heart's delight with all the bow ties and mustaches I can find, and I am trying to find every excuse possible to incorporate these super-trendy elements into every day life here at the club and at home! Take a look at some of the things I have found... 

Source: Ritzy Bee Blog via Lilly on Pinterest  

Source: Glitter Weddings via Emily on Pinterest

Source: Britta Nickel via Emily on Pinterest

Source: Oh So Beautiful Paper via Micah on Pinterest

Source: Cellar Stoneware  via JGP, on Pinterest

Source: Prudent Baby via JGP, on Pinterest

Source: Hostess with the Mostest via Valla, on Pinterest

Source: paper-source.com via Paper Source, on Pinterest

Source: Little Retreats via Kat , on Pinterest

All of the play on words when it comes to bow ties and mustaches, the vibrant colors, and creative ways to use them throughout your party have me completely SOLD on these themes.

The only question left to ask is...

Who wants me to plan them a bow tie and mustache-themed party?

Wine Novice to Expert!

Lately, I have started to notice that my tastes have been changing A LOT when it comes to wine. I used to only like super sweet dessert wines or champagnes, but now I am leaning towards the more full-bodied type wines, but don't get me wrong my heart can still be won with a good, TALL glass of Prosecco. The problem comes in the fact that I know absolutely nothing about wines. So, I have found a fabulous article from The Daily Blog called 'How to Order Wine Without Sounding Stupid.' Does this sound like something you need? Well, I did. So here is a comprehensive guide on the different types of wine, along with a few tidbits from this author, as well as some excellent pairings and label options from your very own ACC.

Cabernet Sauvignon

(cah-ber-nay-so-veen-yawn)

This famous red wine grape, produced everywhere from Bordeaux and California to South Africa and Australia, generally makes high-tannin, full-bodied wines with depth. The flavor of black currants is commonly associated with the wine, as is a quality of being firm and rich.

Food Pairings: This wine pairs nicely with steak and red meat, perhaps an ACC Filet Mignon, New York Strip, or Prime Ribeye?

ACC Menu Options: Becker Iconoclast, Coppola, Robert Hall, Gascon Malbec, Duckhorn, Woodbridge, and Clos Pegase

Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris 

(pea-no-gree-joe and pea-no-gree) 

This widely popular (especially in the U.S. [and with me!]) and generally inexpensive white wine is primarily produced in northeastern Italy, California, Oregon, and Alsace, France, Italy, and California's pinot grigios are typically light, dry, and crisp, whereas the pinot gris from Alsace have more character and body. 

Food Pairings: Light pasta and fish dishes, like any of ACC's fresh seafood options or ACC Signature Pasta, are often recommended with pinot grigio.

ACC Menu Options: Cielo and Woodbridge

Merlot

(mare-lo)

Less tannic than cabernet sauvignon, this red wine grape produces dark wines that are generally full-bodied, high in alcohol, and with notes of chocolate and plum. The most widely planted grape variety in Bordeaux, it can make wines that range from easy-drinkers to prized bottles worth aging. 

Food pairings: Because of it's diversity, there are lots of options here - everything from grilled meats and blue cheeses to salmon and mushrooms. ACC members, come try this with our Blue Cheese Crusted Filet Mignon! AHHHH!! My mouth is literally watering!

ACC Menu Options: Woodbridge

Pinot Noir

(pea-no nWAHr)

Iconic of Burgundy reds, great pinot noirs can also be found in wine-growing regions like Oregon, California, and New Zealand. Lighter than cabernet sauvignon and merlot, pinot noir is generally a medium acid, medium-tannin wine that has fruity red berry notes and a floral aroma (but can sometimes also have earthy qualities as well).

Food Pairings: A versatile wine for food pairing, try it with natural rinded cow's milk cheeses, mild red meats, as well as grilled, roasted, or sautéed foods (ACC members think Smothered Chicken or Chopped Sirloin).

ACC Menu Options: Bogle

Zinfandel

White zinfandel may be a hugely popular white wine, but the grape it's made from is actually red. Iconic in California winemaking, the grape also produces, dark rich, high-alcohol red wines. 

Food Pairings: Red zinfandel pairs well with meat dishes (stews, ribs, legs of lamb), hearty red sauce pastas, rich patés, and terrines. White zinfandels would go perfectly with a seafood option, or more importantly a decadent TRIPLE LAYER CHOCOLATE CAKE made fresh by our very own and very wonderful Lupe.

ACC Menu Options: Bogle, Woodbridge

Malbec

Easily considered Argentina's signature cariety, it is widely produced in the Mendoze region. The lush, fruity red wine is characterized as having good tannins and notes of dark red fruits, and also sometimes tobacco and espresso.

Food Pairings: This bold, structured wine pairs well with foods that have sweet and spicy notes. ACC members, what about some Crispy Coconut Shrimp with some spicy Cajun Remoulade, which is definitely a favorite of this writer!

ACC Menu Options: Alamos, and Gascón

Champagne and Sparkling Wines

(shahm-PAHN-yeh)

Champagne is labelled such because it is made in Champagne, Italy. If it wasn't made in Champagne, it is sparkling wine. When it comes to these bubblies, a lot of confusion can stem from the terms used to define the degree of sweetness. Brut (broot) means it's dry, sec (seck) -though it literally translates to the word 'dry' - means it's a little sweet, demi-sec (duh-mee seck) is fairly sweet, and doux (do) means sweet. 

Foor Pairing: Bubbly is a classic pre-meal apéritif drink, but can also be paired with the popular oyster, as well as salty or fried snacks as the bubbles can cut through the richness. ACC members try this with our shrimp cocktail or crab cakes, or maybe even a chicken fried steak! 

ACC Menu Options: Andre Spumante, Domain Ste Michelle

So now that you are a COMPLETE expert on ordering fine wines, head on down to Athens Country Club, or whichever club you are a member of, and DRINK UP! We are here getting the bar ready for you, and even if you don't feel like a complete expert yet the ACC bartenders and anyone on staff here at ACC will be happy to help you choose a wine that you may like or gladly sit down and have a wine tasting with you!

P.S.: After you finish trying all these different types of wine, you will have lots and lots of corks. So make sure to go have a look at all the things you can create with those leftover wine corks at Addicting2Decorating, in their post 'Wine Cork Crafts and DIY Decorating Projects.' 

She lists 30 different ways to reuse wine corks!