Feb
12
During the winter months it can be much more difficult to keep in touch with family and friends. This has been especially true this winter as many of us have had to experience a more frustrating winter than normal due to the weather. With the cold weather, the piles of snow and the sheets of ice this winter has kept many of us at home more than we would like. While the internet can provide for instant relief of the necessity for conversing with someone, there isn’t much to it. There’s no sentiment or warmth. So why not write down a message to your friends and family. A funny thing that happened recently, a letter updating how you have weathered the recent storm, or even a rant on how your kids will have no summer this year because of all the “make up” days. Whatever you have to say get it all out by writing it down. It’ll give your loved ones something to smile about when they make that long, difficult trek to the mailbox and notice they have a personal note inside. It will likely encourage them to respond back and then they too can get it all out....Read More
Feb
10
Once a new trend makes its way into the either fashion or home decor world, it’s not long before it appears here. And there is a trend that has been so popular for a couple of years now that it is everywhere! From my fridge, to flower pots at the hardware store, and on every d.i.y. pin that you see. What is it? The chalkboard look of course! At American Stationery, we are no stranger to the booming chalkboard trend. While, we don’t sell paint we certainly have a wide selection of items to help you get your chalkboard “fix”! Even better, the personalization you do to them does not require you to get your hands dirty! Like our new Nostalgic Notes number 3138. This box of 24 notes for $29.95 has a background that looks similar to a smudgy chalkboard from days long past and showcases a bright floral bouquet. These cards are printed flat and feature matte ink. Your name is featured in white ink just above the floral design. Opening from bottom to top, there is plenty of room to write on the white inside of this 5″ by 3 1/2″ folded note. Plain white envelopes are...Read More
Feb
7
The origins of Valentine’s Day trace back to the ancient Roman celebration of Lupercalia. Held on February 15, Lupercalia honored the gods Lupercus and Faunus, as well as the legendary founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus. For 800 years the Romans had dedicated this day to the god Lupercus. In addition to a bountiful feast, Lupercalia festivities are purported to have included the pairing of young women and men. Men would draw women’s names from a box, and each couple would be paired until next year’s celebration. From Feb. 13 to 15, the men sacrificed a goat and a dog, then whipped women with the hides of the animals they had just slain. Young women would actually line up for the men to hit them, Lenski says. They believed this would make them fertile. While this pairing of couples set the tone for today’s holiday, it wasn’t called “Valentine’s Day” until a priest named Valentine came along. Valentine, a romantic at heart, disobeyed Emperor Claudius II’s decree that soldiers remain bachelors. Claudius handed down this decree believing that soldiers would be distracted and unable to concentrate on fighting if they were married or engaged. Valentine defied the emperor and secretly...Read More
Feb
5
When it is time to bring a new baby into the home, there are many things to think about. Mom is busy nesting. Dad is busy studying the insurance plan. What about big brother? Well depending on his age, he is likely teetering between being both anxious and excited. What will it mean to have another kid in the house? How come this baby is already getting presents when they aren’t even here yet? Many things will run through your young child’s mind. If they are older they may understand more yet they will likely still have some concerns and or jealousy. And rightly so, adding a new family member is a very big deal. That is especially when it comes to your little ones. They don’t understand that they do not have a say in this decision. While, there is only good that can come from expanding your family, it can be a bit nerve wracking for everyone. That includes the kiddos. Chances are mom and dad are also thinking a lot about how to split their time up and make sure this new change goes as seamlessly as possible. With that said, consider purchasing a gift for the...Read More
Feb
3
Not unlike a new mother, new fathers also deserve a special gift when their new baby is born. Sure, they do not go through the physical exhaustions and pains the mother goes through but, they certainly experience many changes in their life. It’s important to show them that they are not forgotten and that they also deserve a little something extra. These days it is very common for a new father to stay home with their wife for a few days after their child is born. With some companies even offering a paternity leave just for dad. In those first few days it feels wonderful helping with midnight feedings and really getting to bond with your child. But all too soon it’s time for dad to go back to work. When that time comes it can be difficult for dad. Of course he wants to get back into the swing of things as life has been a little hectic lately. But, we all know if they could choose they’d want to be at home too. Spending time with mom and baby A gift that can help them keep a little piece of home with him at work will be easy with a gift from...Read More
Jan
31
Having a baby is one of life’s major milestones. There is so much that goes into it with the childbirth classes, sleepless nights, midnight cravings, shopping and all those doctor appointments. Then after your little bundle is here, life is forever busy. It’s a good thing you got used to it while pregnant! We know how much work it is to have a new baby in the home. So, whether it’s her first child or her fourth every mom deserves a gift during this special time in her life. Did you know that one of the most troublesome parts of becoming a mom is the isolation that mothers often feel? You’re cooped up most if not all the day for weeks on end with no one but a baby to talk to. It can feel very difficult. Why not purchase God’s Messages Book for the new mother in your life? Item number 8161 is $5.50 and makes the perfect gift to have on hand when she feels stressed or blessed. This book is full of inspiring words to help her for all of life’s ups and downs. She will definitely feel as though you not only care, but understand what she is...Read More
Jan
29
With Valentine’s Day around the corner your days of thinking about gifts are not over. And we don’t just mean for your sweetheart. What about your children and grandchildren? This holiday is about love and with that in mind isn’t it important to get a little something for all of those that you are holding very close to your heart? At American Stationery not only do we have fantastic gifts for grown up sweeties, but for our pint sized sweeties as well. It’s likely that they will hand make or purchase valentines from the department store days ahead. It is also likely that a few nights before they will painstakingly write the names of each child from their classroom down on the little card. Maybe seal them with a sticker or even some candy. The anticipation of the Valentine’s Day party at school will have them anxious the night before and when they come home that evening even more excited. While Bobby knows that you just had to give everyone a valentine, he can’t help but think the one with the teddy bear blowing a kiss from Hayley was chosen especially for him. And so the excitement of love begins. But, that...Read More
Jan
27
The hustle and bustle of Christmas and New Year’s is now over. But, just when you feel like you are getting back into the swing of things, you remember about Valentine’s Day. For Valentine’s Day we often think of many different things. The color pink, heart shaped paper valentines, cherubs, flowers and many more things. A little research suggests that flowers have been given on Valentine’s Day for several hundred years, whether to ward off evil spirits by surrounding the loved one in a lovely scent, to sending secret messages that are tied to each flower. For instance it is said that daisies indicate both beauty and purity while the red rose signifies love. It is said that whole bouquets would be sent in ancient times and would translate an entire message to the recipient with out a word written down. While, there is much debate on why flowers tend to be the most popular gift given on Valentine’s Day, there is no denying that it is so. Red roses have long been the traditional favorite but, in recent years with the advancement in shipping etc. couples are able to give and receive just about any flower no matter if...Read More
Jan
24
In today’s classrooms, teachers need all the extra help they can get. Classroom populations are at an all time high. Many classes even at quality rural schools have an excess of 25 children per one teacher in the classroom. We all know that the smaller the classroom size the more ideal it is for the educational process. It makes sense because of course we work better when there is less noise and distraction. Many classrooms request parents to come in and help. This help can range from volunteering for field trips, to helping organize crafts, and bringing in snacks. Volunteers and “class moms” are present in virtually every classroom. Unfortunately, a lot of the time teachers struggle to find these volunteers. But, once they have a few good ones of course they want to hang on to them. While, we know teachers are over worked and under paid it makes sense that they would want to thank their volunteers. This is incredibly kind of them because, we know it’s proper to purchase them gifts as a way to thank them for all the work they do but, they don’t have to purchase gifts for their volunteers. Not receiving material or monetary...Read More
Jan
22
With the holidays behind us the “season” of gift giving has come and gone for a while but that is not to say that we are done purchasing gifts. As there are many reasons to purchase gifts throughout the year. Many of us work in office settings and as such have several colleagues many of whom we work closely with on a daily basis. Some we come to develop a bond with; even at times a friendship and so we naturally feel compelled to buy them something for their birthday. But, once word gets round that you bought them a gift others may feel left out. So, while we would never encourage you to purchase a gift for every staff member’s birthday we will provide some tips for gifts for those colleagues whom you work closely with but, you aren’t necessarily “best friends”. Remember when you worked so closely with Jennifer on the new account? Remember how she never had problem bringing both of you a latte but, always forgot her pen? So you loaned her yours daily for a week. When her birthday comes around why not purchase her one of our Sheaffer® pens? These beautiful ball point pens...Read More