Cupid. Doves with hearts. Flowers. Chocolates. Hallmark’s© super bowl. When these things are being talked about then you know that Valentine’s Day is right around the corner.

Little is factually known about the genesis of Valentine’s Day; but historians believe it was initially observed as a day to remember several Christian martyrs named St. Valentine. Valentine’s Day held this association for nearly a decade until 1382 when Geoffrey Chaucer associated the day with love birds in a famous poem.

“For this was on seynt Volantynys day
Whan euery bryd comyth there to chese his make.”

For those of you who aren’t middle English professors that line translates to:

“For this was Saint Valentine’s Day, when every bird cometh there to choose his mate.”

 Soon after this passage’s writing, Le Jour de St Valentino (the day of St. Valentine) was associated with intimate, romantic love.

Valentine’s Day is also correlated with the giving of gifts; and today’s blog will highlight the most personally perfect gifts available this Valentine’s Day.

I am a believer that personalized custom gifts are the best possible gifts to receive on Valentine’s Day. It lets me know that someone out there cares enough about me to resist buying a lame hallmark card, and took the time to fish out a great and unique gift. This Personalized Valentine Beach Stone by SJEngraving is an example of such a unique gift. It is customizable to feature you and your loved ones initials and would make a great fixture in the bedroom, bathroom, or garden.

Next is another personalized gift, this time from Atlas Signs and Plaques. Like the beach stone, this gift is fully customizable to feature the initials of lovers. Designed to emulate the look and feel of a carved heart in a tree, this plaque is not only tree friendly, but guaranteed to bring a big, sincere smile to whomever the lucky recipient is. But get it soon, because custom orders always take longer to create.

What is steampunk, and what does it have to do with Valentine’s day? Frankly, If you have to ask what steampunk is, you’ll never know (or, you know, give Wikipedia two more seconds of your time). We live in a big world with all sorts of people. Some people like traditional cutesy, lovey dovey gifts. Some people like gifts with a lot of personality and soul. And some people like standout zany gifts. The Steampunk ring by LondonParticulars is both zany and full of soul, and is ready for those of you with a more…off-the-beaten-trail sort of romance.

This wooden jewelry box from HappyFlying has everything a great Valentine’s Day gift should have: attractive lines, usability, and eye catching aesthetics. Plus, it looks like something out of “The Lord of the Rings” (a huge bonus in my book).

Finally we have the oval birds on a branch wedding/anniversary plaque. This sign is a great custom gift option, featuring two lovebirds touching (or kissing) beaks. This charming gift is sure to be adored, just like your love.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more great gift ideas, and sign up for the Atlas Signs and Plaques email newsletter for even more custom options!

There is little question that the man cave is an utterly necessary part of manhood. Man caves allow men to retreat from social and family responsibilities and pretend, if only for an hour or two, that they’re still a kid (which is kind of funny because men are really just grown boys). They still love things that crash and boom. They still have a nose for recklessness. And of course, they still have their toys (albeit bigger and more expensive).

Today’s blog celebrates the best toys that you may find in a man cave. Enjoy.

Altoids Rock!

First up is a truly one of a kind guitar amp my by Hesslerk. Made out of a Altoids container, this amp comes in all the regular Altoids flavors. Coming fully loaded with a 10x gain function (a LOT of crunch), this amp is soft on the battery and heavy on the metal. Just the way things should be in a man cave. This stylish amp also comes in a more risque variety for the more bachelor-oriented man caves.

Wise Words from Mr. Franklin

No Man Cave is complete without a reference to beer. This picture by Unlock My Story has humor and plenty of beer references. No matter your favorite flavor, everyone can appreciate Mr. Ben Franklin’s keen, astute explanation of Beer’s place in this world: “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy”. Thank you, Mr. Franklin, thank you.

Enter at Your Own Risk

Finally, we have a man’s sign in the truest meaning of the word. This sign made by Atlas Signs and Plaques is the  crown jewel of any man cave. It’s looks are great AND it prevents wayward, unfortunate souls from unwittingly entering the man’s lair. Buy the World’s Greatest Man Cave Sign today!

Meet Happy

Atlas Signs and Plaques is happy to announce the newest member to our team: happy, the dog. Happy is a 10 week old Australian Shepherd and is (to this point) very well mannered, friendly, and well behaved. For example, when I walked into the office today he promptly ran up to meet me and my shoelaces (he took greater interest in the latter, oh well).

Happy Prepares to Eat

Over the course of the next few months we will be charting Happy’s growth and documenting some of the growing pains that will assuredly present themselves along the way. Like most people know, In order to train a dog you must first understand it. Here’s some “level-one” information to get us started.

Despite its name, the Australian shepherd is actually American. Most experts agree that Australian shepherds owe their name to heightened usage as sheep dogs in Australia compared with other nations.

Happily Feasting

Australian Shepherds, or “Aussies” typically live from 12 to 15 years, reaching a weight of 50-65 lbs., and 2 feet of height. They are generally a family loving and friendly pet.

Rarely, If Ever, Will an Aussie Owner Need One of These

Highly alert in nature, these working dogs thrive on activity and physical exertion. If they do not receive enough stimulation they tend to become troublemakers. However, since they are readily trainable they quickly learn what behaviors are and are not acceptable.

Hey! Where'd the Goods Go?

We will all learn soon enough (especially Janey) how true these characteristics are as we chart Happy’s incremental growth.

Mommy and Puppy

Our Birds on a Wire Sign is a True "Best Buy"

The Internet gives people too much freedom. Whether it’s browsing YouTube videos, shopping, or Facebooking; the Internet has conditioned users into expecting instant and perfect results. But what happens when an Internet user doesn’t get what they expect when they expect it? Predictably…they get angry. Continue reading →