As an Earth sign, those born under the sign Taurus (April 20- May 20) are known to be very down to Earth and reliable. These individuals are practical and responsible, but their ruling planet, Venus, adds a rosy, romantic side to an otherwise serious side. With a deep appreciation for the finer things in life, Tauruses often love music, gardening, and beautiful garments.

This paperweight represents Venus, Taurus’s ruling planet.

These cheerful magnets celebrate the joy of music, one of Taurus’s greatest pleasures!

These hand-gilded wine glasses feature beautiful flowers that also happen to be April’s flower of the month.

No matter how vast it may seem or how many different people inhabit it, we as humans only have one planet. Today, we celebrate this one rich and beautiful Earth and our obligation to respect and protect every inch of it. This paperweight, which contains ash from Mount St. Helens in the proprietary glass formula, serves as a continual reminder to keep the Earth clean, green, and prosperous.

Want to celebrate Earth Day (April 22nd) by taking home this paperweight? Uno Alla Volta is offering a Buy More, Save More special this weekend! Save $30 off $150+, $75 off $300+, or $120 off of $450+!

While many may view the art of poetry as a dull, dreary creative medium of the past, it is important to realize, especially during the month of April, that poetry is alive and thriving. While print poetry is still celebrated, especially by companies such as Write Bloody Publishing and Button Poetry, there is also a huge cultural return to the art of oration.

Spoken word poetry gained popularity in mainstream culture through HBO’s Def Poetry Jam, which was broadcasted from 2002-2007. Before this show, slam and spoken word were art forms contained to small venues and literary cafes. Since the show aired, so many young poets have been inspired to find their voices through this unique medium, and recognition and reverence toward this art form have increased exponentially.

I have been a writer for as long as I can remember, but it wasn’t until high school, when I discovered the art of spoken word, that I realized the power in my craft. I was so moved by the artists I watched online after school every day, memorizing every word of their poems so I could practice recitations in the mirror for hours. During my college years, as my craft took me to national competitions and small, quirky venues, I was able to meet so many of the individuals whose work inspired me to follow the small but deepening sound of my own voice. Sharing laughter and tears of gratitude with individuals such as Rachel McKibbens, Regie Cabico, Caroline Harvey, Jeanann Verlee, Marty McConnell, and many others are some of moments in my life I am the most grateful for.

Today, as Uno Alla Volta’s copywriter, I get to share a similar joy as I travel the world, meeting our artisans and translating their complex and beautiful stories into the copy you read across our print and digital mediums. My passion for my job comes from these memories of the power of storytelling and my deep-rooted belief that poetry can, and will, change the world someday.

-Anna, Associate Marketing Manager- Content

Me, at a poetry reading in 2013 (Photo by Jade Greene: Reverse Images)

“Oh, Mom!” the teenage me would say and roll her eyes. And, Mom would say to me, “I will get my revenge one day when you have teenage daughters.”

 And, now my daughters are fully grown, one launched in the publishing biz (children’s and young adult fiction) and one about to start law school, and I have to say if this is revenge, my does it taste sweet!

I don’t think I ever properly appreciated my mom until I became a mother myself. The reason I could roll my eyes all those years ago (and still do today) is because the relationship we have with our mothers is among the most nurturing of all human connections. It is safe to be the most obnoxious version of ourselves because when we are at our best, our moms ooze pride from every pore.

Mom, I love you to the moon and back!

Looking for the perfect treasures for the beloved mothers in your life? Explore our Mother’s Day Shop here.

Aries, or those born between March 21 and April 19, are known to be very intense, passionate people. The ram, a strong yet stubborn animal, symbolizes these assertive, energetic individuals. Ruled by Mars, the fiery Aries loves exercise, leadership roles, and taking on challenges.

This Mars paperweight celebrates Aries’s ruling planet.

Our sterling silver and Mexican Fire Opal jewelry is the perfect symbol of Aries’s bright energy and spirit.

With a signature sparkle inspired by diamonds, April’s birthstone, this glimmering opal and cubic zirconia necklace is sure to delight.

Our little creatures inspire us in many ways. They teach us to enjoy the simple things in life, help us master the art of patience, show us how to love unconditionally, and most importantly, demonstrate the virtue of curiosity. Our employees were so excited to share their love for their pets with you today!

“There are no bad days when you come home to a rescue dog’s love!” -Marina, Product And Marketing Manager

“With a fur baby you laugh and smile every day, they are always so happy to see you no matter if you were gone for 5 minutes or 5 days.” -Sandy, Inventory Manager

“Dogs should always be allowed on the beach… just another beach day, in February!” -Kathy, Chief Financial Officer

“Nothing relaxes me more than watching Jack; whether he’s sleeping, playing, or staring at the imaginary monster in the corner of the room.” -Ginny, Circulation Manager

In honor of National Siblings Day, we are showcasing some of our talented artisan siblings who keep things all in the family when creating their handcrafted treasures.

From the time Valentino and Roberto were old enough to hold a paintbrush, they have worked alongside their father Amedeo. Today, the three transform ordinary glass into luminous works of art, one at a time. You can shop all their one-of-a-kind glassware here!

Sister artisans Alessandra and Elisabetta lovingly handcraft each handbag in their Florentine workshop using the highest quality Italian leather or suede. Find the perfect Italian handbag to match your favorite outfit here.

Giovanni Battista, master glassblower, spent his life pursuing perfection. Today, more than 50 years later, his three children: Luigi, Roberto, and Monica carry on the family tradition. Shop here to add masterfully handcrafted glass treasures to your collection.

Spring is finally here, and it’s time to clean up, de-clutter, recycle, and renew. This is the season  of new beginnings, and beautifying your living space is a simple and fulfilling way to make your home more peaceful and calming to inhabit. It is amazing how much tidying up a physical space can make us feel much less stressed on the inside. Here are some of our favorite tips and tricks.

1. Add a shower curtain tension rod to the center of your closet to create two levels. That way, you can hang shirts on the top and skirts on the bottom. Not only will this making choosing your outfits easier in the morning, it will also effectively double the amount of space inside your closet.

2. Use a CD rack to organize your food storage lids. That way, you can stand them all upright in one spot and see all the shapes and sizes more clearly when you pull out a container. No more dumping everything out of your cabinets to find the right lid!

3. Add a lazy susan to your most cluttered cabinet. This will work anywhere from the kitchen to the bathroom, and the rotating base will make it exponentially easier to find everything you’re looking for, even if it’s at the back of the cabinet.

4. Clear out and minimize. There are many great causes to donate your things to. While many of us are already familiar with bringing our unwanted clothing and shoes to Goodwill, churches, or the Salvation Army, there are many other charities and organizations that would be overjoyed with your donations. Check your area for “book swaps” or book drop-offs where you can donate or trade books you’re finished reading. Cleaning out that empty nest? A children’s hospital or local preschool would be very grateful for all those toys and games. Lastly, spring is a great time to donate formal wear, as so many young women are looking for affordable dresses to wear to the prom.

5. Try making some DIY cleaning products with natural ingredients like essential oils, lemon juice, baking soda, and vinegar. Not only will they get the job done, but they are also much healthier for you and the environment. Check out the video below from Live Simply for a step-by-step guide!

We have done some spring cleaning as well! Check out our spring clearance for deep discounts on our handcrafted treasures.

In my family, most of our holiday traditions are centered around food, and Easter is no exception. Every year on Good Friday, my mother and I would join her best friend’s family in the kitchen to hand make hundreds and hundreds of pierogies. “Pierogi Day” meant eight hours of mixing, rolling, filling, boiling, and getting every surface in the kitchen coated in a dusting of flour. I have always enjoyed cooking and sharing food with my loved ones. Ever since I was small, being a part of this process made me feel needed and responsible, like the next in a long line of women who kept traditions like this alive for their family.

On Easter Sunday, we would feast on pierogies with assorted fillings of potato, farmer’s cheese, and sauerkraut, alongside kielbasa, Easter breads, salads, and a seemingly endless buffet of Polish foods. Although my family is Italian, we loved partaking in this tradition and enjoying foods we didn’t usually eat. Our labor of love yielded delicious results!

-Anna, Associate Marketing Manager- Content

Want to try your hand at making pierogies? Try out this authentic recipe from The Stay At Home Chef. All of us here at Uno Alla Volta wish you and your family a very happy Easter!