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Is it really that time of year again? I just can’t believe it!! The official kick off to summer is upon us, and I am planning my annual cook out, with friends and now family!! Last year, my mom joined us for the long weekend from Ohio. This year, my exciting new family member joining us, is my brother-in-law who has recently relocated to Phoenix, and I now have him here every day! I thought I was blessed last year... this year... it's like a dream come true for me!

As I do every Memorial Day, I plan on attending the wonderful parades and moving ceremonies, which take place to honor the men and women who serve or served in our armed forces. This year, I wanted to add a personal thank you, to the service men and women who are a part of the Spellbinders family.

Michael Siegenthaler, retired United States Military

Corpal, Trevor Curtis Wiren, United States Marine.

Michael Canale, United States Navy. 

Michael Fry, United States Air Force.

Daniel Fry ,United States Army, veteran of Desert Storm.

Leoncio Ybarra, United States Marine retired, veteran Vietnam War.

Israel Ybarra, United States Marine.               

Leroy Farneth, United States Navy, retired veteran of the Korean War.

Clayton Farneth, United States Marine retired.

Neil Farneth, United States Marine, retired veteran of Vietnam War.

Albert Farneth, United States Navy, retired.

Ginter Stone, United States Army retired, veteran of World War II.

Henry Lee, United States Army retired, veteran of World War II.

Albert Alexander, United States Army retired, veteran of World War II.

James R. Milliner, United States Army retired, veteran of the Korean War.

James M. Caron, United States Army retired, veteran of the Korean War.

Brian L. Hupke, United States Navy, Submarine Service.

These are the amazing heroes that are in our hearts and prayers at Spellbinders this weekend. These wonderful people are just a few of the many men and women that serve and protect our country. I would love for you to leave your heroes name in the comment's section this week, so that we can say, “Thank You” for keeping us safe and proud!

Hugs,

I am so excited to share with all of you another feature that we have added to the Spellbinders website! It’s called, “On the Road”, which is our newest blog! It's for all the designers and me, to create a virtual post card that we can share with all of you, while we are traveling to the different events that we are attending.

How much fun is this going to be? It is designed so that you will feel like you are right there with all of us, as we continue not only exploring beyond in our crafting, but also exploring the world that carries our products!

One thing I love to do when I am traveling has always been to send a hand-written post card to friends and family. It makes them feel like they are right there with me. I love that it has a scenic view, and a small area where I can write a personal note of the experience! That was the basis for developing this fun new blog. I have recently been given many opportunities to bring my children on the road with me, and I have a lovely world map, that we put little dots on to show where we have been. This is another feature that is now a part of this fun area.

I hope that you will visit us on the new On The Road Blog, under the Explore Beyond tab and join us on our crazy adventures. I encourage you to leave a little note for whatever post you journey into. I know that the designers and I would love to chat while we are away from friends and family.  

Hugs,

Recently, I made the decision to do something healthy for myself. We all get busy and it’s something I have personally been putting off for quite a long time while on my Spellbinders journey.

As many of you may or may not know, my sister Cindy and her husband David are moving to Phoenix. My brother- in- law David has become part of the Spellbinders family and is working in the sales department! One afternoon, he said to me, “Hey Sis? Why don’t you come try Hot Yoga with me and our friend Missy?” 

"What!?!" I said, "Me do yoga?" 

I’ve never tried any yoga. So, with a bit of hesitation, I decided to give it a try. 

First, let me explain a little about what Hot Yoga even is, because quite honestly, I had no idea what I had gotten myself into! Bikrim Hot Yoga is 26 postures done in a room heated to 105 degrees, at 40% humidity, for a total of 90 minutes. They use the same routine every time!! Needless to say, you sweat your guts out. 

The first two classes, I felt like throwing up! This happens to most of the students who are new to this type of yoga experience. The goal at first, is to stay in that room and learn to breathe! An amazing phenomenon happened to me after the first class….as hard and sweaty and disturbing as the class was….. I felt GREAT afterwards!!!!! 

The release of stress was amazing. I felt calm and slept better that night than I have in years. The third class, I felt like crying in class. It’s not easy to exercise in a 105 degree room, but when I left that class… again, I felt amazing!

I have now completed my eighth class and I am already noticing changes in my muscle tone, strength and I'm even doing better at the poses, especially on the foot I had ankle surgery on.  Our teachers, Robin & Jim, are so inspiring. I find myself actually looking forward to going to the next class.  

I want to take this opportunity to thank my brother-in-law David, for his encouragement and support and my good friend Missy, for the same reasons. The three of us are actually enjoying sweating our guts out together! 

On a very funny note, see the photo of the Humble Pie Pizza shop…its next to the Yoga Studio.  Needless to say, I love that pizza shop… but do not feel the need to go near it. The Yoga studio has successfully served me up their own version of humble pie and I like it much better! Here are a few before and after pics for you to laugh at…warning the after photo is not pretty! LOL!

Hugs,

It is my extreme pleasure, to introduce the 2013 Inspiration Team here at Spellbinders. This team was created to be able to produce artwork that will be displayed throughout the many retailers that carry Spellbinders projects. This is also one of the most talented group of woman, who have captivated me for many years.

Please help me welcome Holly Simoni, Kazan Clark, Julie Overby, Windy Robinson, Lesley Langdon, Tina McDonald and AJ Otto and Team Coordinator Josie Cirincione.

The members on this elite team have been with Spellbinders for a number of years. Their individual styles create a team that inspires a worldwide audience.   

Holly Simoni starts her 7^th year at Spellbinders.  Holly loves creating mixed media artwork, scrapbook pages, cards and mini albums. She is inspired by texture, color and the nature around her.

The 2013-2014 year, marks Kazan Clark 5^th year with Spellbinders. Kazan’s fun loving personality and clean elegant style inspires crafter on all levels.  Whether creating a card, scrapbook page or home decor project, you will be inspired.

Julie Overby will be embarking on her 5^th year with Spellbinders. She is an avid paper crafter who gets her inspiration from her three children. Julie’s shabby chic style and fun personality inspires our audience worldwide.

Windy Robinson starts her 3^rd year with Spellbinders. She is an amazing paper crafter who loves to dabble in mixed media. I am always amazed with or at how she marries the two worlds together in her projects.

Lesley Langdon starts her 3^rd year with Spellbinders. Lesley has been a constant source of inspiration for the Spellbinders audience. Her trendy style speaks to all crafters whether they are into jewelry, paper, or mixed media.

Tina McDonald starts her 3^rd year with Spellbinders. Tina’s romantic, clean and simple style lends itself well to scrapbooking, mixed media, and card making. Her bubbly personality is always present in her projects.

AJ Otto starts her 4^th year with Spellbinders.  AJ joins the Inspiration Team, until her new role begins as paper crafting Design Team Coordinator in August! She loves linear graphic images, clean lined designs, and has an overall “less is more” approach to crafting.

Josie Cirincione will coordinate the 2013 Inspiration Team. Josie comes to Spellbinders with personal experience as a designer/author in the mixed media world.  

I am sure these amazing women will continue to inspire crafters worldwide, as they have always inspired me.  

Hugs,                                                 

This week, I am happy to let you know that our 9^th Design Team call has been made. Spring is an amazing time for renewal here at Spellbinders, the idea of a new Design Team has really brought back so many memories of all of the Design Teams from the past. I have always said that Spellbinders DT’s are the best on the planet! I have been so proud to support, encourage and bond with each team we’ve had. They are all so special and remarkable. I am personally honored to call them friends!

The very first Design Team was brought about, because I was trying to really push my excitement and enthusiasm, over the ideas that were constantly popping around in my head. As I have told you in the past, I just couldn’t keep it up by myself anymore and I realized how important it was to ask for help. I handpicked that team based on their creativity and passion. I reached out to designers whose projects I admired, and then had them all come to Ohio for the first ever Spellbinders Design Team Retreat!  This really started to build the grass roots foundation for what Spellbinders is today.

The second Design Team was the first time I had a competition for design team positions. More and more people were aware of Spellbinders products and I wanted a team that could reach across the country. I had moved to Phoenix and I had this crazy idea that I would fly them all to beautiful Arizona. Like with the first team, I had them stay at my house. This team was amazing, before the retreat, they realized that it was my 40^th birthday, and they all ended up surprising me with small celebration!

This team was so special and the popularity of Spellbinders was growing so quickly, that I extended the terms for this team so that we could have another year together. The retreat that year was after CHA winter and we stayed in Anaheim California and shared the magic with them by taking that team to Disneyland! My kids were thrilled!!

Since that time, I have hosted all of the retreats in the Phoenix area. Our retreats are always so special and I try to make each one unique! I have since had the pleasure of partnering with some amazing companies and shared my passion with some amazing cross promotional companies that have now helped me make this experience a once in a life time retreat! Sometimes, I am blessed and designers continue on, take on bigger roles in Spellbinders, or move on to other things.

I can tell you that each Spellbinders DT Alumni has been such a special part of my life and that I think of them often. I would encourage our fans to give it a try!

It is an amazing experience for the growth of your creativity! So be sure to check out the requirement here! And I look forward to possibly meeting you at the next retreat!

Hugs,

I have been so upset with the unfolding events in Boston this week, that I feel I need to reflect deeply within myself to understand what is happening to this wonderful country of ours. It really shakes a person to the core of their security when a national tragedy happens. Some questions that start to pop out in my head are, what kind of future are my children going to have? How can people be so intolerant of freedom? And the most important of all questions is how do we rebuild, move forward, and prevent this from happening again?

Then in that quiet early morning sunrise, the answers to my question are revealed. We are Americans; our children’s future will be what they make it. Yes, it will be different from ours, but just as free. People are so intolerant of freedom, because they do not have it. We will rebuild the security that was lost, and move forward by helping each other and persevere because, that is what we have been taught by the amazing sacrifices that our brave military have given us.

In the midst of all the chaos that occurred by the actions of some cowardly act, you can see the true courage of Americans being displayed in the very moments. How many heroes ran toward the danger and helped those who were injured. How many medical personnel, Police Officers, Event Organizers, and just everyday citizens out to watch an amazing marathon turned and helped.  Right there those acts have shown me, that we have not lost who we are.  We will never cower to terror. We will cherish each moment of this amazing life each of us has been given, and will continue to stand up and help those who cannot help themselves.

This week has been a stark reminder that I need to love my kids more, cherish the moments I have with my family more, and help my neighbors more and not just in times of tragedy. Life is too short to focus on the negative.

Hugs,  

Since it’s spring and all things are blooming, even here in the desert!! I thought it would be fun to share some great spring recipes with all of you!! Every year, about this time, I always find myself moving away from those heavy comfort foods that I grew up with, during those cold Ohio winters. With the spring, come fresh vegetables and fruits, which happen to be my favorites!! I was hoping that if I shared my favorite recipe with all of you, you would share some with me!

We could have like a little recipe book by the end of the week!!

At family events and during design team retreats, my husband, Jeff has become famous for his green beans. They are known as "Uncle Jeff’s Green Beans!" 

Here is the simple recipe....

1lb of green beans cleaned and trimmed  

4cloves fresh garlic  

I/2 cup soy sauce  

Fry beans in wok with 4-5 tablespoons oil once cooked  

Mix soy sauce and garlic toss cooked beans into soy garlic mixture then serve

It is so good! I can't wait to see what all of you share!

Hugs,

I had the most touching moment this past week. As most of you know, I have two amazing boys who make me so proud. I burst with joy just thinking of them! What most of you do not know, is that I also have three amazing nieces and 1 nephew. They have brought so much joy and pride to my life, that I thank heaven everyday that they are a part of my family.

What I didn’t realize, is how closely they watch me and what an impact I have made on their lives. I moved to Arizona when my oldest niece Jordan was just 7 years old.  Jordan is now 14 and has developed into the most amazing young woman. She is an accomplished equestrian, amazing clarinet player and has her sights set on being a Veterinarian when she graduates college.

This past week, Jordan was interviewed for the local paper in Aurora, Ohio because she was Harmon Middle School Student of the week. In order to be student of the week at her middle school, the teachers as a group, have to nominate and vote for the student based on grades, activities and overall attitude. Then the local paper interviews that student and publishes a brief bio on them.

My sister sent me a copy of this interview, because she was, of course, so proud. My sister wanted to make sure that I paid particular attention to one of the question that Jordan was asked. It was, “Who other than your parents, do you most look up to and why?”  Jordan’s response… “My Aunt Stacey, because she started her own business and invented a die-cutting machine all on her own. She teaches me girls can do anything.”

Shocked and awed does not even come close. I have spoken all over the world and I have been told how I've inspired and touched countless people. But I gotta say… even now writing this, I have never been so choked up. To know that I have touched someone so young and so full of promise... I just can't express how I feel. All because, I took a chance and followed my passion and that has lead this very impressionable girl to believe girls can do anything! It is truly one of the most amazing honors I have ever received. I'm so glad that I listened to the quiet voice in my head that said, “Always do the right thing, even when no one is looking, because you never know who is watching.”

Hugs,

• Be willing to do what you have to do.
• "You can't fake passion."
• Have faith in your vision.
• The way you treat people who work with you will make or break your company! Pay it forward - it works!
• Have focus, determination and faith in your business!

I had such a wonderful time networking, hearing women’s stories and connecting with this group of dynamic business women. Their amazing energy helped me re-energize my spirit, and encouraged me to refocus on staying true to my passion. As much as I was there to inspire them, they were every bit as inspirational to me!

A special thank you, to Tori and Jenn for bringing this motivational event to the Phoenix area. I hope all of my friends can inspire a special person in their lives and make a true difference.

Hugs,

P.S. Last week... I gave away a signed copy of our latest book, Giftabilities, to our International community. Congratulations to our International Winner, Ita, from Ireland!! Please Contact Cindy, our Community Specialist, at calexander@spellbinders.us she will be happy to send your signed copy of Giftabilites.

First, I would like to congratulate last weeks giveaway winner Cat! Your name was drawn to win the Card Maps 3 book. Please send your information to Cindy, our Community Specialist at calexander@spellbinders.us and she will take care of you!

This week, I wanted to share with all of you, a new section on the Spellbinders webpage. Under the Explore Beyond tab, you'll find the new Explore Beyond Blog . Each week, we will be featuring International Guest Designers from all over the world, in a special feature called International Flair!

We are very excited about having a special area to host our International community’s artwork.  In celebration of the International Flair, I am going to be giving away a signed copy of our newest book, Spellbinders Giftabilities,  that was released at Winter CHA. 

To be entered in this giveaway, all you need to do is leave a comment and what country you're from and we'll do a random drawing. Since last week, it was restricted to US residents only, I thought this week, we would open this contest up to International readers only! Be sure to list the country you're from in your comment. 

If you would like to be considered for our International Flair section, send us your email information via private message on Facebook and we will reach out to you! How fun and easy is that?? In addition, all artists are welcome to share their work directly to our Facebook wall.

Hugs,