On this last day...

Of 2008, I look back at what we have been through as a family and I am so proud. From kindergarten, to first days of pre-school, new jobs (both me and James) baseball games, soccer games, emergency room visits (3 total) parent teacher meetings that made me smile and those that made me cry (apparently Autism doesn't exist in kids under 5 according to the school district)...

This year has been our year to grow. As I approached 30 I truly felt like it was such an accomplishment and that it was the beginning of better things for my family. No longer am I the "young" one of the group. Now when I state my age, nobody says anything...which is a good thing!

As we catch common ground with the world and find our footing, we are so blessed and fortunate for what we have endured this year. The good and the bad have stuck to us and given us perspective on the truly important. They resignate in our minds as we tackle each challenge and decision. This year was truly our year of growth, and although growth tends to hurt, it is always for the best. This year was truly the hardest by far for our little family of 5, but as we snuggle together on the couch during a movie night, I thank God that this is who I was chosen to breathe life with, because my family (although as insane as i may make them out to be) keeps me sane and is truly my purpose for life.

I hope this year finds you in great health, a positive attitude and an outlook to the future that is ready to conquer. Hug your family, kiss your loved ones and be safe today. Truly reflect on what is important to you at this very moment, and hold it true all year long. Don't let life delegate where and when you do things, be your own dictator and make this year worth every breathe.

Happy New Year!

With tons of love,

Liz and Family

Black and White Album

Here is the Black and white album for the Orange County Scrapbook Expo in Costa Mesa this February. We had to keep tweeking it so the screen print is a little blurry, but over all the outcome of this album is sure to be beautiful. We will be using some gorgeous Glimmer mist colors as well as red and turqouise accents. Prima bling and hydrangea flowers and the lovely 7 gyspies paper. This album is titled, "Family" but you will have the option to name it whatever you choose! please feel free to email me if you have any questions!
primadonnaliz@yahoo.com


Thanks to the ladies that have signed up for the classes as well as my teachers pets, we are sure to have a blast!

~Liz

Sneak peek pics of EXPO classes...

I was given permission to post some pics of the upcoming classes for the OC scrapbook expo, I have three album classes that will be offered a total of 7 different times. These are a little different than my regular classes as they will cover the basics of Tattered Angels products so we won't have time to go in to deep, but there still is a lot of techniques and products to play with.

Here is the link to the schedule and if you want to sign up. I am roomies with my bud Patty, so this should be fun!!!

I haven't recieved final approval on the black and white album yet, but I do have to say... it is yummy! So here are the Day at the Beach and Love Notes albums (which we will be using scenic route paper instead of MME due to availability), let me know what you think!

~Liz

Bitten...

I openly confess that I did it. I gave into my yearning for a good read and started reading Twilight last Wednesday. During this time I was also frantically kitting for my upcoming classes but in the back of my head, I was beckoned to the book each night. I lay there reading and literally feeling my body tense at moments as the content became more and more climactic. I know, this is not exactly the reaction you would expect from a newly 30 year old (so much for these being my mature years!) but with so much praise from my friends about the series, I just couldn't resist. Now I am not trying to "justify" my decision... but, in it's defense, Twilight is not exactly what I would expect from a YA book, actually I found it to be a little bit of the good and the bad. The writing, well at times I was lost and bored, but altogether I understood it, and the writer added details that my brain needed (constantly spoil plots in my head, jumping the gun and estimating outcomes) to catch me off guard.

So now, I am in search of book 3, I have borrowed the last two from my sister in law but with the vast following she has encouraged to read the books, I am sure that her copy is most likely occupied.

Well that means a quick trip to Target tomorrow to happily give them $8 to quench my need for a good read.

So did you think I would do it? well hopefully I haven't lost any friends over it, but all together even to the skeptics, think about reading it... you may change your mind.

~Liz

Blog Awards...

I just love it when I get a little pick me up from my friends. I have recieved a few of these in the past and have always failed at returning the the favor and nominating someone else. This time I am making sure that I pay it forward and share the love.

This was given to me by one of my students and friends, Stacy. She is a super sweet and untra talented scrapper, so this was such a treat for her to think of me. I also need to mention my Ck friends, Rachel, Shaina, erica and Tomie who have nominated me in the past, and I never got around to responding on my blog (thanks ladies) thier blogs are kept on my right side bar if you would like to check them out!


Soooo...Here are the rules:
1. The winner may put the logo on their blog.
2. Put a link to the person who sent you the award.
3. Nominate 5 blogs.
4. Provide links to their blogs.
5. Leave a message for your nominees.


I am so blessed to have many talented and wonderful people in my life so five is tough to choose!!! (you can see why I never got around to doing this in the past!) So I will nominate the ladies that nominated me in the past, as I really do love their blogs.

so in no particular order....
-Erica, she is always up to something and it is usually scrappy!
-Tomie, mom of 6 and STILL scraps impecibly
-Rachel, creative mom extrordinaire!
-Shaina, A totally rockin' scrapper
and for Kicks, Ali my long lost friend who when nominated I actually did get back to her! LOL!

I have such a hard time picking out creative people, with what I do there are TONS of creative people around me. So if you get a chance check out the links to the right on my side bar. As I find and make creative friends... I always add them there.

So thanks Stacy and I hope you all enjoy your Monday!

~Liz

FREE PRE CHA CLASS FOR RETAILERS!!!

Classes with Brand New Prima products Prima is offering one FREE class using our BRAND NEW products to every store that signs up! You must have a Brick and Mortar store or a web based store (Consumer sites like Etsy and eBay do not qualify). If you aren't a store owner... Get the word to your local store owner! You don't want them to miss out on this!!! Classes will be taught by Adrienne Looman, Prima Design Team member, PrimaDonna endorsed teacher & author of The Doodle Formula, Donna Salazar, PrimaDonna endorsed teacher / Program coordinator & published artist, and Elizabeth Hicks, PrimaDonna endorsed teacher. Each store may send one representative to one class absolutely FREE! Stores may attend additional classes or send a second representative for $30 per student/class. BUT... Every store in attendance will receive the step by step instructions and a list of supplies needed for ALL THREE CLASSES! Photos of these classes will be sent out in the coming weeks. Seats are available on a first come, first served basis. Sign-ups will be taken via e-mail ONLY. Send your store information and the name of your representative to donna@primamarketinginc.com. Please indicate the class date and time that you prefer.

Liz's class sneak peek:

Donna's class sneak peek:

Adrienne's class sneak peek:

We will be posting more photos of the projects a little closer to CHA!

Thursday, January 22nd:

10:00 - 12:00 Liz Hicks

1:00 - 3:00 Donna Salazar

4:00 - 6:00 Adrienne Looman

Friday, January 23rd:

10:00 - 12:00 Liz Hicks

1:00 - 3:00 Donna Salazar

4:00 - 6:00 Adrienne Looman

Classes will be held in our new classroom at our warehouse:

Prima Marketing, Inc.

5564 Edison Ave.

Chino, CA 91710

We are also offering a FREE Prima Hybrid class on Saturday. This class will be taught by none other than Josie & Sally, the Iron Orchid Design sisters. You will be making hybrid projects and learning how to teach Retail Friendly Hybrid classes at your stores. Some of the Prima endorsed teachers "PrimaDonnas" will be attending class. This would be a great time to schedule an "expert" to come and teach a class at your store! Each store may send one representative to one of the time slots below absolutely FREE! Stores may send an additional representative for $30 per student/class. Step by step instructions and supplies needed will be provided to each attendee. Photos of the Hybrid projects will be sent in the coming weeks. Seats are available on a first come, first served basis. Sign-ups will be taken via e-mail ONLY. Send your store information and the name of your representative to donna@primamarketinginc.com. Please indicate the time slot that you prefer.

Saturday, January 23rd

10:00 to 1:00 - Josie Celio

2:00 to 5:00 - Josie Celio

Classes will be held in our new classroom at our warehouse:

Prima Marketing, Inc.

5564 Edison Ave.

Chino, CA 91710

Please note... You may attend one of the Hybrid class sessions in addition to one of the classes offered on Thursday or Friday at no charge.

PLUS... We are having a warehouse sale too! We are making room for our 2009 products!

50% off product from 2007 or earlier

30% off product from 2008!

Take advantage of these dramatic savings on these fabulous vintage Prima items.

You can bring your crew to shop while you take the class!!!
Prima has never before offered such DEEP DISCOUNTS! Don't miss out.
**Sale applies to items in stock at the time of purchase. No backorders will be generated during this sale**
Sale dates:January 22nd to January 24th

Take advantage of these reduced prices and fill your shelves with product released just months ago!

For more info on any of these great Prima promotions, please email Donna @ donna@primamarketinginc.com .

See you there!

~Liz

Should I, or should't I?

I have debated on whether or not to read this series. My friends and Family have recommended it, and with the movie out, it seems like something that I would enjoy. After my very dissapointing read of "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas" (of course I found out that it was a YA book AFTER I checked it out!) I could really use a good read. Alhough this to is a YA book, it is a good size, so it does seem hopeful.

So.....

What would you do?

Read it?

Or leave it alone?

I would love to hear from those of you who have anything to say onthe subject!

Yummy recipe for the holidays~

(Argh you blogger!!! the pics are backwards, but I think you can get the idea!)

I have pics for two recipes, today's will be my favorite and totally yummy Garlic Mashed Potatoes. This recipe is super simple and absolutely a crowd favorite. There are definitely NO fat free, but in moderation... these are the best!

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients needed:

5 lb package of Rose potatoes or baby red potatoes

(1) stick of butter (1/2 a cup)

(1) 8 oz container of sour cream

2-3 Tbsp of minced garlic ( I used Christopher Ranch which stays fresh nicely!)

Lawry's Seasoning Salt

First start by cleaning your potatoes. I peel and core out the eyes of mine, but you can keep a little peel in them if you'd like ( a little peel never hurt anyone!)

after you have your clean, peeled potatoes, cut them into quarters or depending on the size you can vary the portion as long as the pieces are about 1 inch to 2 inch cubes. cutting down the potatoes helps to cook them faster. Next, add your potatoes to boiling water, you will want enough to cover the potatoes. Cook until tender (about 20 minutes). You will want to make sure that you cook the potatoes all the way through as it helps when you mash them!

After you potatoes are cooked, drain and dry off the excess water. Begin mashing with a potato masher. From there add the butter, then the sour cream, garlic and season with Lawry's seasoning salt to taste. Mash until the potatoes are smooth and creamy and all the ingredients are blended. You can garnish with a little seasoning salt on top before you table the potatoes.

So there is a quick easy and impressive recipe to give you a nice holiday start! This recipe is a version of potatoes that I concocted to mimic a recipe from one of the restaurants that I used to work at. I use to love tasting yummy food and trying to figure out the recipe! I am sure there are plenty of other versions of this, so please feel free to share your favorites on this link! Also these are super yummy the next day covered in Cheese and bacon!!! I know totally fattening, but soooo good!

enjoy!

It's a hard knock life...

for my little girl. yes, she may be little but this fiesty little almost 3 year old has had more injuries and trips to the ER than her brothers combined, and you would think that her brothers would have played a part in her demise, but no... her boo-boo's are all her own. Yesterday she was wearing her little mermaid costume and decided to run (against our requests not to) and tripped and fell onto a bookshelf. I don't have any before pics, frankly my mind wasn't thinking of recording the event (I am some what normal, thank god!) but I did catch this pic of her after we came home and she had enjoyed 5 lollipops (hence the sticky do). She was a trooper in the ER, and charmed all the doctors and nurses. She even gave the "interesting" doctor a wierd look when he called her "pumpkin-doodle". She thought he was silly. She is up and going, with her Derma-bond faux stitches (thank god!). Now begins the regime of trying to keep her from a life long haircut of bangs, and keeping her scar fresh so it can heal appropriately and hopefully not be to apparent.

well, everyday I am reminded of why I do what I do, and here again is my life in motion. I love it, can't complain... at least when life throws me speed bumps, I have someone to hold my hand as I jump over it.

So today, be thankful for your family, including the few nutty ones, because each one of them keeps you grounded, and reminds you of just how good life is.

XOXO,

Liz

Winners!!!!!

here are the winners for this months giveaways!!!

Post-a-holic

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:13
Timestamp: 2008-12-01 22:05:57 UTC

Krazy Armstrong K's! wins!!!

and for the reffer a friend which we had such a great response from everyones sites, thank you!!!!

the winner is:
http://lisa-itsallaboutceesa.blogspot.com/

Here are your random numbers:95
Timestamp: 2008-12-01 22:58:58 UTC

and for the RAK for the post on my new classmates:

the winner is: Kristi B. (I don't count my posts)
Here are your random numbers:16
Timestamp: 2008-12-01 23:02:45 UTC

unfortunately, I didn't receive any reciepts for the support your LSS RAK. I may have to do it again, next month.


So winners, please email me your addy and I will send off your goodies!

primadonnaliz@yahoo.com

thanks!