I know it's not March

I know it's not March, but this month's color challenge at Scrapmatters practically shouted Mardi Gras! I was only going to make 4-5 papers and a handful of elements when it hit me... then the thing took off!

Please head over to my facebook page and 'like' Key Lime Digi Designs if you haven't already...Hit the Like button near the top. That's all I ask in return for this fun freebie! Doing so will help you see my future freebies when I post them. You can even upload your layout right there on my wall if you want!

It's funny how scanning candy sprinkles, which I didn't know how I would use a week ago, just felt right at home in this kit. Here it is:

I would have gone on forever, but it is late in the weekend. Never fear...there are plenty of other gorgeous kits that match this perfectly...a great way to build a bigger set.

*Links Expired*

A New Freebie Mini---Summer's End

I stumbled across another color swatch kit challenge, so I decided to join in. Head over to The Studio to learn more about this one. You can find other kits to combine and round out your stash. This one's got some pretty hues. I hope you like it as much as I do.

**Link expired** If you like my designs and don't want to ever miss another freebie, please go
LIKE my page on facebook.

Close to My Heart Mini Kit

I promised to give this freebie when I hit 250 facebook page likes on my KLDD page and thanks to you I am climbing ever higher. For a while I thought I would never see anything created with my kits...but boy, after a few days you should see them grow. Many of them are posted right there on the fb page. You can add yours if you like.  If you DO like my designs and want more, please Like the page and help my numbers go up. Thanks!

I created this one for another challenge hosted at ScrapMatters. You can scrap with this or any kit within the given color swatch to earn a full kit given by the host, KimB. (Time is short, so hurry!)

I like these monthly challenges because it gives me the perfect sized goal to create something new. You can look forward to more from me!

Page by Pam:

Page by Gloria:

This is my favorite kit so far. I couldn't wait to put my peacock feather in a kit finally. I extracted a couple of them a few months ago and they were just gathering dust. Plus this one had me stretching into learning so much more to achieve the right effects throughout. I really enjoyed making "Close to my Heart"

*Links Expired*


Til next time!

I have another freebie coming soon!

I think I am going to like these monthly design challenges at Scrapmatters. Perfect for giving me a timeline and once I got going this time I couldn't stop! Here is a sneak peek.

I think it is my favorite so far. Some of the elements stretched my learning. I extracted that peacock feather. Yes...extracted a peacock feather...don't try this at home! I learned a really cool way to add patina to a very dimensional element, just to name a couple. Papers used to scare me...now I love em!

Tell your friends and if you haven't done so yet, please go like my facebook page by clicking here! The full reveal is there now! As soon as the facebook page gets 250 likes, this kit will be unlocked! Be sure you are LIKING THE PAGE, not just a post.

See you soon!

My first "Boy" Kit

I know....it's been too long. Work got in the way, but that's a good thing. Plus, I have been working hard at learning more tricks of the trade and have made some other cool things and have them tucked away for later.

Meanwhile, I saw this gorgeous palette for the Scrapmatters June Color Challenge...Just the thing to kick me into gear...My first thought was what a pretty peach and pink...

So wouldn't ya know it..I start creating and the next thing you know it is looking more like a boy kit!

Layout by Bec:

I would love it if you 'liked' my facebook page, which is found here.

**Links Expired**

A better recipe for overnight crockpot oatmeal (and a bonus!)

I followed the recipe of a heavily shared facebook post for overnight crockpot oatmeal, but it wasn’t clear enough, generating tons of questions. Reading through others results led me to this version. Yes, I peeled the apples, Yes, you HAVE to use steel cut oats. Everyone complaining about bland taste should realize that we have been conditioned to want double or triple the sugar in those little instant  packets. It’s an acquired taste to get past that.

So here goes...

Overnight Crockpot Oatmeal

Use liner or spray crock with cooking spray. Place 2 sliced apples, 1/4 to 1/3 cup brown sugar-packed tight, 2 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp nutmeg, & a pinch salt in the bottom of the crock pot.

Pour in 2 cups of steel-cut oats, 2 cups of almond or coconut milk and 2 cups water.

Do not stir.

Cook overnight for 8 hours maximum on low. (actually 5-6 hours would be enough) This makes a lot!  I recommend a liner for sure, to guarantee no sticking.  

NOTES: small diced apple pieces would be ok, they will hold form. I cannot stress enough to use the steel cut oats...they had a nutty natural flavor that really made this delicious. You can cut this recipe in half and pour into a 4 cup pyrex measuring cup---easy cleanup.

• ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~

OK, so now here is the bonus. This stuff made 8 GENEROUS portions...No way will we go through all of that in a few days...so I made my own copycat recipe of Quaker Oatmeal To Go.

I broke up the big clumps and added some more cinnamon and pumpkin spice and a 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts. I shaped them into patties and baked (on parchment) as 'cookies' for breakfast on the go. It took at least 20 minutes at 350° so you should do a small batch and determine the time for your cookie size and oven behavior. Just poke one and see if it is taking a more solid form. I then turned oven off and let them dry out a tad longer. Remember, there are moist apples in there. I took a really small amount of powdered sugar and made a simple drizzle for on top. Looks and tastes similar to Quaker Oatmeal To Go, but mine is so much better for you. My picky teenager took one bite and loved em..Then took another one before leaving the kitchen. I guess it's a hit! Note: As they sit, they seem to want to go back to being moist, so only bake as many as will be eaten warm from the oven. I only baked 8.

Other delicious things to add...minced dates, raisins, almonds pieces, dark chocolate pieces, coconut--- just watch how much you do add or this becomes less healthy breakfast option.

My canister of Quaker Steel Cut Oats had just the ONE ingredient listed on the side. Now look at the bars they sell as Breakfast To Go. At least we can make a choice.

Recipe Makeover! Crab Topped Tilapia 2.0

I recently swapped out some bad cooking/eating habits for healthier ones. I have cleared out all the bad stuff from the pantry and fridge and replaced with lots of stuff for clean eating. I don't buy the stuff in boxes with 20 unpronouncable ingredients any more. There may be days when I rebound, but I am working hard finding good tasting alternatives that are easy to make too. I was craving a rich fish dish I made often in the past. Here is the remade recipe, followed by the original high fat/processed food version. (Just to see the swap outs!)

Sandy's Healthy Version Crab Topped Fish
Gluten free, lower sodium and low fat 
Place up to 1 lb fresh or thawed fish filets in baking dish sprayed with Pam. (I like tilapia)
2 Tbsp parmesan cheese, sprinkled on top

Crab Topping
1 can flaked crab, drained and cleaned
2 Tbsp plain Greek Yogurt
1/4 tsp lemon juice
1 Tbsp coconut milk
Dash crushed red pepper
2 shakes of Salt replacement
2 Tbsp capers

Mix well and spread over fish in glass dish. Bake 350º for 10 minutes, then at 425º for 10-12 minutes or until fish flakes. Watch closely. This may have a small amount of clear looking liquid midway, but it will reduce and the crab topping will stay together.

Note: I made this version tonight for the first time and my daughter couldn't tell it apart from the old way. However, I think I will add more herbs to kick up the flavor next time. Have fun making it your own.

~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ •

Sandy's Original Crab Topped Fish
1 egg
1 Tbsp honey
dash salt (why added salt? no idea)
1/2 sleeve of Ritz crackers, finely crushed
Up to 1 lb fresh or thawed fish filets (I like tilapia)

Mix egg and honey. In baggie mix crushed crackers and salt. Set aside 1/2 cup crackers for topping. Dip fish in egg mixture, then coat with cracker mix (shake in bag) Place in baking dish sprayed with Pam.

Crab Topping
1 can flaked crab, drained and cleaned
1/2 cup mayonaise
1 Tbsp lemon juice
Dash crushed red pepper
2 Tbsp capers
Reserved crushed crackers

Mix well and spread over fish in glass dish. Bake 350º for 10 minutes, then at 425º for 10-12 minutes or until fish flakes and the crab topping puffs and browns. Watch closely.