The Garden Is In!

Our weather here is about 2 weeks ahead of schedule, so I have been really excited to get my little patio garden in.  Last year, I had everything in by April 15.  Storms and a busy week kept me from doing it until yesterday this year.  When we lived in Charlotte, Brad called our little patio, "the place where plants go to die."  The biggest problem there was full Carolina sunshine all day, with no shade.  Our patio here get part sun, part shade.  Last year, my tomato's never produced tomatoes.  The pepper plants produced one pepper after the hurricane.  Here is to hoping that my little garden will produce lots of goodies and that I have figured out the best places for them to get their sun (And my green thumb has gotten a little greener)!



Earlier this winter, I found this idea for a pallet planter on pinterest.  Brad took apart one pallet and part of this one to create our version of it.  I think it looks really fun against the brick. 

Top row is strawberries

2nd row (left) begonias and (right) hot & spicy oregano

3rd row (left) basil and (right) begonias

bottom row (left) empty and (right) rosemary.

I am thinking lavender on the bottom left row, what do you think?  Any suggestions?

Left to right:  Cherry tomatoes, green pepper, Roma tomatoes, lettuce.

Easy Sunday Dinner

Today has been a day of thunderstorms and laundry, so I wanted something easy to cook for dinner that would give us plenty of leftovers for lunches during the week.  A few weeks ago, I came across this recipe on pinterest via Six Sisters and Better Homes and Gardens.  It was easy and tasty, plus a complete bonus that it was low fat!

Here is the recipe:

Low-Fat Tex Mex Chicken and Rice Casserole
(Makes about 8 servings, depending on portion size.)

You will need:

1 medium onion chopped
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 package chicken-flavored rice and vermicelli mix
1 14 oz. can chicken broth (fat free or low sodium)
2 C. water
2 C. cooked chicken (I used an already made rotisserie chicken)
2 medium chopped, seeded tomatoes
1 8oz. can diced green chile peppers, drained
1 1/2 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. dried basil
1/8 tsp. ground cumin
1/8 tsp. black pepper
1/2 C. shredded cheddar cheese

1.  Heat oil in a sauce pan until warm.  Add in onion and cook on medium until tender.  Stir in the rice and vermicelli mix with the seasoning.  Cook for about 2 minutes until it starts to brown.  Add in water and broth.  Bring to a boil, then reduce heat.  Cover and let simmer for about 20 minutes.  (Liquid will not be fully absorbed.)

2.  Transfer rice to a bowl.  Stir in chicken, tomato, chile peppers, chili powder, basil, cumin, and black pepper.  Transfer to a 2-quart casserole dish.

3.  Bake, covered, in a 425 degree oven for 25 minutes.  Uncover and sprinkle on cheese.  Let stand for about 5 minutes or until cheese melts.

ENJOY!










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At The Picket Fence

Are you there interwebs? It's me, Kady!

Writing a blog is an idea I have had for a while.  I thought about it this past summer while I was voraciously crafting in my craft closet, which by the end of summer became my craft room.  Finally, I am making this idea come to life!  I hope to share fun craft ideas, yummy recipes, and the general adventures my husband and I have around the Carolina coast!

By day, I am a high school history teacher, and after school (and summer break) I enjoy cooking, baking, reading, crafting, yard sale-ing, bike riding, being outside, and traveling.  I was fortunate to grow up in a home where my mom did the cooking, cleaning, etc.  Needless to say, in college my roommates were not so impressed with the "cheeseburger soup" I made them for dinner one evening. After getting married 4 years ago, it became clear that I would become the chef at our house.  (Insert husband's frozen pizza debacle, in which he left the cardboard on the pizza and put it in the oven.)  Luckily, I found out that I really enjoyed it!  As for crafting, this is probably something I have enjoyed my whole life.  Growing up on a farm in the country in Ohio, I (and every other kid in the neighborhood) was in 4-H.  I remember making all kinds of things from wreaths - which my mom still has hanging in their house - to sewing projects like jumpers (with cat buttons!) and pajamas (sort of). 

                                                              My parents farm at dusk.

While my fabulous mom is crafty in her own right, she would never own up to it.  But, she was the one who helped me with all of my "sewing" projects when I was younger.  She IS talented and can quilt!  My fabulous mother-in-law and her sisters are crafty too!  Sallie is a card-maker extraordinaire and can also quilt.  Suzie makes gorgeous pottery that adorns our home as well as being a master crochet-er.  Amy, taught me how to make jewelry, which I LOVE to do.  She is super-duper talented and has made the jewelry for my wedding party as well as some of my friends. 

                                                       A quick pair of earrings I made.


So, stick around, check out my posts, feel free to comment.  I hope you enjoy!