The Apple Street Cottage

It's almost May and that means Cinco De Mayo will be here before you know it.  In addition to tacos and margaritas, how about an easy casserole along the same theme?   Yes?   I've got you covered. Here's what you need: 1/2 pound of ground beef.    We grind our own. taco seasoning - my recipe 1 tsp. olive oil tortilla chips 6 oz. of shredded pepper jack cheese - divided 15 can black beans - rinsed 1/2 cup corn 1/4 to 1/2 cup diced red onion 15 oz. diced tomatoes - drained 7 oz. can diced green chilis 8" x 8" casserole dish Serves 6. The steps are easy. First, brown your ground beef with some taco seasoning.  I do not measure, but if I had to, I'd say it was about 2 tablespoons.  My philosophy?  Season to taste! While the meat is cooking, wipe the bottom of your dish with the oil and crumble a handful of tortilla chips over it. Sprinkle half the cheese over the chips. Over the cheese, spread the black beans and corn. Next, the red onion. A...

Have you ever used rub-on transfers?   Me neither!   Until now. For a long time I've been watching other bloggers/crafters use rub-on transfers on all sorts of things from glass vases to furniture.  Somehow, I had never used them.  I'm a fan of stain, paint, stenciling,  decoupage, and lots of other mediums, but never has a transfer crossed my path.   No particular reason.  It just didn't happen...until I was chatting with a friend.  She's a fan and uses them on all sorts of things.  She said they are easy to use and I should try them.  She even offered to send me some... and she did!   Let me show you. Before we get started, let me welcome you to the  Creative Craft Hop  hosted by Donna from Modern on Monticello .   If you just came from Sara @ Birdz of a Feather ,   Welcome to the Cottage!  At the bottom of this post I'll direct you to the next stop on this hop, but be sure to visi...

There I was, running into the dollar store to grab some kitchen sponges.  I didn't need anything else until I saw these: My first thought was, "Oh, how pretty!"  My next thought?  "What will I do with them?" Then I turned the corner... ..and an idea was born! This post may contain affiliate links This Easter egg cut out was just screaming for decoupage, and that's exactly what it got.  The wood was a veneer over MDF and s ince the napkins were mostly white,  two coats of white craft paint were applied. Once completely dry, two coats of Mod Podge were brushed on.  The first coat was allowed to dry completely before the second coat was applied. While waiting for coat #2 of Mod Podge to dry, I separated the layers of my napkins.  You only want one layer when you use them for decoupage. Place your napkin(s) on the surface of the dry Mod Podge and then lay a piece of parchment paper over the napkin.   Using the medium setting, iron over the parc...