McBish Delish

This year I wanted to try a little homemade gift...hopefully next year there will be more. I make little plates for my team with their monograms. I thought they turned out adorable and I will definitely make them again, even if it's just for me! - Court 6" Appetizer plates $1.95 @ Crate & Barrel -  12 x 12 inch - 30 Sheets of Assorted Glossy Colors of Permanent ... Sold by: Amazon.com LLC

This year the Bishman family came to visit us in San Jose (Rachel, Mike, Nate, Renee, Josh, &Sydney). I did a lot of cooking, but it was really fun 'cause I always wish I could host for the holidays and this year my wish came true. 

ingredients 2 pounds bulk Italian sausage or ground beef  3 medium onions, chopped (2 1/4 cups)  2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms (6 ounces)  6 garlic cloves, finely chopped  1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained  1 can (29 ounces) tomato sauce  1 can (12 ounces) tomato paste  2 tablespoons dried basil leaves  1 tablespoon dried oregano leaves  1 tablespoon sugar  1 teaspoon salt  1/2 teaspoon pepper  1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper preparation 1. Cook sausage, onions, mushrooms and garlic in 12-inch skillet over medium heat about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sausage is no longer pink; drain.  2. Spoon sausage mixture into 5-quart slow cooker. Stir in remaining ingredients.  3. Cover and cook on low heat setting 8 to 9 hours or until vegetables are tender. 

My great grandmother had this awesome table that swizzles and turns to full size and half size. I've had it for years and while it's super cool, it's not very pretty anymore. I've been wanting to paint it forever but didn't know where to start. I finally took the project on when my mom was in town to help with Rory while I worked. I love how it turned out but I might reprint the top 'cause I'm not sure I like the antiqued top. I would also like to give it a shinier finish when I find the time.