Slow Cooker Recipe: Barbeque Beef Sandwiches

Here is a quick and easy recipe that your family will love. It's something that a one year old or an adult can eat. It's better than the old classic Sloppy Joes. 

You will need:

Large hamburger buns

1 bottle of your favorite bbq sauce (nothing spicy if your baby is eating)

1 large bell pepper

1 small yellow onion

1lb of stew meat or tri-tip

crock pot liner

crock pot

1. Chop the bell pepper and onion up into 1/2 inch pieces or smaller.

2. Place the liner bag into the crock pot and turn it on high for 4 hour cook time or low for 6 hours. Low and slow is always best with barbeque.

3. Add the meat and vegetables to the pot along with half of the bottle of bbq sauce. There should be enough sauce to cover and coat the meat. This is where the flavor is from. If you are feeding children, leave out the salt and pepper. It's not as healthy for them. 

4. When the meat is done it should be tender and should appear shredded already. If not, use a pasta spoon or spatula to remove the meat to a cutting board, leaving the liquid in the pot. Chop the meat up as finely as necessary and add to a large boss. Coat with the remaining sauce as desired. Spoon onto the buns and serve. 

5. Serve roasted corn, green beans, or baked beans as a side. No more Manwich for you.

Blockbuster vs Netflix Round 2

I was watching a television commercial from Blockbuster that boasted being better than Netflix. It stated that there were unlimited rentals through the mail. It stated that Blu-Ray and video games do not cost extra. It also stated that there were unlimited in-store exchanges. 

It was this in-store exchange that caught my ear. I don't like to wait for my mailers with Netflix. Truthfully, it only takes 1-2 days for me to receive it. But on the weekends, I don't like to wait as a movie may not arrive until Tuesday. I typically find myself in the video store anyway. Since I was trying out the Blockbuster free trial, I thought I would utilize the unlimited in-store exchange feature. 

Problem #1

I was allowed to bring in my mailers and walk out with two new selections. However, one of my selections was a video game. My son is only 5 years old. Needless to say, most of the video games out there are not for him. After 10 minutes of "Nope, not that one" and "Nope, too violent" we finally found a game he wanted. We approached the counter and immediately had a problem. They couldn't find me in the system, even though I had just returned my mailers. After fixing that error, they told me I couldn't rent the Cars 2 video game my son was clutching so tightly. The in-store exchange was valid for any movie, however, I could only rent the video games that were 99 cents. There were 4 games that were 99 cents in the entire store. Three of them were rated M for mature. I was better off waiting for that same video game to come through the mail. 

Problem #2

The ads for the in-store exchange state unlimited in-store rentals. However, this wasn't as clear as it should have been. After watching the movies we rented from the first exchange, we went back in to exchange them again. It is unlimited exchanges right? Wrong. You can only exchange a mailer for a movie or a 99 cent game. You can't exchange an in-store movie for another in-store movie or game. So how is this unlimited? Well, you can bring in your mailers an unlimited amount of times per month to exchange them for in-store movies. Perhaps they should be more clear about this in the commercials. It is still an advantage on those days when you don't feel like waiting for a mailer. But that brings me to my third problem. 

Problem #3

Normally, Netflix can have a new mailer at my home within 48 hours. If I return a mailer on Monday morning, Netflix will receive it by Monday evening. My new mailer will be shipped Tuesday morning and I will receive it Tuesday evening. If I miss the morning mail, it will be received Wednesday. With Saturday mailing, I receive a new Movie by Monday. But now that the post office is shutting down Saturday service, I suspect that will change. I returned a mailer to Blockbuster on Thursday, September 29th. My next shipment was sent on Wednesday, October 5th. A full week later is when my next movie was mailed and it was the 15th selection in my queue. I won't receive it until tonight. 

Problem #4

My local Blockbuster has a rather anorexic selection. We all know just how bad the new releases are because we aren't bothering to go to the theaters to watch them. If you aren't into the new releases then you are looking into the older movies. Of which the selection is rather tired. This really takes the excitement out of the in-store exchange. If you happen to have a Blockbuster video store that has a great selection then you won't have this problem.

Winner this round, Netflix.

Blockbuster Vs Netflix Round 1

By request I have started a free trial with Blockbuster to compare with Netflix. Here are my findings as of today. 

Customer Service

Blockbuster- Answered my call within 30 seconds, Took his time explaining he services to me, offered me the 30 day free trial, pronounced my name correctly. 

Netflix-Answered my call in 7mins 20 seconds, listened to my questions, answered them in a concise matter, tried to be personal with me ("i'm excited about that too", "I can't wait"), pronounced my name incorrectly and left off part of my last name immediately after I said it for him, told me a price that conflicted with the website.

DVD only service

Blockbuster- 2 DVD's at one time, unlimited rentals, new releases before Netflix, able to exchange my movies in the store rather than wait on them in the mail, video games and Blue-Ray are included at no extra charge. 

$14.98/month

Netflix- 2 DVD's at one time, unlimited rentals, wait on new releases, cannot exchange in the store, video games not available for another 3-6 weeks, there will be an extra charge for approximately $3.00 more per month, Blue-Ray is an extra $3.00 a month.

$11.99/month

$17.99/month in theory with Blue-Ray and video game options

Streaming only service

Blockbuster-Currently not available, offers On Demand Pay Per View, cannot stream through video game console, On Demand only available on limited devices, movie is only available 24 hours.

$1.99 to $9.99 depending on the movie.

Netflix-Streaming is unlimited, one flat rate, streams through video game consoles and more devices than Blockbuster, no time limit on movies. 

$7.99/month

My conclusion, as it stands, my plan is to use Blockbuster for their DVD only option and Netflix for their streaming only option. If Blockbuster offers streaming I will drop Netflix immediately. Until then this will be my proposed method. It's no different than using to websites and have two charges from Nteflix and Qwikster anyway.

Round 1-Tie

Netflix Apology

If you are a Netflix subscriber you no doubt have received or will receive a lengthy email from CEO and Co-Founder Reed Hastings. You can go to the Netflix blog to read it if you are not a subscriber. But in summation, it apologizes for the delivery method of the rate increases rather than the rate increases themselves. After some lengthy, apologetic rambling about not choosing a better way to notify us, it was announced in the very same manner that he was apologizing for, that Netflix is dividing its company. Here's the situation...

The rate increases will remain because supposedly they need more revenue to support the dvd mailers. (in reality they just don't want us to order DVD's anymore because the industry has given priority to Blockbuster).

There will now be a video game option available for those who choose the DVD only option. Of course this comes at an extra charge. I have not investigated the charge yet but I suspect it may be cheaper than having Netflix and Gamefly together. 

The name of the DVD only option is now Qwikster. 

There will be two charges to your account now if you are a streaming and DVD option subscriber. 

The Qwikster website isn't up yet but you will not be able to manage both your streaming and DVD options on one website anymore. 

In short, this letter makes everything worse!!

Why would I pay more for games with Netflix when I could just go to Redbox or Blockbuster and pay one flat rate for streaming, DVD, and games? Why should I have to go to two different websites to manage the same services? So, not only has Netflix increased their rates but they separate the services thus making everything more complicated. They don't even bother to make all DVD movies available for streaming only subscribers nor do they make an effort to make new releases available sooner. 

They can take that rambling, condescending letter and...well, you know.

Red Alchemy: The Power of Lavender

Most of us know that lavender is a calming scent and color. But there is so much more to this quaint flower than is realized. 

Stop Gossip

Add lavender to a bucket of water and mop your floors with it. Gossip will stop. 

Light a purple candle anointed with lavender oil to stop all gossip. With a purple pen (preferably with lavender ink, ingredients not color) write the name of the gossipers on a piece of paper and place it under the candle. Allow the wax to seal the paper. 

Write the names of those who gossip about you on paper and seal it in an envelope with purple wax. 

Weight Loss 

You will need the following:

1 purple candle 1 amazonite stone 1 small dish A few drops of lavender oil 1 small handful of dried lavender 1 pair of old nylon stockings 1 piece of ribbon or an elastic band

Light the purple candle and place it directly in front of you. Purple is really a great color to use in a weight loss spell, as it signifies control, ambition, and power. Take the amazonite stone in your power hand (the hand that you write with) and hold it above your head. Inhale and exhale slowly five times, then gradually bring your hand down to your side. This particular move infuses the amazonite stone with your personal strength and power. As you hold the stone, ponder of your ideal body. Do you wish to have a taut abdomen, toned arms, or perhaps firmer thighs? Once you have envisioned the bodily attributes you want most, bring the stone up and place it to your forehead, directly in line with your nose. This spot is said to be the “third eye.” Hold it there and say your chosen attributes out loud. For example, if it is indeed a taut abdomen that you are yearning for, then say, “taut abdomen.” Next, place the stone into the small dish and drip the wax of the candle onto the stone until it is completely covered. Once the wax has hardened, pick up the stone and slowly peel off the wax. This is a significant exercise that is meant to be likened to peeling the pounds off your frame. After you have removed all of the wax, anoint the stone in lavender oil and repeat the following:
I give thee new life; I give thee new breath; I give thee a new body.
Once the stone has been well-anointed, take the old pair of stockings and cut off one foot, into which you will place the dried lavender and the amazonite stone. Tie the top with the ribbon or elastic band, making a sachet. To fully empower the weight loss spell, place the sachet under your pillow and sleep on it for seven days.

 Lavender Oil

Apply to the temples, to a scent oil warmer or add a few drops to a purple candle and it can soothe a headache, depression and anxiety.


Add to steamy water and lean over it with a towel over your head. This will help clear spots on your skin as well as balance your skin's oil production.


Lavender compresses can help in the cases of bruises, sunburn, sprains, soreheads, burns, rashes and even eczema.

A few drops of lavender oil in your bath can help soothe sunburn or dry skin. or it can even be added to your shower gel.

lavender is also useful for period pains and to help with your emotions.

Sexy Pumpkins

I was staring at a pair of ruined fishnets, wondering what I could do with them. That's when my husband came home with a pumpkin...in the middle of September. I didn't want to carve it because it's just too early even for me. I thought of ways to prolong the life of the pumpkin to no avail. I tried to wrap it and put it in the fridge, (total blond moment) when I realized that my fishnets would look cool on the pumpkin (another blond moment). So I cut the foot off of the fishnets and made this little two second craft. I forgot to take a picture but lucky for me, someone else had a blond moment and did the same craft. They actually remembered to take pictures. Use different colors for some real fun.

Netflix Pix

Back by request is my weekly Netflix Pix. I stopped doing these because of the backlash of the price increase of Netflix monthly dues. But since the pricing is pretty much uniform across the board now, I might as well go back to furnishing a list of the stuff I watch. 

But I'm A Cheerleader stars Natasha Lyonne, one of my favorite actress. You may remember her from The Slums of Beverly Hills. I swore that movie was a ripoff of my diary entries when I was a teenager. This move is definitely one that will wind up in my "Don't Even Think About Borrowing This" collection. 

Megan (Lyonne) is a cheerleader who doesn't like kissing her boyfriend. She only has picture of girls inside of her school locker. Her parents conclude that she "must" be gay and therefore must be "fixed." She is sent to a gay and lesbian rehab camp to be corrected, where a very satirical comedy takes place. With the help of RuPaul, Clea DuVall, Eddie Cibrian, Kathy Moriarty, Mink Stole and Michelle Williams, this movie is a great comedy that belongs in the same league with The Slums of Beverly Hills, Saved, and Little Miss Sunshine.

Saw 3D The Final Chapter successfully redeems the downfall of arguably one of the best horror film series since Friday the 13th and A Nightmare on Elm Street. We all remember how the last two Saw movies left us shouting obscenities and mumbling disgruntled comments. The Final Chapter leaves the horror film fan feeling satisfied, which is not what we felt having spent an extra $14 just to see this movie in 3D. I can honestly say there was no need to see this movie in 3D at all. There were a total of 4 scenes where it was obvious that the flying intestines or weaponry was intended for 3D but I can't say I felt a loss. The mystery is still enjoyable and the traps will have you cringing, turning away and shouting, "Oh my God, I can't watch!" The ending is such a sweet release you may want to have a cigarette or a chocolate bar to help savor the moment.

                                                                                                                                                       

I began watching Mad Men because of Joan's gorgeous style on the promos. I am a fan of the 50's housewife fashions. I get my fill watching the first two seasons of Mad Men. Netflix has all four seasons available to watch instantly. There is nothing more annoying than starting to watch a series on Netflix after it's a few seasons along  and finding that you won't be able to understand what's happening on the new episodes because the most recent season isn't available. That happened with Weeds. It took so long for Weeds to become available I was completely incapable of enjoying the most recent season available on DVD. With Mad Men you can completely catch up. As far as the show goes, I have to say that absolutely nothing happens on this show but I guarantee you won't be able to stop watching it. There is the excitement of the advertising account managements and the wonder of whether or not Don Draper will have another affair. But honestly, nothing eventful takes place. Still, I enjoyed every minute of every season and can't wait to watch season 5 on AMC.