Hibiscus Honey Mask

I have a fabulous Hair Mask Recipe that I made last night. I'm not sure if I already shared this will y'all, but here it goes:

* 2 tbsp of organic hibiscus powder
* 1 1/2 tbsp of brahmi powder
* 2 tbsp of organic amla powder
* 1/4 cup of Tresseme Remoisturize conditoner
* 1 teaspoon of honey
* 1/2 tsp of aloe vera gel

Mix well and apply to hair. Leave on for 30 min to an hour. Co-wash or shampoo out mask. This is important as hibiscus powder tends to settle on the hair and not want to let go!!! Your hair will have a burgundy tint to it that shows more intensely in the sun. Most importantly, your hair will be moisturized and conditioned as hibiscus powder, when combined with water becomes mucilaginous which provides TONS of slip (which aids in ease of detangling) and softness. Try it today!

Have a great week! :-)

My First Giveaway: Silicon Mix Bambu Nutritive Hair Treatment

I am so excited to host my first Adventures in Bayarealand giveaway!!!

I do not recommend products that I am not passionate about and this one has me over the moon! I have used Silicon Mix Bambu Nutritive Hair Treatment a few times and my hair has been feeling strong, soft, and in-control. Lemme not even start on the smell! My hubs couldn't stop sniffing my hair last nite after a fresh wash and deep treatment with the Silicon Mix Bambu Nutritive Shampoo and Treatment. I am still catching whiffs of it today when I get up from my desk.

This will definitely be in EXTREMELY heavy rotation in my wash routine as I believe that I have found one of my staple moisturizing protein treatments. Aaaand I know I am in very deep trouble since the beauty supply down the street has it in abundance.

Wanna win? You must do the following to submit your entry:

* Must be a follower of my blog.
* Must leave a comment below detailing how you will use the product.
* Please include a valid e-mail address in your comment so that I may contact you.
* 2 entries - Repost to your blog. Please leave link to your posting. I will check!

The winner must be a resident of the United States. He/She will be chosen on Wednesday, September 21st at 3 pm Pacific Standard time by a random number generator. He/She will receive an 8 oz tub of the treatment.

Good Luck!

Fried rice and everything nice

Hey, I'm back! *waves*

Earlier this week, I made this amazingly delicious fried rice for my hubby and he ate it like a caveman. I think that he might have even had trouble breathing because he was eating it so fast. I took that as a good sign that I had done something right and I gave myself a good pat on the back for a job well done. I can't lie. The "pat on the back" was actually a snickers bar, but I digress. Onto the recipe! I got this yummy concoction from allrecipes.com:

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups uncooked white rice
3 tablespoons sesame oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 cup small shrimp - peeled and deveined
1/2 cup diced ham
1 cup chopped cooked chicken breast
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 carrots - peeled and diced
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup green peas
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup soy sauce

Directions
Cook rice according to package directions. While rice is cooking, heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Pour in sesame oil and stir in onion. Fry until golden, then add garlic. When garlic is lightly browned, mix in shrimp, ham, and chicken. Fry until shrimp is pink.

Lower heat to medium and stir in celery, carrot, green pepper, and peas. Fry until vegetables are crisp-tender. Stir in beaten egg and cook just until egg is scrambled and firm.

When rice is done, mix thoroughly with vegetables and stir in soy sauce. Adjust seasoning to your preference and serve immediately.

I really used this recipe as the base for my house fried rice. I used what I had in my refrigerator (spinach, ground beef from leftover tacos, shrimp, onion, carrots, garlic). I know that the taco meat may throw off some, but it really turned out to be HELLA good with all of the other ingredients. The celery, ham, and peas were not invited this time. I also reduced the amount of soy sauce to 1/5 cup. Next time I will make a veggie fried rice with chopped asparagus for a really nice crunch.

In other news, I went thrifting today and found a big bag of goodies for under $25 bucks. Here are some of the goods:

Wallet - $0.90
Vintage serving tray - $0.69
Swirly bowl - $0.49
Skinny faux aligator belt -$0.99
Oscar de la Renta silk scarf - $0.99
Brand new 80's sunglasses - $7
Cork wedges - $2

All items were purchased at Thrift Town in El Sobrante, CA.

I spent more on the sunglasses than I did anything else! I also found a pair of capris, a bustier , a plaid skirt from the 60's , a cute-comfy knit shirt, all of which are in the wash as we speak. There is a God!

Have a great weekend!

P.S. Remember to have at least three gut-busting laughs this weekend. Laughter (and sex...and chocolate) is medicine!

Creamy Thursday

Lemme just start by saying that my husband's fam is THA BOMB as they must've read my mind. Yesterday, to my pleasant surprise, a greeting card came in the mail along with...wait for it...a $100 gift card for Wal-Mart! That's right. A hundred bucks!
Now that may not be all that much to some folks, but for my broke ass it saved the week! I jumped in my hood-mobile and jetted as fast as I could to the nearest 'Mart' for a mini spree. Among the many, many rows of merchandise I found this little gem:



Let's just say I went a little crazy today and started to get inspired. o_O

First Inspiration? Hair of course! I whipped up a hair mask with some yummy ingredients:
*1/2 box of Kara Coconut Cream
*1 container of banana baby food
*2 tbsp of honey
*1 tsp of grapeseed oil
*2 tbsp of Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Conditioner (to thicken)
*1/2 tsp of hibiscus powder
*1/2 tsp of brahmi powder

This concoction is sitting on my head as we speak. My scalp feels soothed and tingly. I can't wait to see how my hair looks!

Second Inspiration? My morning coffee! Since I wanted to damn near eat the mixture I put on my head, I thought, why not put some of this yumminess into my coffee? This mixture is soooo good if you love a little coconut flavor with your coffee. The taste is very mild and adds a dairy-free richness that is divine. I encourage you to try this with your next cup of coffee for a little
extra treat to your morning.

Third Inspiration? Fashion! I really, really want to flaunt at least one of these coconut-inspired numbers this summer. Let the clothes speak for themselves:






















This is too cute. I adore this flowy, creamy dress from Lulu's. It looks like it would be so soft and romantic. Available at www.lulus.com.























I love this 1960's cream-colored wiggle dress by FemaleHysteria at Etsy. It is a knit dress so I know my curves will be nicely accentuated. Sexy!
This can be found at http://www.etsy.com/listing/63270816/1960s-beaded-cream-knit-wiggle-dress.



These brown and cream espadrilles by Prada are reaaaalllly cute. They look comfy too, which is always a plus when you are tryna maintain your sexy.

Ahhh there's the sunshine! As I write this I am drinking my coconut coffee with coconut mask running down the side of my face. The sun finally came out, I'm happy as hell, and I know it's gonna be a good day.

Happy Thursday!xx

Review: Shea Moisture Goodness!

This product is simply d-e-v-i-n-e.

Sniff, Sniff:
The texture is dreamy creamy and the smell is that of fresh cupcakes.*drool* Who doesn't love cupcakes? Although a little thick (imagine a heavy hand cream), the product melted right into my hair. Another plus that I did not expect was that it provided light detangling! ALL of the ingredients are natural and it contains organic coconut oil, silk protein, and neem oil. These ingredients all work together to strengthen and soften hair.

What I Did:
After conditioner washing and a deep treatment, dried my hair overnight in 6 braids. This morning, I took down the braids and applied a pea-sized amount of Shea Moisture Organic Coconut and Hibiscus Curl and Style Milk to each section and put ten braids in my hair for a braid out.

The Results:
The angels were singing! My hair was buttery, bouncy, and shiny. Take that!
Mind you, this product offers very little hold, so it is best used for soft styles, as a heavy moisturizer, or as a styler for ponytails and buns. A little bit of this product goes a long way. I have fine hair, and I will probably use a little less next time. Oh yeah, and my hair is smelling so fragrant, my hubs can't stop touching and smelling it.

The Deets:
Ladies with thick, coarse, curly, wavy, or dense hair will benefit the most from using this as it provides moisture, frizz-reduction, and mild control. You can purchase this style milk at Target or your local Walgreens. Try it today!

Happy Wednesday!

Recipes: Crockpot Whole Italian Chicken

I am so proud of myself! I made a freakin' delicious crock pot chicken last night and I just had to share the recipe with you all. My camera is broken, so no pics. Sorry! Besides, between my husband and myself there wasn't much to photograph cuz we were little piggies last night. Soo..dust off your biggest crock pot and pay attention!

Things that you will need:

*1 3-5 lb WHOLE chicken
*1/4 cup of italian dressing
*one medium sliced onion
*8-10 cloves of garlic (chopped in half)
1/2 cup of mushrooms
1/2 cup of carrots
1 can of italian diced tomatoes
1 bunch of basil
*no-salt seasoning or poultry seasoning
*Salt
*Pepper
*2 tbsp of butter
*1-2 tbsp of olive oil




1. Start by washing the chicken inside and out. Remove the giblets and throw them away(or fry them up for a southern treat).

2. After patting the skin with a paper towel, liberally salt the chicken inside and out. Season the bird with the no-salt seasoning, olive oil, and pepper.

3. Place the bird in the crock pot. Stuff the cavity of the bird with the garlic, washed basil, and half of the onions.

4. Surround the bird with the mushrooms, diced tomatoes, carrots, and remaining onions. Pour the italian dressing on top of the bird and veggies.

5. Finish the bird with an additional small dash of salt and pepper if desired.

6. Cook chicken on high for 2 hours and low for 6-7 hours. Or you can cook it on low for 8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours depending on the size of the bird.

7. Enjoy with some white rice, potatoes, pasta, or alone!

Tips: Crock pot chicken leftovers make great great meals for the rest of the week. Try chicken burritos, chicken sandwiches, or just about any other meal you can think of!

Happy Wednesday!

Creamy Dreamy Hair Treatments

Hey divas!

If you like to style your hair frequently, your tresses probably crave some much needed TLC. Hairsprays, bobby pins, teasing, braiding, curling, setting...these hair helpers can all wreak havoc if over-abused. Below, I have listed some of my favorite hair masque creations to add some va-va-voom to your locks. These can be used as pre-shampoo treatments (left on for 15 min.) or deep conditioners (left on for 45 min. to an hour).

The Green Banana - For super dry hair
2-4 tbsp hempseed oil (ceramides, smoothing, shine)
1 container of banana baby food (Thanks Hell's Notes! Bananas add moisture and shine)
1 tbsp of honey (moisturizing, nourishing, adds shine)

Cinnamon Sugar Cookie - For dry, slow-growing hair
1/4 cup of your favorite cheapie moisturizing conditioner (V05, Suave, etc)
1/4 tsp of cinnamon (lightening, stimulating)
4 tbsp of whipping cream (softens, strengthens)
2 tbsp almond oil (moisturizing, emollient)
1 tbsp of honey
*Please do a skin patch test, as some are sensitive to cinnamon



Rosemary Coconut Creme - For dull hair and itchy scalp
1/2 can of coconut milk (smoothing, adds manageability & strength)
1/4 cup of Suave Naturals Coconut Conditioner (oldie but goodie)
2 tbsp of coconut oil (shine, nourishing, softening)
5-10 drops of rosemary essential oil (excellent for hair growth)

Sour Power - For oily hair and scalp exfoliation
1/2 can of coconut milk
Lemon juice from 1 large lemon (gets rid of excess oil, tones scalp)
1 tbsp of olive oil (moisturizing, nourishing)
*This recipe may loosen curl pattern



Everything you need can be found at your local grocery or health food store. Do you have any hair mask recipes that rock your world? Do tell!

Break Out the Champagne!

Whether it's $5 Andre or Veuve Clicquot bust it out 'cuz its Valentines Day!

If you are ridin' solo, grab you up some chocolate covered strawberries, take yourself to your favorite restaurant, and hit up a singles party. Make it work ladies! You still got it and you should flaunt it. Wear a sexy perfume and vamp up the make-up. You might even meet the love of your life...or just an amazing shag for the night. Either way, be sinfully magnificent in your presentation at all times. Werk it.

If you are spending it with your beloved, try something unconventional tonight. Be it in bed or out on the town. Watch a live burlesque show together! Sounds innocent, but there is nothing like a few tassels and strategically placed feather fans to get the fire started. Try attending a whisky and chocolate tasting. Whiskey warms the spirit. This I know. And chocolate? Some do say it is better than sex, which you will be having a lot of tonight. This is not negotiable.

Here are a few of my favorite Valentines Day love songs:











Have a sexy day!

Yummy Homemade Facial Treatments

As spring approaches, I am definitely focusing more on my skin. As should you!
Valentine's day is creepin' up on us and most of us want that flawless glow to set our lover's heart a-flutter. Here are some all-natural treatments that you can try at home to treat your skin.


A drop of grapeseed oil + drop of aloe vera gel = a great balancing facial serum for irritated skin. The grapeseed oil tones and evens the skin while the aloe vera gel moisturizes and soothes.


A drop of coconut oil + drop of honey + a dot of amla powder = A wonderfully nourishing facial scrub that softens and brightens the skin. Wet skin first, and apply the scrub in gentle, circular motions, then rinse with warm water. You may also leave this on the skin for 5-10 minutes as a masque.


A dot of shea butter + a dot of olive oil = A fabulous night time moisturizer that reduces fine lines and wrinkles while keeping skin supple and hydrated throughout the night. I like to use this around my eyes to keep laugh lines at bay.


A dot of brown sugar + a dot of almond oil = A lip scrub to die for! Apply to scrub to dry lips and scrub gently in a circular motion for 1 minute. Rinse with warm water and blot excess water with a soft cloth. Use your favorite lip balm to seal the moisture in. I like to use this before I know I am gonna be lovey-dovey with my fiance. Works every time!

All of the ingredients mentioned above can be purchased at your local grocery store. The amla powder can be purchased online at ayurnaturalbeauty.com or at your local Indian grocery store.

Happy Monday!

Favorite Eats: Kate's Kitchen

This place is truly orgasmic. Located in the Lower Haight district in San Francisco, it is nestled between smoke shops and bus stops. Small and sometimes crowded, it is somewhat of local breakfast secret amongst those who are in the know. Unlimited coffee and friendly servers are amongst the long list of awesome things about Kate's kitchen.

Some of the things that I have tried:

French Toast Orgy - The name says it all! Cinnamon french toast smothered in fresh fruit, honey, and powdered sugar. This has got to be one of my favorites.

New England Flannel Hash - This is the most perfect corn-beef hasn I have ever eaten. Not too mushy, not too hard, and not too salty. This makes me hungry now talking about it. My mouth is watering.

They also cook some mean organic pancakes with interesting ingredients like oatmeal and cornmeal.




The hours are kind of strange, but it is more than worthy of a try!

The Deets:

Kate's Kitchen
471 Haight Street @ Fillmore
http://www.kates-kitchensf.com
Open 7 days a week
Mon 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
Tue 9 am - 2:30 pm
Wed-Fri 8 am - 3 pm
Sat-Sun 8:30 am - 4 pm

Oh yeah, it's a cash only joint, so hit up the ATM before you get your grub on.

3rd Day Hair and Local Love

I am swamped with school registrations, job interviews and family buisiness, but my hair still has managed to look cute amidst the chaos.

Observe:




How am I managing to stay sane you ask? Last Sunday, My sis and I decided to try the only place remotely poppin' in Hercules, CA...44 Sports Lounge. We arrived around 3 pm just in time for happy hour and all of the drinks were $5! After our heavy-pouring, steaming hot bartender served us our cosmos, we enojyed (to say the least) our deliciously flavorful carne asada tacos. I couldn't resist ordering them because they were only $5 for 2. Ain't nothin' like a good deal. 44 Sports Lounge is a cute, laid-back place to get a well-made drink. Peep the pics:







Local love deets:

44 Sports Lounge
848 Willow Avenue
Hercules, CA 94547
www.44sportslounge.com

What I am eating tonight: 20-40 Clove Garlic Chicken

As I am getting over the tail-end of this flu that I've had, I am craving some immune boosting garlic to get me over the hump.
Garlic is known to contain many helpful vitamins and extracts to assist in strengthening the immune system.

From http://www.whfoods.com

Garlic

What's New and Beneficial About Garlic

Garlic may help improve your iron metabolism. That's because the diallyl sulfides in garlic can help increase production of a protein called ferroportin. (Ferroportin is a protein that runs across the cell membrane, and it forms a passageway that allows stored iron to leave the cells and become available where it is needed.)
In addition to being a good source of selenium, garlic may be a more reliable source as well. Garlic is what scientists call a "seleniferous" plant: it can uptake selenium from the soil even when soil concentrations do not favor this uptake.
The cardioprotective benefits of garlic may partly rest on the production of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas. Our red blood cells can take sulfur-containing molecules in garlic (called polysulfides) and use them to produce H2S. This H2S in turn can help our blood vessels expand and keep our blood pressure in check. Interestingly, some processed garlic extracts cannot be used by our red blood cells in the same way and do not seem to provide the same level of cardioprotection that is provided by garlic in food form.

From http://www.umm.edu

Garlic has been used as both food and medicine in many cultures for thousands of years, dating back to when the Egyptian pyramids were built. In early 18th -century France, gravediggers drank a concoction of crushed garlic in wine they believed would protect them from the plague that killed many people in Europe. More recently, during both World Wars I and II, soldiers were given garlic to prevent gangrene. Today garlic is used to help prevent heart disease, including atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries that can block the flow of blood and possibly lead to heart attack or stroke), high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and to improve the immune system. Garlic may also protect against cancer.

While the science is not conclusive, research shows promise for garlic in the areas of cancer protection and heart-related risk factors for patients.

Garlic is rich in antioxidants, which help destroy free radicals -- particles that can damage cell membranes, interact with genetic material, and possibly contribute to the aging process as well as the development of a number of conditions, including heart disease and cancer. Free radicals occur naturally in the body, but environmental toxins (including ultraviolet light, radiation, cigarette smoke, and air pollution) can also increase the number of these damaging particles. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause over time.

SO THERE! Is that enough to convince you to try this delicious nutritious recipe?

Besides enjoying the many nutritional benefits, it is my favorite herb to season with.*insert drool here* Due to unforseen financial shortcomings during the previous crock pot week, I will be revisiting this delicious recipie tonight. Before you try at home, just know that this recipe will make your house smell like a garlic factory.

ENJOY!

20-40 Clove Garlic Chicken

3-4 pounds chicken
1 large onion (or 2 bitties, like I used), sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon pepper
20-40 garlic cloves, peeled, but intact

The Directions.

I used a 6 quart oval slow cooker. Place onion slices on the bottom of the stoneware insert. In a large mixing bowl, toss chicken parts with olive oil, salt, paprika, pepper, and all of the garlic cloves. Pour into slow cooker, on top of the onion.
Do not add water.Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 4-6. The longer you cook chicken-on-the-bone, the more tender it will be. If you use drumsticks, the ones on the side will brown and may stick to the sides of the crock, burning a bit. If this bothers you, you can rearrange them with tongs an hour before serving.
I cooked our chicken on low for 7 hours, then kept it on warm for another 2.

photo:http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/uimages/kitchen/2008_05_28-MinceGarlic1.jpg

UPDATE 11/07/2010: The chicken was off the chain! It was bursting with garlicy flavor and it was delicious when paired with some sauteed spinach and a baked potato. I would URGE you to try this. You will not regret it. Seriously. Okay, I'm done.

Crock Pot Result #1: Beef and Bean Chili

Welp..I embarked on my crock pot journey last night. I think this was very easy to make. For the most part, I just threw all of the ingredients in the crock pot and let 'er go! Seven hours later I was suprised to find a delicious stew-like chunky chili ready to go. I made some cornbread (gotta love Jiffy's) and some fluffy white rice to accompany the deliciousness.

Out of 5 stars, I would give this one 3 1/2 stars. I think that it was missing a beef bouillon cube and more garlic. I tried it again today for lunch. I gave it 4 stars today...it must have had a chance to marinate.

Try it!

Prepping for Crock Pot Week...

Yummy chicken I made a earlier this year. It was sooo delicious and tender.

Now I don't know about you, but I am deeply enamored by the crock-pot experience. I live for a nice juicy meat falling off the bone. When I try to pick a favorite recipe, my brain fails me as all the crock pot meals I have had have been astronomically delicious! Below, I have listed a few recipes that I want to try. I will narrow them down to 5 so that I will make a new recipe everyday between October 25 and October 30. I CANT WAIT!

My list so Far:

Chicken Adobo

1 small sweet onion, sliced
8 cloves crushed garlic
3/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup vinegar
1 (3 pound) whole chicken
In a small bowl combine the onion, garlic, soy sauce and vinegar and mix all together.
Place chicken in crockpot and pour mixture over chicken. Cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours.


Chicken and Cornbread Dressing

4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1 can cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1-1/4 cups water
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 (6.00 ounces) package cornbread stuffing mix
Place chicken in greased crockpot. Pour undiluted soup on top of chicken. In a medium sized bowl, combine cornbread stuffing, butter and water. Mix until well combined, then spoon over the chicken. Cover and cook on low for 4 hour until juices run clear.

Crock Pot Meatloaf

2 1/2 pounds ground beef
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 egg
1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 small onion (diced)
1/4 cup water
Directions:
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Form into a meatloaf shape that will fit into your crock pot. Cut a strip of foil and place under the meatloaf in crock pot. Cut it long enough to cover the bottom and sides of meatloaf. Place meat loaf in crock pot and top with an additional 2 tablespoons ketchup. Cover and cook on low for approximately 8 hours.

Beef and Bean Chili

2 lbs beef stew meat
2 (14.50 ounces) cans diced tomatoes
1 large onion, chopped
1 large green pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 (6.00 ounces) can tomato paste
1 (4.50 ounces) jar chopped green chilies, drained
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
2 (15.25 ounces) cans kidney beans, drained & rinsed
In a slow cooker, combine beef, tomatoes, onion, green pepper, tomato paste, chilies, garlic, chili powder, Italian seasoning, cumin & salt. Cover; cook on low for 6-8 hours. Stir in beans. Cover; cook 15 minutes or until heated through.


Chicken Makhani (Indian Butter Chicken)

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (mine were frozen solid)
1 onion, sliced
6 garlic cloves, chopped
4 T butter
15 cardamom pods (sewn together!)
2 tsp curry
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
2 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1 can coconut milk (I used light)
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
2 T lemon juice
1 cup plain yogurt (to add at the end, I used fat free)

The Directions.

Use a 5 quart or larger crockpot. Carefully sew together the cardamom pods using a needle and thread. You can put them in a little cheese cloth bundle, instead, if you have that in the house. Put chicken in crockpot, and add onion, garlic, and all of the dry spices. Plop in the butter and tomato paste. Add lemon juice and coconut milk. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or high for 4. The chicken should shred easily with 2 forks when fully cooked.

Stir in plain yogurt 15 minutes before serving. Discard cardamom pods. Salt to taste, serve with white or brown basmati rice.


Ox Tails (YUUUUUUM!!!)

--3 lbs oxtail
--2 chopped green onions
--1 cup frozen roasted corn
--5 baby potatoes, chopped in bite-sized chunks
--1 cup sliced celery
--1 cup baby carrots
--4 whole cloves of garlic
--1 large can of tomatoes and juice
--1/2 t Italian Seasoning
--1/2 t powdered ginger
--1/2 t cumin
--baby bottle of white wine (~1 cup)
--1 cup of beef broth

The Directions:
--rub a bit of olive oil into the bottom of your crockpot stoneware
--plop your ox tails in
--cover with the spices
--add tomatoes, vegetables and wine-

I ended up cooking this on high for 5 hours on the first day and then let it cool overnight. I then cooked it on low for another 10 hours.
If you are not going to do this in two steps, I'd recommend cooking it on low for as long as you can. Probably 14-20 hours...

French Beef Burgundy

Ingredients
1/2 pound bacon, diced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 pounds boneless beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 1/2 cups frozen peeled pearl onions
3 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
8 large white mushrooms, sliced in half
3 cloves garlic, sliced
2 bay leaves
1 cup burgundy wine
1/2 cup beef broth
1/4 cup fresh parsley, minced
Directions
In a medium skillet, cook the diced bacon until the fat has rendered and the bacon is crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside.
Combine the flour, salt and black pepper.
Dredge the beef cubes in the flour mixture and brown in the bacon fat in the same skillet.
Discard the remaining fat and spoon the beef into the Crock-Pot® slow cooker.
Deglaze the skillet with the wine and beef broth by bringing the liquids to a boil. Scrape up any browned bits.
Place the liquid, bacon, onions, carrots, mushrooms, garlic, and bay leaves into the stoneware with the beef and mix thoroughly to combine.
Cover; cook on Low 4 to 6 hours (or on High for 2 to 3 hours).
Skim off any fat that has risen to the top and remove the bay leaves. Before serving, add the parsley and mix to combine.


Breakfast Bake

Ingredients
3 to 4 cups crusty bread, diced (3/4 – 1 inch dice)
1/2 pound bacon, cut into 1/2 inch dice
2 cups mushrooms, sliced
2 cups fresh spinach, sliced
8 eggs
1/2 cup milk
3/4 cup roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
1 cup cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack, shredded
salt and pepper
Directions
Spray the stoneware with nonstick spray. Pour bread into bottom of stoneware.
Heat a sauté pan on medium heat and cook bacon until crispy. Remove all but 1 tablespoon of grease. Add mushrooms and spinach and toss to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until spinach wilts.
In a separate bowl, beat eggs and milk. Add remaining ingredients and blend. Pour into Crock-Pot® slow cooker.
Cook on low for 2 ½ hours, until eggs are firm but still moist. Adjust seasonings.


Chicken Parisienne

6 chicken breasts, cubed
salt and pepper
paprika
1/2 cup white wine
10 3/4 ounces cream of mushroom soup, canned
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 cup sour cream, mixed with 1 cup flour
Directions
Sprinkle chicken breasts with salt, pepper and paprika. Place in the slow cooker.
Mix wine, soup and mushrooms. Pour over chicken.
Cover; cook on Low 7-9 hours.
Remove chicken, stir in sour cream mixture. Cook for 30 minutes longer.
Serve over chicken.

20-40 Clove Garlic Chicken

3-4 pounds chicken
1 large onion (or 2 bitties, like I used), sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon pepper
20-40 garlic cloves, peeled, but intact

The Directions.

I used a 6 quart oval slow cooker. Place onion slices on the bottom of the stoneware insert. In a large mixing bowl, toss chicken parts with olive oil, salt, paprika, pepper, and all of the garlic cloves. Pour into slow cooker, on top of the onion.
Do not add water.Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 4-6. The longer you cook chicken-on-the-bone, the more tender it will be. If you use drumsticks, the ones on the side will brown and may stick to the sides of the crock, burning a bit. If this bothers you, you can rearrange them with tongs an hour before serving.
I cooked our chicken on low for 7 hours, then kept it on warm for another 2.

*Recipes are courtesy of:
http://crockpot365.blogspot.com
http://www.familycrockpotrecipes.com/
http://www.crock-pot.com