* Can or do you leave your slow cooker on during the day while you go to work or out? I am a little worried as we have a feathered family member who lives inside and i wouldnt want anything to happen to him just coz i wanted dinner ready when i got home. I leave it on while I'm at work. I'm only away at the most 8 hours but yep.

* What is a good brand slow cooker? I dont mind paying more if it is better... ie cooks better, more durable, easier to clean etc ours is a Sunbeam 4.5ltr and we've had it 5 years now.

* A question DH had which i think is rather odd but here goes- Does the meat taste "stewed" ? I dont really understand it but um he likes tender meats such as the beef in monogolian beef from the chinese restaurant but doesnt like when i cook say stroganoff and the water comes out then it cooks in it coz he says its "stewed" (maybe he should just eat chinese every night heheheh) honestly, sometimes yep it can taste stewed. The thing is not to shy away from adding flavour.

* Does it make, making dinner easier? I know there is still the preparation but then at least there is no stirring etc.. I couldn't work an 8 hour day with 2 kids without it. Or I could, but we couldn't eat healthier food options.