No barbecue is complete without ribs.

The first true grilling weekend is fast approaching. Memorial Day is right around the corner — just a week and a half until all the backyard barbecue festivities begin for Memorial Day Weekend.

If you are already pondering what food you should buy and make to please all your guests or what you should bring to make a great impression at whatever barbecue you decide to attend, we’re here to help.

APPETIZERS 

When guests arrive, you should definitely have something for them to snack on. But you don’t want to have to be out on the grill at 9 in the morning, so try these oven recipes:

Buffalo Chicken Dip – I mentioned this just before the Super Bowl. This is a sure-fire winner. No one can resist the deliciousness of the BCD. Grab some chips or vegetables to dip or eat it straight.

Deviled Ham Stuffed Eggs – Make your deviled eggs stand out with this unique version of the classic barbecue appetizer.

Oven Fried Chicken – Buy a bag of drumsticks and/or wings and use this recipe to make a great baked appetizer that is healthier than actual fried chicken. (Or if you want real Southern fried chicken, use a deep fryer and this recipe.)

ENTREES

Whether you have a regular backyard grill or a large barbecue smoker, here are a couple of entree ideas from the grill:

Inside-Out Cheeseburgers – I’m a cheese fanatic, so I love when I can put cheese beneath, on top and in the middle of my burger. Talk about cheesy deliciousness.

Flank Steak Fajitas – It may sound ironic, but Mexican food is one of the most American grilled items out there, plus who doesn’t like the sound of the sizzling peppers and onions.

Spicy BBQ Chicken – A little heat is always a welcome addition at my family’s barbecues. Bottles upon bottles of hot sauce are used each year, but hot sauce isn’t needed for this recipe.

Barbecue Ribs – What would a barbecue be without some absolutely delicious barbecued ribs? Not a good barbecue, that’s for sure.

Travel in style with an RV.

Recreational vehicles are not just something for retired senior citizens. Instead, they can be a great tool for a fun-filled family vacation.

With the summer starting and Memorial Day weekend coming up next week, now is the perfect time to spring on a deal and buy the family an RV.

Depending on your family size and needs, you could go with something as small as a camper or as large as the charter and tour buses used by music artists and athletic teams.

When would you use an RV? Here’s 5 perfect opportunities…

1. Family vacation – Gather the crew up for some family fun without having to try to stuff everything in the car trunk, between the seats and in the laps of everyone traveling. Instead of the kids constantly pestering you from the backseat, they’ll be able to sit on the couches watching television or play board games on a nice level table.

2. Group adventure – Why not call up your five best buddies that you don’t always get to see and do a crazy road trip to see your favorite band in multiple cities or travel to five or six different baseball stadiums in a week? You are your friends could just be heading to the mountains for a weekend of camping and hiking. Wherever you decide to go, it’s going to be a great time.

3. Temporary housing – If you are having your home fumigated or having serious renovations done, you should consider living in an RV. Depending on where you live, you may be able to park the RV in your driveway and be able to keep an idea on the work being done. Not only will you be able to sleep on your own sheets and lay your head on your own pillow, but it will be cheaper than staying in hotel throughout the entirety of the ordeal.

4. Mobile office/Business trips – Similar to needing an RV for temporary housing, an RV is a cheaper alternative for a mobile office or business trips than having to stay in hotels constantly. The RV can also keep costs down if you have a larger product that you want to bring and showcase, so you don’t have to pay shipping costs and have to worry about it being lost by the airlines or postal service (depending on how you try to get it there).

5. Tailgating – This is my favorite use of the RV. Having an RV for the big football game or NASCAR event means you are almost assured of being the life of the party and center of attention. Especially if you make sure your recreational vehicle has properly working satellite television, everyone is going to stop by to check out the scores and action from around the country that they may not be seeing. You’ll also have access to refrigeration, a kitchen and electrical outlets that will have others envious.

Our newest partner.

If you have been searched through the car listings on recycler.com in the last couple of days, you may have noticed new black badges on the bottom of some search results.

We are excited to announce we have a new partner in Carfax!

We’ve all seen the commercials, but now you can see Carfax integrated directly on recycler.com vehicle ads.

Carfax is the most trusted name in the business when it comes to vehicle history reports. It’s used by millions of car buyers and sellers every year. There is no other company that provides as much information about all used cars from the last 30+ years, so that a potential buyer can have the assurance and confidence to know the true history of a vehicle before making the decision to buy.

From Carfax’s web site:

Every CARFAX Report contains information that can impact a consumer’s decision about a used vehicle. Some types of information that a CARFAX Report may include are:

• Title information, including salvaged or junked titles
• Flood damage history
• Total loss accident history
• Odometer readings
• Lemon history
• Number of owners
• Accident indicators, such as airbag deployments
• State emissions inspection results
• Service records
• Vehicle use (taxi, rental, lease, etc.)

...

With the addition of Carfax, our used car buyers will now be able to get extra assurance and information about any car where the VIN number has been listed in the ad. That means car buyers can view the Carfax for any of the ads from the over 700 car dealerships across the nation that are a part of the Recycler Automotive Network.

If a Carfax report has been paid for and generated, the Carfax logo will appear directly on the ad in the search results. All you have to do is hover your mouse cursor over the logo to display an in-screen popup that will display the Carfax highlights.

You can also view the Carfax highlights in a new tab on the ad details page.

If you are in love with a ride, make sure to check the Carfax.

And, if you are really interested in a vehicle that hasn’t had a Carfax report generated, but a valid VIN is available on the ad, you will have the option to click over to carfax.com and purchase the report yourself.

With the addition of Carfax as a recycler.com, we are confident that the user experience will be enhanced as you are able to have even MORE faith in the vehicles we have listed.

Make that Spring Cleaning worth your while.

Have you recently realized it feels like there’s less room in your house? Does it seem like your own walls are slowly closing in around you?

It means it’s time for SPRING CLEANING!

You’ve accumulated a ton of stuff in the last year and you have a lot of stuff that has become “old” now that you’ve updated to a Blu-Ray player, a new food processor, stackable front-loading washer & dryer and that new gaudy flat screen tv.

There’s really not a better way to clear the house of all the accumulated clutter than to take a weekend and have your family do the spring cleaning all in one fell swoop. But instead of trashing all that stuff you don’t need, you should organize it and make some money by selling it on recycler.com.

Take some pictures, put the best prices on your items and then get rid of your old stuff. Sell the boxed up clothing, those ugly Christmas sweaters taking up too much space in the attic, extra dishes you no longer need or appliances, electronics or furniture you’ve updated.

Placing an ad with Recycler Classifieds and recycler.com is quick and as easy as 1-2-3.

• SELECT AD PACKAGE: After clicking Place an Ad, we offer several different packages to help sell your items. Depending on your location and what publications we have in that particular area of the country, you have a variety of print and online ad options.

There are basic ads for both print and online publication that are FREE or you can go with any of our enhanced ad packages that let you add more photos and longer descriptions that will help make your item more desirable to potential customers.

• CREATE YOUR AD AND UPLOAD PHOTOS: This is where you describe all the great things about whatever you no longer need. Need help? Here’s a post with 11 tips we wrote previously to help you get the most out of your listing using pictures, topical keywords, promoting with social media, etc.

• PREVIEW AND CONFIRM: Once your ad is created, you can preview how it will look and make any changes you need before submitting. Once your ad goes live, it will be visible on recycler.com, which has been viewed more than 80 million times in the last year!

Reach 1.5 Million Weekly Visitors
There are 75 different publications in 35 local areas across the United States that are published every week while the recycler.com is updated daily. Between the print publications and  recycler.com’s 1.5 million page views per week and more than 6.7 million monthly visits, you can assure your ad for your old electronics, appliances, clothing, etc. will be seen.

It's time to move on up in the TV world.

Do you have an older model TV sitting around the house? Wouldn’t you like to upgrade?

Why not do it then? Now is as good a time as any other!

Sell your used TVs and other used electronics at recycler.com to earn some extra money to go toward your new purchase. Remember everyone wants the gift of electronics, especially Plasma TVs and LCD TVs, all of which are available at recycler.com.

Post an Ad (or Two) Within One Quick Commercial Break – It’s Easy!

Pick Your Ad Package: the free basic online ad; a print ad; a combo online and print ad. How many pictures do you want to post? There are several options and we’re sure you’ll find the one that best fits your needs.

Create the Ad: When creating your used television ad…size DOES matter. Not only do potential buyers want to know the size of the TV screen, you should also make sure to list what brand, the width of the unit and any other features that will make your unit stand out. Post a photo too (even though the camera adds 10lbs, your flat screen will still look flat).

Preview and Confirm: Quick – whatever it is your watching on TV is almost back from break – give your ad a quick proof and then confirm! With plenty of time to spare, your ad will be on its way to the future new owner of your TV! Resume your regularly scheduled program.

Within Weeks of Advertising, Reach 850,000 Couch Potatoes and Channel Surfers
Though March Madness just ended, the NBA and NHL are headed toward the playoffs and baseball is just getting going. Before too long (but not soon enough), every Saturday and Sunday will be saturated with football games, and then there is always plenty of “Reality” TV – there’s no telling how many people are looking to buy a new television. Advertising in print will almost immediately reach Recycler’s weekly readership of 850,000 … and 6 million more a month online. Talk about hitting every demographic!

Number One Show in Town – So-Cal’s Best Classifieds
Since the early 70s, Recycler has been Southern California’s premier Trade publication for buying, selling and trading. There is no better way to sell your Used Television with ease and efficiency. Recycler Classifieds gives you the unique freedom to describe your Television, along with photos, for optimal efficacy and, by upgrading your package to Print, optimal coverage.

Along with our print publications, recycler.com has more pets, merchandise, electronics and appliances, real estate, used car, used truck, used SUV, new and used RVs, used van, new vehicle, and business ads in Southern California than any other website or print

Do something special for your pet today.

Today is National Pet Day!

Created in 2006 by animal welfare advocate Colleen Paige, April 11 is National Pet Day. It is a day “to celebrate the joy pets bring to our lives and to create public awareness about the plight of many different kinds of animals awaiting a forever home in shelters all across the nation.

The day, sponsored by the Animal Miracle Foundation & Network, isn’t just for dogs and cats either. It is meant to be a day to celebrate all non-exotic pets…from your pet Geico gecko to your own little porky Babe to the little Tweety Bird squawking in the corner.

The main concept behind National Pet Day is that all pets need love and the day tries to celebrate and promote that, as well as raise awareness for the approximately 16,000 animals that die at shelters every day in the United States.

Paige is quoted in an online article speaking about National Pet Day:

National Pet Day is a day to celebrate the pets in your life but also to encourage adoption! Almost any pet you might like to add to your family can be found at a shelter or rescue. Pet stores are supplied by animal brokers and puppy and kitten mills which neglect and abuse animals and continue to perpetuate the overpopulation of unwanted animals in this country. Always ADOPT instead of SHOP!

5 Things You Can Do To Celebrate National Pet Day

• Volunteer an hour at your local shelter this week (and tell your friends about all the adorable little guys just waiting for them to give them a loving home).
• Find a new pet with recycler.com’s pet listings. Get a new puppy or find a rescue that would love to come home with you.
• Treat your pet to something special. Pick up something from the Pet Bakery, if there is a local one in your neighborhood. Or take an extra long walk. Or a long car ride if that’s what they enjoy.
• Have family movie night with a pet movie. I recommend Homeward Bound or Finding nemo! Have your family pets join in on the fun…I’m sure they’ll enjoy the popcorn.
• Change your profile photo on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or whatever your social media of preference is, to your favorite photo of your pet.

The Porsche 911 design has remained consistent.

Ferdinand Alexander Porsche died Thursday in Austria at the age of 76. Porsche grew up in the automotive industry and he left his mark on that industry by designing the first 911 model for the company his grandfather founded.

The first Porsche 911 model debuted in 1964 for a paltry $5,500. Since then the oval headlights and contour of the 911 with its strong front end and sillowy, teardrop roofline that slows descends to the rear bumper, has become one of the most famous  silhouettes in the auto industry and is one of the longest running sports car models.

Last year, the Porsche car company introduced the seventh-generation of the 911. The price has slightly increased since Ferdinand Alexander’s, or “FA” as he was known to colleagues, original design was produced. (The car now sells for around $115,000.) But the vehicle remains easily identifiable as the Porsche 911 with the basic shape remaining virtually unchanged  for nearly 50 years.

At the time of his death, “FA” was the honorary president of Porsche’s supervisory board. He had served other roles within the company, including president from 1990 to 1993, but Ferdinand Alexander also established his own design studio, which is located in Austria where he was living.

No other details were provided as to how FA died.

All 2003-2010 BMW 5 & 6 Series are being recalled.

German car manufacturer BMW announced earlier it is recalling all BMW 5 and 6 Series models built between 2003 and 2010.

The recall, which will affect approximately 1.3 million vehicles, is in response to the discovery that the vehicles’ battery cable cover could cause the car to have electrical system malfunctions and set fire to the car.

BMW said the cable covers may have been mounted incorrectly, causing the problem. However, the company said it is “not aware of any accidents or injury to persons resulting from this fault.”

Owners of the last generation 5 and 6 Series models will be receiving a letter in the mail, requesting them to go to an authorized BMW dealer for a repair that should only take 30 minutes.

Have more green than just a clover this St. Patrick's Day.

The festival celebration of Saint Patrick is this weekend. Every year, people celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on March 17.

You may not know that Saint Patrick escaped captivity in Ireland, fleeing to England and is celebrated for spreading Christianity through Ireland for more than 30 years after he returned to Ireland. You may not know that the shamrock is a ubiquitous symbol of St. Patrick’s Day because Saint Patrick used the shamrock as a symbol to explain the Holy Trinity of Christian beliefs.

But everyone knows that St. Patrick’s day is full of shamrocks and the color green. Wear green or fear the potential retribution of being pinched by friends and family (or even strangers…yikes).

In the spirit of the color green, here are 15 green items currently available on recycler.com:

Cosmic Percussion Drums – This is a beautiful emerald green set of hand-crafted percussion drums. You can play them all day Saturday.

They want to be your St. Patty's friend.

Baby Conure Birds- Here’s your chance to have a cute, hand-fed baby bird of your own. Carry it with you all St. Patrick’s Day.

Nike Running Shoes – Wear these on St. Patrick’s Day and you can just point down if anyone approaches looking like they are going to try to pinch you. Plus, you will be prepared if the zombie apocalypse happens to be on Saturday.

Vietnam Issued Military Case – Another great item to have just in case of that zombie apocalypse. This originally held a first aid kit, but you can carry whatever you want in it…maybe your green beer?

Ford Mustang – I feel like the most common green car I see is the Volkswagen Beetle, but I think all non-teenage girls would much rather have a green Ford Mustang. There are a number of other green vehicles available on recycler.com, but this one looks too good to care about the rest.

Throwback Refrigerator – Whether you want to store green beer, Mountain Dew or all vegetables and vegan foods, this vintage refrigerator looks awesome. Get it up and running and it will be the centerpiece at your St. Patrick’s Day party when everyone congregates in the kitchen (as always ends up happening).

Awesome Kids Clothes – I just wish I could find this in my size. This is basically the ultimate St. Patrick’s Day attire for a sharp-dressed boy. Green on green, baby!

Vegetation – Not only would this be a great green (color) item to add around your house, it would also be a green (environmentally) addition. If you are giving a non-alcoholic St. Patrick’s Day gift to someone, this is the way to go. Score double points for having double meaning.

Luggage Set – Here are three sturdy piece of luggage that would make you an airport star, if you happen to travel to Ireland often. Plus, they have that nostalgic late 70s-early 80s feel.

Be the green star of the party.

Cinderella Dress- You might have to go out and find some glass slippers if you decide to wear this dress. There’s no doubt that you will be the princess of any St. Patrick’s Day party wearing this.

Glass Bowl – If you are having people over on St. Patrick’s Day, here’s your serving bowl. Whether you want to throw some hint-of-lime Tostitos or avocado chips in it or use it to make your punch concoction look more green, this bowl is the centerpiece of the food and drink table.

Junior Bicycle – This would be a great gift for any Irish kid. Not only do they get to learn how to ride a bicycle, but they also get to show off the national color.

Motorcycle Helmet – And if that little Irish kid is all grown up now, go ahead and get him/her this helmet to make sure they are protecting that valuable cranium when they are out riding.

Compressor – Need to get some work done around the house this St. Patrick’s Day? It is a Saturday after all, and not all home projects can be put on hold to celebrate a man who died more than 1500 years ago. Use power tools and this compressor to get things done quicker, so you have time to do some celebrating Saturday night.

Green Machine Band – What would a list of green items or a St. Patrick’s Day party be without having the Green Machine Band there? One of the greatest frog bands of all time…hands (or webbed feet) down.

I found this cool infographic on visual.ly about the correlation between pets and health. Cool looking and some cool statistics: