La Sandwicherie, Miami

The sandwich shop has seen many incarnations. Even so, La Sandwicherie differentiates itself. Part French cafe; part South Beach sandwich stand; perfect for casual diners; perfect for sophisticated palates. La Sandwicherie offers plenty of healthy indulgence.

I ordered prosciutto on French bread. It contained an array of cool and crisp veggies along with artisanal meat and cheese. Sandwiches come on your choice of bread supplied by a local bakery and are completely customizable as are the salads and smoothies. La Sandwicherie even bottles its own vinaigrette.

I returned another day, opting for salmon on a croissant. That bread was just as delicious but easier to handle and less filling than the bulky baguette. Still, the hefty serving size allowed for leftovers. La Sandwicherie's Miami Sunset smoothie, a refreshing blend of coconut milk, raspberries, orange, papaya and mango topped of my second satisfying meal.

Rosemary Chicken Sliders

Alexia's all-natural frozen breads provide convenience and savings. I often find them on sale at Whole Foods or Publix and with a coupon they're practically free. Since they aren't stored at room temperature, I don't have to worry about them spoiling before I consume the entire package. Plus, they come in flavor combinations that add depth to recipes. The olive oil and rosemary in these ciabatta rolls provide a perfect canvas for the chicken and fresh veggies.

For two sandwiches you'll need approximately:

• .25 cup of baby kale or arugula
• 6 thin onion slices
• 1 small baked or roasted drumstick
• 2 Alexia Rosemary Olive Oil rolls
• 1 tsp mayonnaise
• 1 tsp spicy brown mustard

Coat the bottom of each roll with mustard. Place shredded chicken on top then a layer of greens followed by onions. Coat the top of each roll with mayo. Enjoy!

Gelato Ti Amo, New York

Gelato Ti Amo boasts shops in Italy and America, so I expected decadently delicious gelato. I got that and more. I did not expect yogurt too. Although pleasing, the Black Cherry yogurt needed to dial down the sweetness. Extra sugar seemed concentrated in the cherries.

In contrast the Fig proved harmonious, highlighting the fruit and the gelato without either competing for attention. Best of all, the shop uses all-natural ingredients. I love Gelato Ti Amo, and you will too!

Pineapple Pomegranate Smoothie

Pomegranate juice's tartness makes me overlook its health benefits and skip it in favor of sweeter options. Scoring some for free led me to give it another try.

You'll need approximately:

• .5 cup Pom pomegranate juice
• 8 oz can pineapple chunks, juice included
• 1 tbs fresh mint, chopped
• 1 oz Torani raspberry syrup

Freeze the pineapple chunks and juice prior to blending all ingredients. Pulse on high for about 45 seconds then liquify for about 15. Scrape blender bowl if needed then repeat blending until desired consistency is reached.

“If You Tell, I Will Kill You” Book Review

Never have I read a book within one day, but that was before If You Tell, I Will Kill You. Within the pages of this engrossing story Tonya McLin writes, “The discussion of violence disturbs our human psyche.” How true. This former salon owner and hair stylist delves deep within the portals of her mind. She unveils and releases the stigma victims of abuse often feel.

Initially set in the late ’60s, the memoir begins during the author’s early childhood at age three. Under the serenity of the Georgia sunshine and amid the guise of happiness, she is torn from the tranquility of her mother and forced to forge a new life. When it seems the clouds preventing her happiness are about to dissipate, a new storm brews on the horizon.

Besides the author other main characters include Tim, the manipulative anti-father figure, and Nana, her stern yet loving grandmother. For 10 years, Nana and her husband raise Tonya and her seven siblings. Tim is the catalyst for much of the novel’s action. His decisions rock this family’s faith to its core, and Tonya unwittingly becomes his victim. 

Through a revealing mix of religion and remembrance, the author’s narrative allows readers to relive her childhood while she reflects on experiences through adult eyes. Hers a survivor’s story, a true testament to the power of the human spirit.

If You Tell, I Will Kill You represents more than a title. It is the stern warning Tim uses to hold Tonya captive in a prison built using intimidation and fear. As an adult who has “been healed from control and manipulation,” McLin uses her story to inspire and to inform.

Reports of abuse rarely reach the heart of the issue. McLin does what headlines fail to do: She provides victims with a voice and the knowledge that empowerment is possible. She also demonstrates that the effects of abuse last beyond the moment. I did not read this memoir, I felt it.

Free Multipurpose Wipes

Copy the link for a sample of Sandy's wipes:

http://www.sandywipes.com/offers/promotions/sample/

$10 Off Amazon Local Deal

Check your emails. Amazon Local sent subscribers a message that downloading then signing into the mobile app by 8/11 will gain them a $10 off promotional code. Redeem this code by 8/27.

Doughnut Plant, NYC

TV shows repeatedly showcase Doughnut Plant. I added the shop to my list of must-visit NYC eateries years ago in part due to the publicity; mostly due to its array of high quality ingredients and its flavor combos. Few in my inner circle would dare try foods infused with matcha green tea or lavender. Most balk when I profess my love of coconut or blueberries, especially in baked goods. Discovering these varieties and more at Doughnut Plant proved a bit overwhelming. Filled with house-made jam or not? Cake or yeast?  Add on fresh ice cream or flavored milk or juice meticulously processed by Doughnut Plant staff instead of some faraway vendor?

I ignored a Valrhona Chocolate doughnut tempting me from the display case. It looked too sinful. These pastries, after all, would pass as my breakfast instead of dessert.

The Coconut Lime cake and the Lavender Flower yeast varieties played like lullabies across my taste buds. Each exhibited subtle ingredient notes. The Fresh Blueberry yeast and Matcha Green Tea cake varieties popped on my palate.

Doughnut Plant's yeast offerings exhibit a chewiness and a density similar to ciabatta bread. I saved the lighter cake varieties for the next morning. They remained fresh without refrigeration.

SoZo Coffee Sample

Copy the link to access the form:

http://www.mycoffee365.com/stelmach/free-coffee

Smith Street (Mocha) Bagels, Brooklyn

The two guys behind the counter laughed when I commented on Mocha Bagels' overwhelming offerings. They playfully bantered with me while I pondered the possibilities. I expected coffee. I expected bagels. The pancakes and extensive assortment of prepared meats and cold salads came as a surprise.

Before reading their labels, I mistook mounds of cream cheese for gelato. Everywhere I turned, a new group of items jumped out.

Call it a convenience store, coffee bar, bakery, bagel shop or deli. Regardless of how you categorize Mocha Bagels, it has options even for picky eaters like me.

I passed over a muffin and croissant since they weren't house made. Then, after extensive deliberation, decided to order a Mocha Special Bagel. I'd read online that it was a top seller. I chose a pumpernickel bagel but did not otherwise alter the Special's makeup. The slightly chewy bread provided a balanced base for ripe tomatoes, pleasingly plump capers, lox, and ultra-creamy cream cheese. Although I finished eating it nearly two hours later, this sandwich remained fresh and flavorful.

la Madeleine French Cafe Freebie

Today only, la Madeline French Cafe is giving away a free dessert in honor of Bastille Day:

"for a FREE mini dessert in celebration of bastille day. tell our associate at the register “happy bastille day” to receive your choice of a FREE mini pastry, parfait or tart."

3B Bed and Breakfast, Brooklyn

Home away from home. That's the sentiment Matt at 3B Bed and Breakfast expressed he hoped guests felt. Judging from thank you notes left by previous and often repeat travelers, 3B's staff has consistently delivered on creating homey experiences. Most guests, surprisingly, visit from Europe. My first bunk mate, of all places, lived in the same county where I reside.

Sharing a room isn't ideal for all. In an effort to save money and to embrace an attitude of adventure, I gambled on trying these unconventional accommodations. Friends cringed at the idea. After lodging at 3B, the stay ranks in my top three.

The staff resides within the brownstone on another floor. Someone was always available. I consider the high level of cleanliness and 3B's commitment to being green major pluses. Wind power, eco-friendly supplies, salvaged decor, an emphasis on locally-grown and organic foods, composting for a rooftop garden: My kind of place!

Families, singles and couples stay at 3B, which offers various room choices. If complete privacy isn't an issue, try out the bunk option. And if traveling with no more than three others, you could all sleep in the same room if each guest booked a bunk. I chatted with two sisters from Japan who did that.

I spent more time on site than any other guest because I was apartment hunting and taking full advantage of the complimentary computers. Allison and others gave me advice on navigating New York City as well as dining suggestions. The hearty yet healthy breakfast offerings kept me fueled until I recharged with my next meal. Between indulging in breakfast, tea and coffee at 3B and using Scoutmob, I spent less than $40 on meals over four days.

3B lies in the heart of downtown. Use the earplugs supplied or bring your own pair to block out noise from street level and the subway. Some nights were quiet. One opportunity for improvement at 3B would be adding additional towel hooks in the bathroom. Otherwise, these guys have nearly perfected creating a peaceful oasis in a fast-paced city.

Check out http://3bbrooklyn.com/ for more details.

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Spinach Lasagna

Lasagna is a totally customizable. Combining Greek yogurt or a crumbly type of cheese with a hearty sauce mimics ground beef's texture. And, as long as you build layers of flavor, you won't miss the meat. I stumbled upon marked down packages of Kroger's Private Selection sliced marbled blue white cheddar cheese, a combination I'd never noticed in any deli section. After using it on grilled cheese sandwiches, I decided to try it in another recipe.

For this version you'll need:

• 4 - 6 qt slow cooker
• 1 can chopped spinach, drained extremely well
• .5 cup Mild Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Chiles, drained extremely well
• 1.5 cup Alessi Princess Sauce with Heavy Cream
• 6 Hodgson Mills Whole Wheat Lasagna Noodles
• .25 tsp black pepper
• 6 slices marbled blue white cheddar cheese
• .25 cup ketchup
• .50 cup Sweet Baby Ray's Honey Chipotle barbeque sauce
• 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend

Spray the slow cooker's interior. In a mixing bowl, combine tomatoes and all sauces. Cover the bottom of the slow cooker with a thin layer of sauce. Break up enough of two noodles to almost cover the sauce. Then place another thin layer of sauce on top of the noodles. Cover with three cheese slices, keeping cheese from touching the slow cooker's sides. Season the spinach with the pepper then stir it into the remaining sauce. Almost cover the cheese layer with half of the mixture. Place more broken noodles on top. Cover with remaining cheese slices, followed by the remaining noodles. Top those with the remaining sauce mixture. Cover with shredded cheese. Cook on high for about 1.5 hours. The lasagna is done when the noodles are tender.

Comfort Suites, Jacksonville

I stayed here during a family reunion because the organizer got a good rate. Nothing about the visit ranks above average, however; the hotel may appeal to anyone wanting just a spot to sleep in. The area around the location looks up and coming with nicer hotels and a new shopping center nearby. We were able to drive to the beach in less than 30 minutes.

This Comfort Suites could benefit from refreshing the interior. The paint was flesh colored with coats upon coats. Caulking in the bathroom needed to be cleaned/replaced. Fixtures had rust spots. The shower controls were not user friendly, and the room's carpet pattern made it difficult to tell if it was dingy or just old-fashioned. Besides areas that needed dusting, hairs (at least five) left in the tub ranked as a top cleanliness issue.

On the plus side, I did appreciate the fresh fruit served at breakfast. They also had coffee, juice, yogurt, cereal, oatmeal, and waffles. Each room contained a mini-fridge, coffeemaker, and a microwave.