Free Soup at la Madeleine French Cafe

It's National Soup Month. Need a free cup of soup to chase chilly weather away? Visit the restaurant's website and join the eclub: http://lamadeleine.com/.

Free Walmart Lens Cloth and Cleaner

Offer valid while supplies last. Visit the Vision Center with printed coupon:
http://i.walmartimages.com/i/if/hmp/fusion/4876_11011_Vision_PDF.pdf

Eucerin Skincare Sample

I took the pledge. You can too. Pledge to nurture your skin and get the free Eucerin sample that's right for you. Copy the link: http://www.eucerinus.com/skin-solution-center/

Doc Chey's Noodle House, Atlanta

Doc Chey's mainly serves stir fry dishes. It's the hangout of choice for my nephews whenever they sleep over if I'm not in the mood to cook. Entrees come in a variety of combinations based on starch and protein preferences.

My current fave, Thai Coconut Red Curry, features peanuts, eggplant and mild curry sauce. I sometimes delve into the vegetarian version sans tofu but often choose the succulent shrimp.

The Thai Iced Coffee is a creamy, chocolatey concoction that I crave. One of this restaurant's best offerings is its commitment to community in the form of charitable events. Doc Chey's also gives back to customers who sign up for Karma Cards to rack up rewards.

$10 iTunes Code with Magazine Purchase

Receive an iTunes code with each magazine subscription purchase (priced up to 79% off). Choose from eight titles including "Real Simple," "Health," and "Cooking Light."

Copy the link for details:

https://subscription.timeinc.com/storefront/site/mm-lsg10itunes2013.html?fpa_AcxiomFinderNumber=115286551808&emaildiff=Mqi7WvFeIVs%3D&accnum=ZrkW%2F++eXnYg10cD&link=1019950&fpa_oc=LSG+%2410+iTunes+Campaign

Free movies from Roku and M-GO

M-GO is offering two complimentary movies to Roku owners who set up an account. No installation required. Simply click the Roku homepage
"movies" tab. 

Bulgari Fragrance Sample

Copy the link for a sample:

http://bvlgariomnia.bulgari.com/en/try-the-fragrance

Komodo Teriyaki Sauce

This brand promises a premium sauce made in the Japanese tradition. Copy the link for a sample:

http://www.komodosauces.com/pr/teriyakisample/

Washington Square Park, Manhattan

Comedians, contortionists, an improv jazz concert or puppet show, lively chess matches. These are some of the happenings one might encounter at Washington Square Park.

Located in Greenwich Village, its nearly 10 acre expanse assures space to explore the sights or to carve out a slice of solitude.

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.