Well, you did it JABBERS! Give yourselves an A+ for braving the first week back to school and keeping your sanity while doing it. While jumping back into the routine of carpool, school lunches and homework may have already left you feeling nostalgic for summer, there are still 40 weeks left to go. A new school year means a fresh start and a lot of exciting changes for kids and parents alike. But it also means more hectic schedules which can translate into less time for daily activities which need to get done in the home and office.
As we continue to navigate this transition from summer camp, staycations and lazy days by the pool to homework, PTA meetings and school auction committees, Team JAB is working hard to make the shift easy, fun and smooth. So, read on for tips to help keep you and the kids organized and stress-free for the next 283 days!
Happy Back to School and Happy JABBING! -Team JAB |
Inside and Out
I am looking for an interior designer to help me with my home and patio in Wellington. I would prefer recommendations for someone who works with modern design. Thank you!
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Going to the Galapagos
I am planning a trip for four to the Galapagos Islands in March. If you have any recommendations for this amazing adventure, please contact me. Thank you! |
The Benjamin School in North Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens is widely recognized as one of the nation's premier co-educational, college preparatory schools. TBS is a dynamic 21st century learning center that serves a diverse student body from age three through grade 12. A nurturing team of experienced and certified faculty in our early childhood program encourages each child to master age-appropriate concepts and new skills through hands-on discovery, imaginative play and project-based activities. For more information, click HERE.*
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Quality Caregiver Needed
From Marcella Pelaez: REPLY
I am looking for a reliable person with access to transportation to come to my home in Wellington 30 hours per week, Monday-Friday to help care for my mother who suffered a stroke. My mother is fairly independent and mobile but needs transportation to medical appointments as well as assistance with preparing meals and housekeeping. If you have any recommendations, please contact me. Thanks!
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Tile Files
Our seven-year-old tile was never sealed and now the once light colored grout is very dark and dirty. Can you recommend a company, in or near Boca, experienced in cleaning grout the proper way? We have been told to avoid companies who paint the grout. I would also love any information you can share regarding typical pricing for this type of work. The area we are dealing with is approximately 1900 square feet. Thanks!
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Capital Connections
Can you recommend places to stay in Washington, D.C. that are in close proximity to the best tourist attractions? I look forward to your replies. Thank you!
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Steps to a Stress-Free School Year
We went to acclaimed organizational guru Barbara Reich for tips on how parents can start the school year out right. Take a look at her ideas for a stress-free year.
- Don't be afraid to say no ... to heading the benefit committee, to play dates your child doesn't want, and to activities that are inconvenient for you.
- Do volunteer ... for something fun and easy. By volunteering to plan the parents' night out, you can ensure that its location and date work for you. By volunteering to plan the 5th grade graduation party, you can win points with your child without suffering through a year-long commitment.
- Start your schedule by locking in the activity your kid likes most. Once you know when that meets, you can branch out from there.
- Back up all homework on an external hard drive or flash drive. Saving these files externally will protect documents from being accidentally deleted by other family members.
- Be careful not to over-schedule your kids. It's important that they have down time. But down time shouldn't mean "screen time." Instead of connecting to their ipad or ipod touch, playing outside or reading a non-required book is a great way for kids to unwind!
- Take a deep breath or have a glass of wine. Staying calm is as essential during this time as pencil cases and notebooks.
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Babysitter Wanted
From Jennifer Marcone: REPLY
I am looking for a babysitter to come to my home in West Palm to watch my 19-month-old on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9am-5pm. If you have someone you can recommend, please contact me. Thanks!
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Train Travel
I am thinking about taking Amtrak from Ft. Lauderdale to Washington, D.C. and then on to Milwaukee for Thanksgiving with my husband and daughter. If anyone has had experience with traveling this distance via train, I would love to hear your feedback and/or suggestions. Thanks!
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In-House In-Laws
If you or someone you know is looking for a house-sitter during the Christmas holidays for their home in the South End, my in-laws would be perfect! They will be visiting us during this time and we do not have room for them to stay. They are very reliable and love animals. I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks!
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Mammograms Save Lives. Schedule Yours Today!
 At Care Diagnostics for Women, we understand the vulnerability women feel when undergoing a breast exam, that's why we bring a unique approach to women's imaging by providing care in a comfortable, friendly and trusting environment. Our experienced radiologists are board certified and fellowship trained in breast imaging. We utilize the latest imaging technology to foster breast wellness. Care Diagnostics is conveniently located in Boca Raton across the street from Town Center Mall, next to Too Jay's Deli. Click HERE to schedule an appointment online or call 561.361.7872 to schedule your visit. Early morning appointments available, starting at 7:30am.*
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Don't Lose It!
You know your child went to school with two shoes on. So where's the other shoe? Or what about the lunchbox and pencil case? Here are a few tips to keep your child organized - and to keep you from losing it over a long list of missing items!
Keep a Calendar
Know what your child needs to bring to school every day by keeping a calendar and chart. Before school, remind your child what they have with them and why they need it.
Minimalist Approach
Only have your child take the minimum, and clean out those backpacks one a weekly basis. If their backpack is stuffed to the gills with things they don't need, something is bound to get lost. Start a Routine
Ask your child every day if they have everything they brought with them. The routine question is a subtle way of reinforcing the importance of bringing things home.
Get Organized
Now that you have bought all the cases, bags and folders needed for school, teach your child how to use them. Show them what it looks like to be organized. They might not fully understand what everything is for without your guidance.
Label It
Put your child's name on everything! That way when you make the dreaded call to school asking if they've found your child's notebook, it's easier to find.
So Rewarding
If your child has gone a week without losing anything, reward them!
Have Backups
In an ideal world, nothing would go missing. But, be realistic and have backups of things your child needs often.
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Courage for Camden From Team JAB
Last year, we followed and fell in love with Camden Schwartz, the courageous little boy from Palm Beach Gardens who was born with several major heart defects. This adorable little fighter is in need of medical care from Boston Children's Hospital and his equally courageous twin brother, Nolan is raising money to help ensure Camden gets the care he needs. JABBERS, please take a moment to support Camden, whether it is in prayer, a moment of reflection or by visiting Nolan's fundraising page. You can make a donation and learn more about Camden by clicking HERE.
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A Clean Slate
From Natalia Costea: REPLY
Since having my son, I have developed allergies to many cleaning products and clothing detergents. If you can recommend hypo-allergenic cleaning products that work, especially on porcelain tile, I would love to hear from you. Thanks!
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Home Sweet Home
From Melissa Lazarchick: REPLY I am looking to rent an unfurnished apartment or house with at least three bedrooms in the Palm Beach Gardens/Jupiter area beginning October 1st. If you know of any properties available, I would appreciate you forwarding me the information. Thanks!
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On the Road AgainWe are planning a road trip to San Diego next month and want to take our time exploring the country along the way. Does anyone have a route to recommend or advice on fun places to visit? We are considering traveling north to catch Route 66. If you have made the trip to California, we would love to hear from you. Thanks!
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Ready, Set, Play!I recently moved to the Boynton Beach/Wellington area with my seven-year-old son and would love to make new friends. We are very outgoing and love to swim, hike and bike. We also enjoy many indoor activities. If you are interested in organizing a play-date, I would love to hear from you. Thanks!
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In Focus From Team JAB Are you looking for a way to get your kids to focus while working on homework? Team JAB's Victoria Assa has found just the right app ~ for parents too! Victoria says, "We use the Brain Power AmbiScience app, which provides a variety of sounds and beats, to tune out distractions when we study or work." Check it out HERE.
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Picture PerfectFrom Kristine Mathason: REPLY My husband gave me a Nikon D3100 camera for Mother's Day and I'm still having a hard time mastering it. Do you know of any digital photography instructors who make house calls or a class I can take? I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks!
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Take a Spill
From Dolores Lopez: REPLY
Help! I spilled a chemical on my living room carpet and now it is bubbling. The carpet where the oil/chemical was spilled is extremely loose and raised. Has anyone had a similar experience with this? If so, do you know of a reputable carpet company that can help? Thank you!
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Share our Nanny
From Tiffany Christoffers: REPLY
We are hoping to share our wonderful nanny of nine years with another family. If you are looking for a loving, trustworthy and loyal caregiver from 9am-1pm Monday-Friday, please contact me. Thanks!
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Barcalounger Leather Recliner for Sale
From Carlo Serrano: REPLY
Beautiful Barcalounger recliner chair in dark brown distressed leather with antique brass nail head trim for sale. In good condition with very little usage. Paid $2,700, asking $650 Pick up in Miami. Special packing rate available for out-of-state shipping. If interested, reply above or call/text 305.495.2986.*
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It's Instrumental
From Louise Driscoll: REPLY I am looking to purchase a dulcimer. If you are selling one, I'd love to hear from you.
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Boxed In
From Rebecca Kerster: REPLY
I am in need of moving boxes. If you have any, or expect to have some after the 1st of the month, please contact me. I can pick up at your leisure. Thank you!
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