DEAR JABBERS: Spring in South Florida always ushers in great weather, a warm breeze, and the excitement (okay, panic!) of summer's impending arrival. As fresh and beautiful as spring is in South Florida, the season is also very short. That's right, JABBERS. Spring will turn into summer before we can blink. So if you haven't spruced up yet this spring, now's the time! Are you due for a makeover?  Maybe you could use a chic new haircut. Does your house need a spring cleaning? The garden could probably use a good weeding. As always, we've come to the rescue with this Special Edition. 

Here at JAB, we believe in practicing what we preach. So we too are all about renewal this spring! Very soon, we will unveil a fresh, new website and will give our newsletters a facelift. We're even enhancing our logo!

We look forward to joining you in checking off that spring to-do list. We're in it together, JABBERS. Let's start sprucing!

Happy springtime and Happy JABBING!

Everything Has Its Place

From Team JAB

We asked organizer extraordinaire Barbara Reich for a few tips on how to eliminate clutter and stress from our daily lives. She's been featured on Today, and in Real Simple and The New York Times so she knows how to get a handle on things! Here are a few of her suggestions:

• Say "no" not "why". When declining an invitation, don't feel like you need to give an explanation. Often your real reason for declining won't impress the person extending the invitation and when you make up an excuse, you can get caught.

• Have "go-to" gifts. You don't need to reinvent the wheel each time you need a gift. Have gifts on hand that you give whenever you're invited somewhere. Gift cards are great because they can be used in any amount, for any occasion, and for any age. And, they won't clutter your house or anyone else's house.

• Have a master calendar. Every individual and family needs one place where all activities and scheduled events are listed. Be vigilant about keeping it up to date!

• Don't let your emails and piles of paper weigh you down. Instead, utilize a "touch it once" rule. Touch each piece of paper once and open each email only once. Read it, answer it, file it (electronically or in a paper file), and/or delete it.

JABBERS' Picks: Flower Vendors

From Team JAB  

We asked you where to find the best fresh cut flowers in Miami and received tons of great replies. Here are a few of your favorite picks:

Blonde Tulip, Coconut Grove 

Galia Pennekamp says, "Blonde Tulip is amazing! Pearl is not only creative and talented; she is also generous to our community!"

Field of Flowers, Miami 

Mary Eaton says, "This just opened by The Falls and is wonderful! You walk in and shop for cut flowers yourself with huge selection by the stem - all flowers are named and they give free design advice."

Berkeleys Florist Supply, Miami 

Danielle Johnston says, "We go to Berkeleys for all out floral needs. They have the freshest flowers and best prices in Miami!"

Hirni's Wayside Garden Florist, Pinecrest 

Denie Harris says, "They have such a good selection and are always so helpful. You can tell them what colors, flowers or the occasion and they will put together a great arrangement."

The Flower Bazaar, Miami Beach

Tropical Flowers, Plants and Gifts, Pinecrest 

Ana Albir says, "He [Sidney] is a street vendor at 11930 South Dixie in Pinecrest or, on Sundays, at the Fresh Market in Pinecrest. He is very helpful, kind and makes beautiful arrangements."

Fleur de Lis, Miami 

Vanessa Santamaria says, "Rachel at Fleur de Lis. It's a small florist, nothing fancy, but she does everything from weddings to birthdays and makes sure that you are always happy."

Trias Flowers, Miami 

Marti Bueso says, "Same day delivery, unique designs, and a great value."

Donation Destination

From Team JAB

If you've finished your spring cleaning and are looking for places to donate, here are a few organizations in need and what they are looking for:

Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library: books.  

Neat Stuff: toys, school supplies.

Dress for Success: business attire and accessories.      

Salvation Army: appliances, automobiles, children's clothing, furniture, household goods, men's clothing, women's clothing, computer systems, books, sofas, suits.

Habitat for Humanity: appliances (in good repair), tile, bathroom fixtures, coffee tables.

Miami Rescue Mission: men's clothing, women's clothing, children's clothing, furniture, appliances, electronics, tools, lawn furniture, knick knacks, musical instruments, lawn mowers, collectibles.

Goodwill: computers, cell phones, washed clothing, children's games, electronics, small appliances, children's items (cribs, car seats, etc.).

Out of the Closet Thrift Store: clothing, household items, furniture.

Vietnam Veterans of America: clothing, household items, toys, bikes, electronics, books, small furniture, exercise equipment, sporting goods.

Becca's Closet: dresses, dress shoes, jewelry, handbags.