In mere hours, Broward County schools will unleash its children onto the world, and spring break will have officially begun. And no one does spring break like Ft. Lauderdale.  Indeed, for those JABBERS who grew up outside of South Florida, the two were synonymous ~ and our first (if not only!) impression of the city ~ steeped in the kitschy nostalgia of 1960s beach movies or raunch

Spring Breakers on Ft. Lauderdale Beach 1962

of 1980s fraternity movies.  No, you aren't pushing and shoving the kids into the Elbo Room or sharing a motel room with seven of your newest  friends, and we hope you aren't expecting an MTV film crew. Maybe you've vowed to stay west of Federal Highway altogether. Certainly, you know better at your age. But, JABBERS, you too are spring breakers in Ft. Lauderdale, participants in the defining tradition of our community. And we want to hear all about it.

Tell us all about how you spent spring break in Ft. Lauderdale this year, and how you brought a taste of surf, sunshine and/or a party into your life to beat back those winter blues! Just send an email to us HERE.

Happy spring breaking and Happy JABBING!

-Team JAB

Find Me an Inspector!
We are about to purchase a new home in Hollywood and are looking for a trustworthy and reliable home inspector. If you know anyone in Broward or Palm Beach, I would appreciate their contact information. Thanks so much!

A Taxing Problem
I just found out my aging parents have neglected to file taxes for the past four years for no apparent reason. I am so upset! Please help me find an accountant in the Ft. Lauderdale area with experience handling this sort of issue with the IRS. Your referrals are appreciated.

Tailored to Fit
I have beautiful designer clothing that I would like to have professionally re-sized to fit my post-baby body. I am willing to pay a premium for a truly excellent tailor who I can trust with my wardrobe. Thanks for your referrals!

All Juiced Up
I would like to purchase a cold press juicer and professional juicing equipment. If you know of any shops that might have equipment to sell, please let me know. Thanks!

Here Comes Baby!
I have friends who will be visiting South Florida. I am looking for a reputable company that rents quality baby gear such as cribs, strollers, car seats, and toys. If you have any recommendations for companies who provide this service near Sunrise, please contact me. Thanks!

Child Concerns
I have a three-year-old child who has a very bad temper. He fights with his siblings all the time and is extremely defiant. It is starting to be very stressful on our family. Does anyone have experience with their child being treated by a psychologist at this age? We have tried everything from time-outs to taking toys away and nothing works. Help!

A Story To Share
I am the parent of a child with dyslexia and ADHD. While I feel that we have made progress with the interventions we have chosen, I would love to hear from other JABBERS about their experiences. With so many different types of interventions available such as diet, medication, acupuncture and various educational programs, I would love to hear if there is anything that made a big difference in your child's ability to learn. I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you!

Capturing the Moment
Can anyone recommend a videographer for a kindergarten graduation party? Thank you!

Load It Up!
Nine months after a repairman told us it wasn't worth fixing, our Maytag washing machine finally broke down. We are looking at purchasing a new front loading washer and are considering a LG. If you have an opinion about this brand or have any other recommendations, please contact me. Thanks!

Born Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero in 1938, Connie Francis arrived in Ft.

Connie Francis

Lauderdale in 1960 to film the now-quintessential spring break film, Where the Boys Are.  In a recent article, she recalled her initial reaction, "I looked around, and I said, 'You mean to tell me I have to spend the next three months in this prairie? You lied to me. You said there were boys growing on palm trees.'"* Indeed, at that time, Ft. Lauderdale hosted an estimated 15,000 visitors each March.  Following the release of the film (as well as its wildly popular title song of the same name) in 1961, over 50,000 students descended on the city and its 80,000 unprepared citizens, transforming spring break forever. More than any other celebrity to film on our beaches (a list that includes her co-stars George Hamilton and Paula Prentiss, Elvis, and Tom Cruise) she is the face of spring break in Ft. Lauderdale.  In 2010, the City named a public square in her honor with a plaque to commemorate it. How fitting that Connie Francis Square sits across from the Elbo Room, on A1A at Las Olas Boulevard. 

Awarded honors as Top Female Vocalist for six consecutive years in the late 1950s and 1960s, as well as two gold records, Ms. Francis suffered several personal tragedies in later decades.  In the 1990s she was diagnosed and treated for PTSD, and has become the national spokeswoman for Mental Health America's S.T.A.R. Campaign (Stress, Trauma, Awareness and Recovery), to bring awareness to the challenges facing returning war veterans.  She resides in Palm Beach County.

Journey to the East
We will be traveling to China (Shanghai, Tianjin), South Korea (Jeju, Busan) and Japan (Tokyo) in October. Do you have any unique travel tips or recommendations on activities, restaurants or shopping to share? Thank you for your advice!

Bound for Barcelona

Yosemite Yonder
We are thinking about taking a family vacation to Yosemite this summer with our children ages seventeen, fourteen, and eight. I would love recommendations for things to do, specific trails to go on and places to stay either in or near the park. I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks!

Get Me a Golf Cart!
Does anyone have a golf cart to sell? Please include price and location in your response. Thank you!

Beds for Boys
I recently bought a house, and I would like to purchase furniture for the boys' bedrooms. I am looking for a set for two young children and a set for a teenager. If you are selling boy's furniture, or can recommend someone who is, please contact me!