Affairs of the Heart
I recently learned that my best friend's husband is having an affair. I am conflicted as to what to do because her husband is my husband's best friend. They also have two very young children. I would love to hear your opinions on how to handle this matter. Thank you!

Shutter to Think!
We are in the process of doing some renovations in our home, and I am looking for plantation shutters for our sliding doors. If you can recommend a company that sells and installs these types of shutters, please contact me. We live in Boynton. Thank you!

Mitchell Kaplan at the Books & Books flagship store in Coral Gables

A Real Page-Turner: Part 1

Memories of summer are filled with dog-eared paperbacks, pages warped by pool water and words faded by sunshine. Reading is truly the ultimate summer tradition. This year, Team JAB caught up with Mitchell Kaplan, founder of South Florida independent bookstore chain Books & Books (check out their Ft. Lauderdale location HERE), to bring JABBERS his top picks for truly memorable summer reading ... and a memorable summer! Happy reading and Happy JABBING!

The Son by Philipp Meyer

An epic, sweeping and masterfully-told story. If you like Cormac McCarthy, you will like The Son, the ancient crimes and tangled stories of the men and women who shaped the American West. Independent booksellers around the nation have voted it the #1 Indie pick of the season.

Carl at his satirical best. A severed arm opens the story and a deranged monkey adds to the frenetic mix with a fascinating and colorful cast of zany characters. Yet, as a South Floridian, Carl is at the bottom always addressing our state's ecological and social ills with authentic and eviscerating concern.

A beautifully constructed novel by a National Book award-winner; it's history and fiction, past and present blending. Three iconic men are connected by a series of remarkable women. A real voyage of the imagination by this Dublin born treasure.

To purchase these and other summer page-turners, click HERE. Parts 2 and 3 of Mitchell Kaplan's reading list will be featured in upcoming issues of JAB Ft. Lauderdale.

Picture of Health
I have been looking into going to one of The Biggest Loser's fitness resorts for a week or so to help me get a grip on my weight and health. All the programs are in different parts of the country and I am wondering if there is anything locally that is similar. I need to go somewhere for at least a week to really educate myself. Thanks for your suggestions.

Summer School
I am a teacher on summer vacation, looking to become healthier and more active. I would like to connect with a personal trainer and/or nutritionist. I am not interested in losing weight, so much as getting in shape and eating healthier. I appreciate your recommendations!

 

In contrast to the grand homes and exclusive, private beaches, Hillsboro Beach is the designated center celebrating the legendary civil servants collectively known as the Barefoot Mailman, who walked 40 miles on the hard sand at the water's edge to deliver letters between Palm Beach and Miami. And if the romance of long walks on the beach isn't enough to inspire the imagination, there's the mysterious, unsolved death of letter carrier James E. Hamilton at Hillsboro Inlet, commemorated by a plaque at the Lighthouse. For more on the history of these local legends, click HERE.

An American in Paris
I will be traveling to Paris at the end of the year for a few days and would love to find a charming pied-a-terre for two. If you know of any apartments available during that time or suggestions on where to look, I would appreciate your ideas. I would also consider a one week apartment swap for our large apartment on Miracle Mile in Coral Gables. Merci!

National Treasure
We will be vacationing in DC with our three kids, ages six, eight and nine, and are looking for a family friendly hotel in the area, preferably with on-site parking. Since we will be traveling with our kids, we do not want a hotel that feels too stuffy, but simply somewhere to stretch our legs after a long day of sightseeing. Thanks for your suggestions!

A Summer Read
From Team JAB
We are sharing Mitchell Kaplan's recommendations over the next few weeks, and we would love to share yours too! If you have plans to read a book that was recommended to you or you have suggestions you would like to share with fellow JABBERS, email us HERE and we will feature a compiled list in an upcoming feature!

Great Expectations
My dear friend is expecting her first baby and I want to get her something special and personal. I would love to hear your ideas for a gift that is out of the ordinary. Thank you!

Scrap It!
My twin granddaughters are turning one and I would like to give my daughter-in-law a scrapbook that documents their first year of life. Unfortunately, the creative genes completely skipped over me! If you know someone I could hire to make a scrapbook, please send me his/her contact information. Thank you!

To Infinity and Beyond!
I am a teacher looking to decorate my classroom with a western motif this year. Do you know where I can find western party decorations, goodies, or toys from Toy Story in good condition? Your suggestions are appreciated!