Carie Shapiro's Blog

There is only one sure way to recognize a Chicago Style Hot Dog.  Since I was a little girl, I’ve always looked forward to enjoying my hot dogs the traditional way -- the exact same way in which they are constructed in my hometown.  Of course, it is imperative that all 'authentic' Chicago Style ...

I am a mosquito magnet.  A beacon of light capable of attracting practically any mosquito within a 50-mile radius.  Perhaps more appropriately, I am a tasty, human snack for anything that flies and bites.  Sometimes, I wonder if this could be the reason why I get invited to so many summer parties...

Remember this clever, little idiom from years ago?  With a great deal of conviction, students would use this excuse in an attempt to justify their poor performance -- and lack of homework?  Certainly, I doubt any teacher ever truly believed this defense.  Yet, in my opinion, a lame excuse is bett...

There will never be another Johnny Carson.  Call me a nostalgic, sentimental sap -- but after watching the American Masters documentary called "Johnny Carson:  King of Late Night" on PBS, I just wanted to watch the program over and over again.  The documentary masterfully takes the viewer on a jo...

The last time I walked into the local Home Depot with my mother, several employees greeted her by name -- then each took a turn hugging her as if passing through a wedding reception receiving line.  One staff member pulled me aside and said: "You know, we worry about her and wonder if she’s been ...

It might resemble the delightfully innovative storefront named Cork.  Located in Uptown Dallas' West Village Neighborhood, Cork is a cute little spot where you can try dozens of wines before you buy.  But, wait ... here's the high tech part:  You receive a magnetic strip card to which you may add...

Quite possibly the mother of all insect mothers.  I took this extreme closeup of a honey bee colony at a Texas bee farm exhibit recently.  The "queen bee" is easy to spot -- she's marked with the gold "halo" on her head.  Although she appears to be working diligently along side the rest of her cr...

Once upon a time, I was a newly licensed Salesperson embarking upon one of my first listing appointments.  Filled with hope and adrenalin, I proceeded in earnest to deliver a comprehensive and well-organized listing presentation.  Well, I didn't get the listing, and through the grapevine learned ...

Call me an art fair fanatic.  Or, perhaps even an art festival junkie.  All I can say is:  Yay!  It's that time of year!  Art fairs and festivals are beginning to pop up all around the Dallas area.  Of course, there are so many great reasons to attend an art fair or festival.  Talented artists e...

Need more customers?  I spotted this creative and resourceful artist while walking around the Cottonwood Art Festival in Richardson, Texas this past weekend.  Standing in front of his booth, he displayed the clever idea of offering "Free Hugs" to attract customers.  I can't say if he sold more a...