Almost Wordless Wednesday: Now THIS Is A Chicago Style Hot Dog - 05/30/12 07:06 AM

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 Hot Dogs have the following ingredients: Steamed Poppy Seed Bun Kosher Beef Hot Dog Yellow Mustard Fresh Sliced Tomatoes Fresh Green Pickle Relish Fresh Chopped Onions Kosher Pickle Spear Sport Peppers Dash of Celery Salt
And never, never, never any ketchup!  Did I mention never? Once … (47 comments)

Could This Be Why I Get Invited To So Many BBQs? - 05/27/12 05:07 PM
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 – as a means of keeping biting insects away from all the other guests.
Why me?  I don't know.  I’ve been like this since I was a kid.  My grandmother used to tell me it was because I was ‘sweet as sugar.’  Grandmothers always know just the right thing … (18 comments)

The Dog Ate My Homework - 05/25/12 08:08 AM
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 better than no excuse. I don’t care much for being stood up – no one really cares much for it either.  In fact, I’ve read a couple of posts expressing frustration over this very issue.  Many years ago when I was a leasing agent, I clearly recall being 'left at the … (15 comments)

I Miss You, Johnny Carson - 05/23/12 07:25 PM
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 journey of Johnny Carson's life -- from childhood through his death in 2005.  In my opinion, it does a fabulous job of paying tribute to a private, complex man who had a superstar, larger-than-life persona.
If you grew up watching Johnny Carson like I did, you know what a unique and talented … (13 comments)

The Benefits Of Having A Mother Addicted To 'The Home Depot' - 05/21/12 08:05 AM
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 sick when we haven’t seen her for awhile."  Why do these store employees care so much about my mom?  Because my 76-year-old mother spends an obscene amount of time at The Home Depot.  The fact is:  My mom has been rehabbing and remodeling properties for years … (18 comments)

What If The Jetsons Opened A Wine Shop? - 05/16/12 07:47 AM
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 as much money as you like.  Then, using state-of-the-art computer touchscreen stations, you are magically introduced to varieties of wines from vineyards across different regions.  Information is programmed into each station so you can leisurely read about the featured wines and when you're ready -- select, swipe, and be served.  … (14 comments)

Post-Mother's Day Monday: Queen Bee - 05/14/12 06:35 PM
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 crew, she's actually the birth mother to most, if not all of, the worker bees.  Of course, the primary role for the queen bee is to reproduce and lay eggs.  The worker bees surround the queen bee and protect her constantly -- meeting her daily needs, … (25 comments)

Do Nice Guys Really Finish Last? - 05/11/12 08:39 AM
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 that the seller thought I was “too nice.”  Apparently, he lacked confidence that I could possibly be an effective negotiator in a lucrative real estate transaction.  Naturally, I was disappointed. Recently, I’ve read a few blogs about the developing mistreatment of real estate agents.  The real estate business has gone through many changes since my … (133 comments)

Almost Wordless Wednesday: Toilet Paper Dispenser Anyone? - 05/09/12 07:20 AM

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 exhibiting their works, live music, food, fresh air, and fun!  Always guaranteed a good time -- plus you just never know what you'll discover!
… (11 comments)

Motivational Monday: Free Hugs = More Business? - 05/07/12 03:49 PM

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 art, or even if he gave out any hugs -- but he sure did stop a lot of traffic.  Heck, it even grabbed my attention long enough to stop and take this shot.
Hmmm ... offering free hugs to increase business?  It's a thought.
… (10 comments)

Hello Gorgeous! Trader Joe's Has Arrived In Texas - 05/06/12 07:44 AM
I have this little ritual I perform each time I'm back in Chicago.  At some point during my trip, I head over to Trader Joe’s (which is one of my most favorite stores on the planet), and I load up a cart with all my favorite items.  Then, the morning I head back to Dallas, I pack all those items in my suitcase, drive to the airport, stick my suitcase on the scale –  and pray those items won't push my suitcase over the 50 lb. weight limit. Good News!  I don’t have to sweat it out at the airport anymore.  … (16 comments)

Why Wish Someone A Lovely Day ... - 05/03/12 06:27 AM
... when you can wish someone a lovely year!  Last week, I received a voicemail and a follow-up email from a fellow colleague I've never met.  He was inquiring as to whether or not I might be a good fit for a particular opportunity proposed by his company.  Feeling that I wasn't the right candidate, I immediately sent back an email reply and offered my regrets. In response to my reply, I received another email.  It was a very simple, pleasant email -- essentially thanking me for responding.  At first glance, I failed to notice anything remarkable about the email at … (43 comments)

Almost Wordless Wednesday: SAY "CHEESE"!!! - 05/02/12 04:35 PM

There are always so many interesting and fun events to enjoy in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.  Last week, I attended just one of the many wonderful festivities happening around town throughout the entire year.  And, there's never a shortage of activities for the kiddies, too.  This friendly llama was nice enough to smile for the camera as I was strolling around the petting zoo -- I just can't help being a kid-at-heart sometimes!
 
… (14 comments)

 
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Carie Shapiro

Evanston, IL

More about me…

Managing Broker-IL;Pre-License Instructor-IL; Broker-TX

Address: Evanston, IL, 60202

Office Phone: (773) 688-9080

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