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Best Behavior

You can always recognize the married couples that don't have kids: They go to dinner and talk all night about their dogs and/or cats as though they're children. They take their animals to things like Dog Day Afternoon at Reverchon Park; they enroll their dog in the Dallas Dog and Disc club, taking great pride in their puppy's second-place finish in the competition (and she's never even practiced!). We know, because that's us. See, we'd like to have kids, but they're just so demanding. Hey, if we gotta clean up the crap and spend all that money at the vet, at least we don't have to worry about Lily going on a first date or Groucho wrecking the car. (See how proud we are of our animals--we got their names in print.) Animals won't turn on you like children; their idea of revolt is chewing on a shoe, and big freakin' deal. But our Lily doesn't even do that, not since we took our 2-year-old Lab (when she was but a little puppy) to Nathan and Greg Shows at Best Behavior. After a mere three-week stay with this father-and-son team, our little Lily was sitting, staying, and heeling with the best of 'em; we were proud parents indeed. The Shows will not only train your animal, but they will offer refresher courses as well: Mom and/or Dad are expected to show up for class, since owning an animal is a family affair. The Shows boys will even board and train your dog when you're out of town, and they guarantee their work--but only if you do yours. If you don't, it's your loss. Maybe you don't like your shoes. Or your couch. Or your carpet...

Best video store

Premiere Video

Finding a movie for a slow evening at home is an art, not a science. Oftentimes you don't know exactly what you want, and it's better to just roll the dice with a blind rental--or not-so-blind. The staffers at Premiere Video know their stuff and are eager to let customers tap into their institutional knowledge to guide them to a film. Know your genre and give them examples of other movies that flicked your Bic and they'll produce a winner. Most video stores in town are light on strange-o flicks and camp, but Premiere seems to revel in the arcane. If you want to see a new release, head to a big chain. If you want a more unusual movie experience, try Premiere Video.

Best place to learn to ride

Capricorn Equestrian Center

The new facilities should be operational later this month. Expectations are that this 30-horse stable should continue to provide thoroughly engaging and educational horseback sessions for novices and veterans alike, offering both Western and English styles. The young teachers at this place expend much energy on their group sessions--which start at $150--teaching their students how to ride, care for, and love their horses. Safety is paramount.

Best outlet shopping

Dillard's Clearance Center

Imagine a world where BCBG rubs shoulders with My Michelle, where Calvin Klein stone-washed jeans still sit on the rack and where any variety of teal green men's blazers are yours for the picking. Although you probably can't leave the store for less than $100, you'll walk away with several bags-full. Everything is at least 75 percent off the retail price. Add holiday weekend sales and the savings skyrocket to nearly 90 percent. The selection varies by season, but great bargains are abundant. Pick up women's Ralph Lauren sweaters for $15 and men's RL dress shirts for $5. Most formal dresses are mostly under $40. You can even find Nine West leather boots for $19.98. Expect to stay the entire day, and wear comfortable shoes. You have a lot of ground to cover.

Best kids' clothing store

Chocolate Soup

If you like primary colors, rickrack, and bloomers, then this boutique is the perfect stop. While your children will still wear what you buy (a trend that comes to a screeching halt sometime around the age of 8), it's important to exploit these precious years and garb the little darlings in outfits that look appropriately juvenile. At this shop, the clothes look like they are made for kids, not wannabe teenagers. Soon enough, your offspring will be pulling on your purse strings asking for a visit to the Gap or Old Navy so they can appear just like every other overly coddled prepubescent infesting the planet. Enjoy the duck prints and apple appliqués while you still can.

Best fashion shoe store for men and women

Sole Kitchen

It's located deep in the heart of the gay area of Oak Lawn, and as the whole city/state/country knows, gay people have the best taste in footwear. Period. Sole Kitchen has the best of both worlds: sleek New York City fashions and those boisterous Los Angeles-type boots. The place itself is decorated very nicely, with a '50s motif. It also sells watches and jewelry.

Best ethnic jewelers

Aarti Jewelers

If you're looking for a bit of the exotic, check out Aarti Jewelers. Located in Richardson, this jewelry store features 22-carat gold jewelry from Italy, Turkey, India, and Pakistan. Prices are reasonable and there's a wide range to choose from: rings, necklaces, bracelets, all with unique designs. Rings can be fitted on site.

Best place to buy gift-wrap

Papyrus

While it's easy to find gift wrapping services during the Christmas season, good wrappers are a bit scarcer during the rest of the year. Papyrus fulfills this need year-round. The store carries a lovely selection of cards and elegant gift-wraps for a variety of tastes. They can wrap packages while you wait. Next time you need that last-minute birthday gift-wrapped, spend the extra 10 minutes getting it wrapped here. If they hate what you got them, at least they're sure to love the wrap job.

Best interior-design guru

Richard Schrade

We all want to live in a home that meets our physical and aesthetic needs. Unfortunately, while some of us have talent for putting together stylish interiors, others are still living with the beer-stained plaid sofas from their college days. If the latter describes you, then Richard Schrade can help. Schrade has years of experience with art, antiques, and home accessories and has worked on many large-scale remodeling jobs. His real expertise lies with small-scale consultations. He can come to your home and, in an hour or two, show you ways to redisplay your furnishings and advise you on what to add or subtract to get your home closer to your ideal. (Sorry. That brew-soaked sofa probably won't make the cut.) His background with antiques and contemporary interiors makes him able to work on a variety of requests. His prices are also affordable to the masses.

Best personal coach

Drue Gawel

First off, a personal coach is not the same as a personal trainer. A coach is more of a professional motivator. If you need someone to get you off your duff and help you make progress with your life, this is the man for the job. Gawel has been in this business long enough to tell when someone really wants to achieve their dreams, as opposed to when they're just dreaming. Many times, you may need a good push to get you on your road to personal success. Easy on the eyes and easy on the soul, Gawel can help you organize your life.

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