Tiny Birds, Powerful Forts, Wealth Creation from Air

Environment

Tiny Birds with Big Engines

Blink and you miss them, hummingbirds captivate us. We still have some time these weeks to visit with our pal, Sal. We set out hummingbird feeders in the hopes that we can catch a quick glimpse of those tiny marvels. A hummingbird weighs less than a nickel yet is bursting with energy. They are the only birds that can hover in the air like a helicopter because their wings beat up to 80 times per second. I can't even tread water for very long without being tired. Those hummingbirds are essentially the gym-rats of the bird world. They even have heart rates that can reach 1,200 beats per minute! I know we feed them sugar water but that's quite a feat on a sugar high. 

They have been called the jewels of the bird world for good reason - their colors are vibrant. The tiny wings allow them to migrate thousands of miles. Talk about a workout!  No phone booth needed - they are tiny superheroes outshining other birds, if you happen to catch a glance. Beast Bird Mode.

What We’re Testing

Several people have asked for updates on the items we are testing out. It seems they want faster updates on cool new stuff. Here you go.

Proud Parent

Fort Woofington

Childhood... agh, to be a child again!  When we were young, we enjoyed things like building a fort for a fun play area or to sleep in overnight. Old school style, just needed some chairs, blankets, pillows, and a flashlight and we had the coolest spot in the house. As an adult, some days I wish I could just build that fort (for me) for some peace and privacy (disclaimer: If my family is reading this, I'm kidding). But thankfully this article isn't about me - or us - it's about our furry babes and some tips from a type of product that my dog tremendously enjoys. It may spark some inspiration if you think your dog might like the same. Ya know, change it up.

I call it a fort for obvious reasons, but I think they are termed dog pop-up playpens. Ours is very similar to this one.

Truth be told, I bought it years ago thinking it could be useful when we travel, for example to the beach, for those certain times I want to ensure he is safe and secure (if needed). Experts recommend that you slowly introduce it to your dog by rewarding him once he enters it and then you leave to get the mail. Short stints at first. This concept works pretty well for most dogs. Of course, I had to eventually break it to my dog that hey, enough with the endless treats, buddy! Do you think bones grow on trees?! 

Quickly my dog adjusted for his own agenda to use it as a play and snuggle area. Sometimes they are just smarter than us. Your dog may be the type to curl up at times and put his face into a breathable blanket smushed up for a dim and quiet space to rest. If so, you may want to consider something like a dog pop-up playpen. Your dog may enjoy resting in there at times and, if anything like my sneaky babe, hiding favorite toys (let's hope it is just that in there, who knows)!  What's helpful is the front of it unzips for the "door" and velcros at the top to keep it up. Also, the top of it unzips so it can be more of an open space though still private in a sense. I set it up in the room and just left it there with blankets and a dog bed inside. Occasionally I would see him going in there to dig up the blankets and then rest (is he not enjoying my phone conversation?).

It depends what your goal is for how you may want to get your dog used to it. Some say play or crate. I say why not both? Mostly play and snuggle, but if I ever needed to travel with it just in case, my dog would already be used to it and see it as a positive thing. I like the pop-ups too by the way - can store it or pack it and it barely takes up any space. Try something new to surprise your dog. If you have any cool tips, feel free to drop us a line and let us know what your dog thinks is the coolest chill spot in your house. Me? I am contemplating building that fort for me to escape when I need it but it would need to be near my secret snack stash in the house... risky, don't want to blow that cover. Good luck! 

Tiny living and craving treats while feelin’ fly for a fur guy

Tiny house, cute cats: Living tiny but very well.
Ice cream dream: This dog’s instincts are on point.
Dog swagger: Feelin’ fly for a fur guy.

Art

The Art of Turning Nothing into Something

There are interpretive paintings and folks pay a small fortune for them. And sometimes it looks like a 5-year old just slapped some paint on and called it a day. Even more dramatic are the "paintings" that are practically a blank canvas with a little dot. All of these can drive big bucks. But the most genius lucrative painting or sculpture in my opinion is one that I have here, there, and everywhere. I have them spewing all over my house. Why? Because it is just air. Really, air. Why didn't I think of this?

The brilliant Italian artist, Salvatore Garau, sold an invisible sculpture for $18,000 titled "lo Sono" (which means "I am"). That's it! Pure imagination of what might be there but it's just air. I guess marketing perks include that it never needs to be dusted, framed, etc. No maintenance. How did the buyer know that it was that air and not this air (I'd prefer he think of it as this in my house, plenty of sculptures for sale)? Well, the buyer received a certificate of authenticity to "display" the existential piece in a designated 5x5 foot area (that is empty, obviously). 

I'm typing up certificates of authenticity to give my family for birthdays and holidays because this type of gift is really makes my wallet smile. If I decide to compete in the marketplace, I will offer a steep discount because my air would only cost maybe $5,000. Just make sure your guests don't "knock over" your sculpture because you paid good money for that. Now look at the air and what do you see? Yeah, I just see air too. Who knows, maybe tomorrow I’ll see something.. 

We LOVE Halloween!

The costumes, special treats, and of course everything that glows in the dark make fabulous parties in the evening.

Pumpkin spice lattes, caramel apples, and cider make the days equally fun. This is the time of year when we test our dogs’ patience with those costumes and photos so treats and toys are included for motivation.

We spent the past few weeks evaluating over 10,000 items on Amazon to find the coolest Halloween stuff this year. To save you from having to spend that much time, we compiled our absolute favorites in a free Halloween eCatalog.

It’s crazy that some items are already selling out of inventory so if you love Halloween as much as we do, now is a good time to browse for something new.

Happy Halloween 

Chuckle

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The fib is B. The first computer virus, "Creeper," was created in 1971 as an experimental self-replicating program that displayed the message: "I'm the creeper, catch me if you can!"

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