Image (c) roboppy

A couple months ago a friend emailed to tell me about a berry that I “might be interested in”. She pointed me to the now infamous NY Times article about the “Miracle Fruit“, and I proceeded to flip out. For those of you who haven’t been introduced to this truly magical berry, it makes sour things taste sweet and food in general just tastes better. How exciting is that? It contains a substance called “miraculin” that binds with your taste buds for up to 2 hours of “everything tastes like heaven” fun. Wow, talk about a natural sweetener. Sign me up!

But there’s just one problem: availability. Wikipedia says Miracle Fruit was documented way back in 1725, yet it only gained popularity in America in 2008, thanks largely to the “flavor trippers” referenced in the NY Times article. Without a solid growing infrastructure in place, it’s been really difficult to obtain the berries or the packaged tablets. Most retailers run out of stock for months at a time! I tried to find some seeds so I could grow my own, but at the time nobody had any stock available.

This morning I opened up an email from my homies at Think Geek and almost fell out of my chair when I saw they are now selling Miracle Fruit tablets! The date on the email said it arrived yesterday, but by the time I arrived at their site they were already sold out and taking backorders. Noooo! But since Think Geek is located in the USA (unlike most retailers) and has amazing customer service, I’m just going to backorder a couple packs now. What can I say, I have an insatiable sweet tooth and the idea of sucking on a lemon and having it taste like candy is too novel to resist.

Every story I’ve heard about Miracle Fruit has been funny and amazing. If you’ve tried this miraculous berry, please share your story in the comments. I’ll report back when my shipment arrives

PS- I predict that this berry is going to be so instrumental in getting people to eat healthy. We’ll start by eating a miracle berry before a big leafy green salad - you know, so even the most picky tastebuds can “tolerate” real food. Then we’ll only need a half berry as our bodies become used to eating well. Then one day we’ll realize that we don’t even need to “flavor trip” anymore. Did this idea occur to anyone else?

Posted by Lauren in Fun, Unique
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It’s been a long day on teh Interwebz. I’ve been glued to my laptop most of the day doing nerdy behind-the-scenes work for Mable’s and our Halloween website. Kinda fun, but rather tedious work.

But you know what makes it all better? Perpetual Kid is having a Spring Cleaning Warehouse Sale. A bunch of their items are marked down 20% - 70% off. Now would be a good time to stock up on Dead body Towels for company and replace that busted travel hula hoop of yours. Sheesh, why am I still writing this, I could be securing a lifetime supply of Cocktail Monkey necklaces right now.

Even better is their newest item: novelty ice cubes in the shape of… wait for it… dentures. (If this is your first visit and you weren’t sure what to expect from a “Unique Gifts Blog”, you now know just what you’re in for.) It’s official: these chompy cool treats are going to be the official ice cube at Mable’s HQ this summer.

Posted by Lauren in Fun, Sale
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Hammacher Schlemmer just released their new product catalog for Spring 2008 and it’s got lots of people in a tizzy due to it’s sheer awesomeness. For those of us no longer using outdated technology like a printed catalog need to visit their site out for the sweet items.

Inside the catalog, i-Sobot stands out from the crowd since being recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as “The smallest humanoid robot in production” and Hammacher has it at the lowest price available online. Watch the video on their site to get a taste of the robot’s impressive skills like a 200 word vocabulary, 180 programmed movements, and witty responses to verbal commands.

On the more extravagant side of the spectrum is a - perfect for summer - Single-seat Water Cycle, priced at a whopping $2,999. Basically it is a recumbent bicycle strapped to a funky kayak that can go up to 7 MPH (as fast as an Olympic swimmer, and faster than most paddle boats), as well as a lifetime guarantee from Hammacher. Get yourself in a tizzy.

Posted by Sean in Fun, Unique
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Spring is here, and the sales are sprouting up everywhere. Right now you can get an extra 25% off of already reduced prices for the Spring Cleaning Sale at BuyCostumes. More than just a costume shop, BuyCostumes is also a party supply store with great prices on party accessories for all types of party themes. They also carry awesome decor items, wigs, hats, makeup and accessories.

COUPON: Get an extra 25% off by using Coupon Code SPRING25 during checkout.

Can’t think of what you need to get? How about some Luau decorations for that backyard party this summer, or that graduation party that’s so fast approaching. Perhaps a costume for little Susy’s school project, or maybe even get a head start on your Halloween costume? Just keep your mind open and hurry up and save!

Posted by Sean in Fun, Sale
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Many of us think of everyday items like a car, clothes, electrical devices, etc. when we think of a green gift. Mable’s wants to expand your thinking to notice the things that are eco-friendly without the added manufacturing and marketing.

This blog post we are featuring Back to Basics Toys because, they carry a vast amount of wooden toys and games that aren’t just fun, but also educational and award winning. But, how is a wood toy more green?

Reasons why Wood is Good: Longevity of items (say no to planned obsolescence) , Perfect for your child’s development, Non toxic material, and many are American made, which avoids the need for shipping overseas.

Mable’s wants to remind you that everyday is Earth day and every decision we make has an effect, so let’s do the best we can everyday.

Posted by Sean in Fun, Green Living, Kids
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In honor of leap day I’d like to invite you all to start jumping to conclusions. Thanks to modern science we are all able to easily jump to conclusions by simply leaping forward in a particular direction. Simply amazing. Also included in the official Office Space Kit is a mini red stapler, Initech mug, TPS reports, starter “flair”, “Is this Good for the Company” sign, and a sticker for a copy machine that says “PC Load Letter.”

All this for only $12.99.

What does this mysterious “Jump to Conclusions” Mat look like? Find out.

Posted by Sean in Fun, Nerd
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Maybe it’s the post-holiday burnout talking, but peppering the remaining days of my winter break with prank calls sounds perfect. I can stay in my jammies all day, and in-between bites of leftover cake and Tofurky, I can spice things up with technology-assisted pranks.

With a SpoofCard you can make any number show up on caller ID. Let your intended prank victim think that the White House or someone from prison is calling. In fact, any 10 digit number can be used so similarly mind-boggling numbers like (000) 420-5150 could also be employed. For extra sneakiness, SpoofCard can change your voice from female to male (or vice versa) and they record your calls so you can giggle over them later. Oh man, why wasn’t this service available about 10 years ago?

As if SpoofCard didn’t offer enough ways to cause some trouble, LiarCard is the ultimate resource for telephone tomfoolery. Using voice analysis technology to discover the truth, LiarCard can “detect if your subject is excited, confused, stressed, unwillingly sharing information, anticipating your responses and even if your friend really likes you”. In addition to a web control panel that shows all the call details, a buzz is heard when the called party is suspected of lying. Yah, it’s got a lot of potential to really simplify or complicate your life. Studies show it to be over 95% accurate, but there’s one catch: your intended victim has to be “sane”. I’m not kidding, I read it in the fine print.

Both services are pre-paid cards that you can order online and start using immediately. SpoofCard and LiarCard have been around for a few years so you can Google their names to read stories about them from all the major news outlets. So choose your targets wisely and have fun pranking!

COUPON: Save 10% off SpoofCard when you use coupon code SS10. Expires December 31, 2007

Posted by Lauren in Fun, Gadgets
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It’s been a couple years or so now since we’ve been thinking how nice it would be to be able to turn any digital image into a wall decal. You can decorate your walls with literally any design of your own or, what seems to be fairly popular, get a near life size cutout of your child enjoying their favorite activity. Being able to display your favorite scenic picture you actually took yourself on your one trip out of this county up to 7 feet wide on your bedroom wall also crosses our minds as we think of the awesome possibilities Wallhogs can provide.

Printing options include the removable, reusable vinyl, glossy poster, or quality canvas. There is no minimum order, so you don’t have to order a bunch, and they encourage using your own photos although you can browse through what they offer as well.

Sarcasm alert. If you’re influenced by popular culture and the general census, then you’ll feel comfortable knowing bands and celebrities such as Gwen Stefani, Social Distortion, Offspring, and more are partnering with Wallhogs to let you put their logo/image on your wall to view everyday!

This could also make a great gift for the holidays by getting a life size removable vinyl decal of a new bike for your kid and set it up in their bedroom before they wake x-mas morning. Then film the results, put it on YouTube and send a link to the entire family. You might want to actually have the real bike waiting in the next room though. Maybe save money this holiday season on traveling by taking a family photo and send it to Grandma so she can put it on her wall instead of flying across the country. These are all viable options I’d like to officially suggest. If you have any official suggestions of your own please leave a comment as I’d like to know more. Check out their user submissions for more ideas.

Posted by Sean in Fun, Household, Unique
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Halloween is less than 60 days away and you know you always wait until the last minute to buy your costume. Why stress yourself this year? Do yourself a favor and start browsing the new costumes for the year over at Mable’s Halloween Costumes section. We recently re-designed it and made it easier to find the costume you’re looking for or get ideas for what you want. Check out the hundreds of new costumes; for men, women, kids, and even pets.

Halloween had always held a special place in our hearts, even when it’s the middle of Spring, which is why we created 365 Halloween just over a year ago. To get you into the spooky spirit we invite you to take a look at our Halloween recipes, creative costume ideas, and haunted homemade decor. We encourage those DIY spirited folks to submit their Halloween flavored crafts and creations to 365 Halloween so others who believe Halloween should be more than one day can get their fill throughout the year.

Good things come to those who plan ahead, which is why we’d like to spread the word about how to get 10% off and free shipping from BuyCostumes. Get 10% any order of $20 or more by using the coupon code bat91. Get your order total to $40 or more and they will even throw in free shipping*. Of course this wont last forever so be sure to order by the end of day on Sunday Sept. 9th, 2007.

Posted by Sean in Fun, Halloween, Sale
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Thanks for everyone who entered the contest, it’s always a good time when we get to give away free prizes rather then talking about buying them The summer time heat was calling to us and we had to get out and have some fun, just like you should be doing. OK, we also did a lot of working on Mable’s, and we will be unveiling almost a whole new website this August. Stay tuned or subscribe to our RSS feed to stay current.

So while there is still some scorching heat out there be sure to not only take the time to relax, but have fun, stay safe, and be sure to capture the special moments especially if they’re underwater.

While we were on a mini summer vacation we heard news of a new online store that gives away free overnight shipping. Now that’s a deal in itself, but right now, during a limited time promotion their overnight shipping is NEGATIVE $5! Yep, they give you $5 to allow them to ship to you overnight. Now that’s a deal! Check out the super deals on shoes and handbags over at Endless.com.

Also, just as a reminder, Mable’s favorite holiday, Halloween is coming up shortly and the new costumes are out on display, so check out our updated Halloween Costumes section and start thinking of who, or what you’ll be this year.

Posted by Sean in Fun, Sale
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