Save the date! Jan 15th. Gallery 1988 : Venice (Grand Opening!) presents MULTIPLAYER: Limited Edition Posters Inspired By Video Games! And curated by the super awesome OMG Posters. As they say - “Opening January 15th at their new Venice gallery, Multiplayer will feature over 30 limited edition prints based on classic video games. You can see most of the artists on the list below, but there will also be a surprise or two.” Can’t wait!

It’s holiday season here at NOTCOT, and we’re doing our annual Gift Guides, Coupons and Giveaways! Just our little way of giving a big hug to awesome brands and readers as we close out 2010!

UPDATE: Congrats to Laura in Glendale, CA!

NOTCOT Holiday Giveaway #24 is here ~ and today our friends from A+R are giving one lucky reader: David Turpin & Native Union’s Moshi Moshi MM03 Bluetooth Cellphone + VOIP Handset. I can’t even tell you how incredible this feels in your hand… and the subtle design details of how nicely the phone sets down with the rubber in the base… swoon - additionally it even has volume control on the handset and a choice of 4 ringtones!

For a chance to win leave a comment by midnight on Dec 21st (PST) ~ telling us who the first person you’d call would be (and if you’re feeling chatty, what would you say?)

Here’s a peek at the packaging…

For a chance to win David Turpin & Native Union’s Moshi Moshi MM03 Bluetooth Cellphone + VOIP Handset from A+R, leave a comment by midnight on Dec 21st (PST) ~ telling us who the first person you’d call would be (and if you’re feeling chatty, what would you say?)

And check out the rest of our 2010 Gift Guides, Coupons and Giveaways! Happy Holidays!

p.s. For your shopping pleasure:

This is the first of three gift guides for those on the GO! This content series is brought to you by Intel AppUp℠. Find free and paid apps for your lifestyle. Get started.

Traveling constantly and for different reasons result in SO many different packing techniques and needs… well this time we’re looking at Business Travelers. Non stop, constantly hopping on and off phone calls, netbooking on the go, in and out of airport lounges and cars/taxis and hotels… never even knowing what city you’re flying to or departing from… it’s a stressful, fast paced life of madness to say the least! So what would you gift them (or yourself if you are one?) to help ease that crazy? See some of my picks on the next page!

WHILE TRAVELING - entertainment, analog games, and just to be prepared! Up In The Air
Si Scott Playing Cards
Minimergency Kit For Him

FOOD! With all the flights that barely feed you anymore, a few tools worth toting… Fresh Traveler By Arian Brekveld
Eat’N Tool - Spoon, Fork, Bottle Opener, Screwdriver/Pry Tip, Metric Wrenches, Carabiner, Clam Only
Bamboo Bottle

TECHsessories ~ these three will make your netbook/cellphoning on the go even easier! Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse
Jawbone Icon
Ultimate Ears headphones”

RELAX!!! Shakti Mat - My latest obsession ~ a modern day Bed Of Nails ~ accupressure/meditation mat that will instantly destress and invigorate. Rolls right up for your hand carry…

Whether you’re after a wintry wonderland and tropical paradise, Notventures can inspire your next expedition. To find out more about each destination, click on its image.

The Saatchi & Saatchi LA xmas email came out yesterday, and this year they are “giving back by making donations to three nonprofit charities on your behalf: The Amanda Foundation, Free Arts for Abused Children and New Directions“… and then they announced NOG PONG! Exactly what it sounds like, only it’s always our turn, and they get to do all the eggnog drinking…

Teaming up with Deep Local (yup, our new favorite people from Project Reindeer, etc) - “Nogbot started as an off-the-shelf ping-pong practice machine. In one weekend, we reverse engineered the machine and replaced its guts with our own wiring and microcontroller. The new microcontroller allowed us to programmatically control the motors, switches and servos to do our bidding. We created a web-based API to communicate with Nogbot allowing an external program to fire balls at different speeds and directions.” Awesome, right? Well they’ve also shared some pics of what the NogBot looks like! (He’s your real world arm launching those balls as you click from behind your monitor.) As well as videos of the game in action, and the making of! Check it all out on the next page… love these projects that really pull the digital and physical closer in such playful ways!

they even got a little meta and played on the laptop from the other side of the table…

Yup ~ still waiting…

And while i wait ~ check out what makes our robotic arm of a NogBot work!

OK! And here we go ~ as #4469 ~ finally played ~ got some in, and sent some all over… you wait so long, and it’s gone so fast! And a bit laggy! But still ~ good fun!

Just in - Joya the NYC based fragrance and home ambiance innovator - Baxter of California, the premium men’s grooming line since 1965 - Reed Space, the NYC pioneer in the concept for a “lifestyle boutique” of Jeff Staple, have all joined forces to create “LAPSANG NOIR”. And these candles are pretty big ~ named HALF KILO and FULL KILO.

The most exciting part? I’ve always wondered how they fill candles! Yet have never looked into it deeper… so love the “making of” pics of these gorgeous candles as the wicks are held straight and the hand in the glove with the squirting mechanism perfectly fills each and every one… See the full process on the next page!

It’s holiday season here at NOTCOT, and we’re doing our annual Gift Guides, Coupons and Giveaways! Just our little way of giving a big hug to awesome brands and readers as we close out 2010!

UPDATE: Congrats to Rich in San Diego, CA!

NOTCOT Holiday Giveaway #23 is here ~ and today our friends from Baggu are giving one lucky reader: a Baby Baggu, a Baggu X3, a Big Baggu, and one each of the S M L XL zips! Quite the super pack of baggu goodness ~ and you can see close ups of exactly what is in this bundle on the next page… as well as a special coupon just for today! Beautiful graphic design on the labels for the new zip pouches!

For a chance to win, leave a comment by midnight on Dec 20th (PST) ~ sharing what you’d stash in your baggus!

For a chance to win a Baby Baggu, a Baggu X3, a Big Baggu, and one each of the S M L XL zips from Baggu, leave a comment by midnight on Dec 20th (PST) ~ sharing what you’d stash in your baggus!

And check out the rest of our 2010 Gift Guides, Coupons and Giveaways! Happy Holidays!

p.s. For your shopping pleasure:

So many great inspiring ads and videos this week! The Conan O’Brien Amex Ads ares are just incredible. From a design and travel perspective, they are such a nice look at a culture and an artisanal skill. First there was “Curtain” ad shot in India, where in about a minute you get to see exactly how cloth is made and dyed… in the follow up, we’re brought to Italy, and Conan blows the glass to make the Applause sign! The obsessive attention to detail in these ads, and sharing the process… the pain of imperfection followed by the perseverance to perfect it… such a great thing to aspire to! Take a look at both adverts as well as the great Making Of videos on the next page!

and the Making Of!

Here’s the extended cut of the “Curtain” ad in India

The making of!

Screenshots just in case the YouTube’s disappear as they often do…

Remember those Highland Cows i fell in love with in Scotland? The ones i spent the most time with were Craig, Ella, Archie, and a few others that lived at The Macallan Estate! Well after a few silly facebook messages about how the cows were doing in the snow these days ~ some fun pics showed up in my inbox! Aren’t they adorable? Check out snowy Scotland as the Highland Cows (pronounced coo ~ like moo!) hang out at The Macallan on the next page. Thanks, Annabel! Totally made my day!

This sponsored post is brought to you by Windows 7 - text is by Federated Media, silly pic is me… and i couldn’t resist, so i embedded some of the hilarious Windows 7 “To The Cloud” ads i love on the next page just for fun!

Defying the Laws of Physics
Who says you can’t be in more than one place at a time? Sorry, physics - modern technology has defied you and found a way for us to be at home while at work, or at work while at home. No, this isn’t a figment of some multitasker’s imagination. It’s reality for those who get to the cloud with Windows Live.

With Active Desktop, you can access your PC from almost anywhere. The days of lost zip drives and forgotten files are but a distant, bad memory. And, Windows Mesh assures that the files on your PC sync up with all of your devices - from your laptop to your smart phone to your office computer, so that you always have the most recent version of your work in front of you.

Of course, it’s not all about work. You’ll also be able to tap into and share your music collection, photos, and other media. Cloud computing is really about staying connected - not only to your own data, but to others. Whether you start up an HD Chat to share and discuss files, or use one click to share a photo from your awesome concert seats with your social network, you’re connected.

In other words, you’re everywhere.

First reaction to byAMT’s Clé USB - the packaging is adorable! And i couldn’t help but thinking ~ this would be an awesome press kit! (I have little mounds of the usual branded USB key press kits in a pile… it’s fun when someone does something cool!) There’s something about the adorable 3D printed key that feels like it would unlock exciting secrets ~ a digital secret garden of sorts? Alissia even mentioned she’s going to start 3D printing logos right into them as well, which would be lovely to customize for gifts, giveaways, press kits, wedding pics, etc? A box of collectoins of keys holding memories would be so cute! Check out more pics of the unboxing on the next page!

UPDATE: Revolve Clothing used them for the launch of their new site:

It’s holiday season here at NOTCOT, and we’re doing our annual Gift Guides, Coupons and Giveaways! Just our little way of giving a big hug to awesome brands and readers as we close out 2010!

UPDATE: Congrats to Shawn in Seattle, WA!

NOTCOT Holiday Giveaway #22 is here ~ and today our friends from Nau are giving one lucky reader: a $500 Gift Card! What you buy with that is up to you… but a few of my favorites are on the next page if you need ideas! (Also coupon on the next page!) And given that winter weather is upon us ~ i’m sure you could probably use a little update to keep you warm and dry!

For a chance to win, leave a comment by midnight on Dec 19th (PST) ~ sharing something on your life list (which should really be your 2011 list!) - something you simply must do in your lifetime!

Fluent Stash

Down Shirt

Succinct Trench

For a chance to win a $500 Gift Certificate from Nau, leave a comment by midnight on Dec 19th (PST) ~ sharing something on your life list (which should really be your 2011 list!) - something you simply must do in your lifetime!

And check out the rest of our 2010 Gift Guides, Coupons and Giveaways! Happy Holidays!

p.s. For your shopping pleasure:

Filmography 2010 - Amazing youtube video by Genrocks - “This year’s movies have legitimately transformed my idea of what is creatively possible. To commemorate, I’ve remixed 270 of them into one giant ass video.” It is so amazing, i had to share it with you immediately! The incredibly seamless, perfectly timed editing is mind blowing. All 270 film clips is listed here. Wow. Watch it, then watch it again? You can find her on twitter too. Ok, go see the video on the next page!

I can’t even begin to tell you how giddy i am tonight. One, its 2am. Two, REINDEER! And there is an inexplicable joy when ad campaigns that i adore and would write about anyhow, are supporting NOTCOT! Firstly, let’s look at Project Reindeer minus the Gap involvement. There’s a page where you can watch the Reindeer Webcam, see their GPS tracked movements, watch fun Reindeer videos, and get to know a bit about each of the 8 reindeer in the herd as well as Zoologist, Josh, who focuses on North American Caribou… all the way out in Lake Crystal, MN. That alone is pretty awesome. Now, add the rather bizarre but interesting layer Gap has added on this. Each deer is assigned a specific deal (i.e. Emma = 40% off your purchase). Each day there is a new goal (i.e. Shortest Distance Within 24 hrs). Whichever reindeer reaches that goal, you get that discount the next day. See? A bit bizarre, yet strangely fascinating when you mix it all together?

So, inspired by Project Reindeer, I can’t help but wonder… who is this Zoologist Josh? How did they find him? Are they sponsoring his research? Is there an interesting public way advertising and academic/zoological research can come together? How can we further evolve mutually beneficial relationships of academic research, design inspiration, brands, and more… we’ve often mused over here at NOTCOT about finding ways to get more involved in that side of things. Then again, Justine, our NOTCOT.org editor who is also a research zoologist with a doctorate in animal behavior, coupled with our never ending fascination with nature and creative inspiration at NOTCOT… hmmmm. Much to think about! And who would have thought this late night ramble would be sparked by Gap? And Project Reindeer? Ok but back to the topic at hand ~ check out some screenshots on the next page of their fun simple page… as well as some of the absurdly amusing video bios of the various reindeer!

p.s. For full disclosure, this isn’t a sponsored post. Just something that i discovered because they are supporting NOTCOT, and was such a fun concept, i would have written about it anyhow! I guess it’s a perfect fit!

UPDATE: Project Reindeer is a Gap/AKQA project by Deep Local, the awesome post-digital shop that helps brands create remarkable experiences that bridge the online and physical worlds, who also did the awesome Saatchi LA NogPong!

The reindeer are awake!!! And moving around more…

UPDATE: love this vid of the making of

Spotted this stunner of a new ad from Audi at the always awesome Stash ~ “Imagination Meets Engineering” advert for the new Audi A7 Sportback. It’s like an xray kaleidoscope of nature meets engineering madness that is absolutely mesmerizingly set to Basement Jaxx’s ‘Dracula’. I just watched it a few times over! See the video on the next page, as well as screenshots of some of my favorite moments.

Credits - Agency: BBH, London, Production: Blind/Jelly London, Director: Vanessa Marzaroli, Design/VFX/Animation/editorial: Blind

Sweet, savory and stylish, it’s another roundup from the ever tasty Tasteologie and Liqurious. To find out more about more about these delectable delights, click on their individual images.

Facebook data infrastructure engineering team intern, Paul Butler, has made a beautiful infographic mapping friendships through plotting their coordinates and connections… and what lit up looks a lot like the Earth At Night!

Butler’s goal? “One that piqued my curiosity was the locality of friendship. I was interested in seeing how geography and political borders affected where people lived relative to their friends. I wanted a visualization that would show which cities had a lot of friendships between them.” And how did he do it? “I began by taking a sample of about ten million pairs of friends from Apache Hive, our data warehouse. I combined that data with each user’s current city and summed the number of friends between each pair of cities. Then I merged the data with the longitude and latitude of each city.”

See close ups, as well as comparisons between his infographic and the Earth at Night on the next page…

View paul’s high res pic here

Earth At Night! The classic NASA pic from 2000 - Credit: C. Mayhew & R. Simmon (NASA/GSFC), NOAA/ NGDC, DMSP Digital Archive

Isn’t it incredible seeing how similar they are? Pretty much everywhere where people are, is fully lit up by facebook accounts…

It’s holiday season here at NOTCOT, and we’re doing our annual Gift Guides, Coupons and Giveaways! Just our little way of giving a big hug to awesome brands and readers as we close out 2010!

UPDATE: Congrats to Adam in Cincinnati, OH!

NOTCOT Holiday Giveaway #21 is here ~ and today our friends from Baxter of California are giving one lucky reader: a “Flammable” Wood Gift Box! Baxter of California is all about refined men’s grooming, and pulls it off with fun, beautifully packaged style! Also, the candles.. when done… can be used as drinking glasses…These candles lean a bit manlier making them perfect for anyone!

For a chance to win, leave a comment by midnight on Dec 18th (PST) ~ sharing something that has inspired you today! And as usual, we’ll pick a commenter randomly (of those who actually answer the prompt!) and email them!

Another gorgeous week has passed and this week’s NOTCOT.org roundup is full of stunning images of lustworthy products, breathtaking scenes and overlooked minutia. To find out more about each post, click on its individual image.

Mmmmm, you know i adore a good unexpected juxtaposition… like these fun paintings by Kelly Reemsten! Headless/footless women in lovely party frocks holding simple tools… like bolt cutters, axes, gardening shears, chainsaws, crowbars… and wearing dish gloves and oven mits… simple every day things! They also have great names like ‘The load I Carry’, ‘Heavy Handed’, ‘Axe’, ‘B & E’, ‘Prowler’, ‘Leverage’, ‘Character Assassination’, etc. Awesome, right? And these are all large oil paintings ranging from 20’x20’ to 44’x44’. How fun would it be to have the perfect one hanging conspicuously in that perfect entry way… Is it any surprise that she started in Fashion Design and Painting? See more on Kelly Reemsten, and see some of my absolute favorites on the next page!

Shear Trouble

Axe

Purple

Orange

Aqua

Monkey Wrench

Leverage

Green With Envy

Axe 2

B & E

Giving Clean A Second Look

Vanessa

Love these french ads for Martell XO that i ran into on I Believe in Adv. Such a fun concept to show that it’s “The same pleasure since 1715”, having the more modern day scene reflect the world in the painting from the 1700s! I supposed the question is did they take it too far? or not far enough? Part of my wishes in the paintings, there would be a painting of an even OLDER time with the same scenario inside… or that the dresses and suites were matching in color… though that might just be because of the girl in the pink dress matching… and a guy in a red suit might be a bit much! See the second ad, as well as close ups of the paintings on the next page!

Advertising Agency: TBWA\MAP, Paris, France Creative Director: Sébastien Vacherot, Manoëlle Van der Vaeren Art Director: Nicolas Boyer Copywriter: Marc Platet Photographer: Mark Seliger Art Buyer: Vanessa Barbel

On fun collaborations, last week Kiehl’s and Jeff Koons teamed up to launch the annual Holiday Creme de Corps: A Wonderland of Merry in NYC, and Anna went to go check it out for us. Highlight? Besides Koons in person? CRACK PIE BITES! Who knew they did these in mini form? Also, Cake Truffles - with sprinkles? Momofuku catered the event, and the food looks lovely (lots of pics on the next page!) So take a look at the world of pop art meets skin care meets deliciousness that descended up on NYC that night, see the festivities (and the adorable retro americana decor!) on the next page!

Fun projections of Koons classics on the way in…

Colorful window displays to brighten up the chilliest of days…

The Limited Edition Creme de Corps Holiday Collection includes the new Soy Milk & Honey Whipped Body Butter that sounds divine.

A peek at the store itself…

Now for the FOOD. Anna made me hungry just describing the Momofuku deliciousness.

And as if Crack Pie isn’t already known to be the most delicious thing ever… now in BITES?

Here are the Cake Truffles! Like donut holes of cake… funfetti and all!

And some savories to balance things out… Bo Ssam…

Nice way to class up the plastic forks through the display of this Apple Kimchi…

Pickled romanesco cauliflower!

And here’s the man of the hour… Jeff Koons!

It’s holiday season here at NOTCOT, and we’re doing our annual Gift Guides, Coupons and Giveaways! Just our little way of giving a big hug to awesome brands and readers as we close out 2010!

UPDATE: Congrats to Jennifer in Indianapolis, IN!

NOTCOT Holiday Giveaway #20 is here ~ and today our friends from Fawn and Forest are giving one lucky reader (or perhaps our lucky reader’s KIDS?): an absolutely stunning, mind blowingly cool Brinca Dada Emerson Doll House. I don’t think i even need to tell you how ridiculously awesome this house is… or how much i wish i could have a life sized version… But if you don’t know, you simply must see the pics on the next page!

For a chance to win leave a comment by midnight on Dec 17th (PST) ~ telling us who would live in this house if you were to win it…

Sadly the house we’re giving away does not come with the matching Classic Contemporary Furniture Set - but here’s a peek at what it COULD look like furnished!

For a chance to win the Brinca Dada Emerson Doll House from Fawn and Forest, leave a comment by midnight on Dec 17th (PST) ~ telling us who would live in this house if you were to win it…

And check out the rest of our 2010 Gift Guides, Coupons and Giveaways! Happy Holidays!

p.s. For your shopping pleasure:

Sponsored by DonQ Rum ~ We were recently tapped to help them for a contest called Master of All Skills. The goal? To create playful Liqurious themed quizzes aimed at finding the Masters of Mixology! Complete all the Masters challenges for a chance at the grand prize ~ a trip to the DonQ Rum distillery in Ponce, Puerto Rico, where you’ll learn how they make rum first-hand! Anyhow, all the details are over at the the DonQ Master of All Skills site ~ but first things first, ready for the first of the NOTCOT/Liqurious quiz? Check it out on the next page!

DonQ Master of All Skills!

Now for the first Mixology QUIZ! Are you ready? Take a stab at it below… then they will prompt you to register and keep going till you are a Master of Mixology! Good luck!

This post is the second of three gift guides sponsored by Xfinity. Focused on themes of gifts and gadgets that help us push the boundaries of how and where we watch TV! As usual ~ content is all me, and they’re sponsoring me to do it! And for the official bit: “This post is brought to you by Xfinity from Comcast. Watch all your favorite shows from anywhere with Xfinity TV. The views expressed here are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Comcast or its partners”

Today we’re taking it into the kitchen! A peek at gadgets/accessories to help you when you’re in the kitchen and porting TV over, whether for entertainment or following along your favorite cooking shows - pausing, rewinding, using the TV as your live cook book of sorts… also take a peek at some Tasteologie Editors’ favorite cooking show indulgences all on the next page!

I was never big on having a TV in the kitchen… but the iPad as been my TV in there lately… also my cookbook… For the TVing, i let it grab my TV from the living room on my iPad via Slingbox to watch recorded shows, etc… Slingbox HD - Plug it in to your TV at home. The watch your TV like normal through the app available for your iPad!

SO when iPad cooking/watching in the kitchen, here are some fun options to mount it so you don’t get it covered in cooking goo and can still have good viewing…

Griffin Loop - such a nice simple design, you could probably use it for other things in the kitchen too.

The Wallee - an easy mount you can put just about anywhere!

Incase Convertible Magazine Jacket - incredibly thin, anything will wash right off of it, and versatile viewing angles for all those follow alongs to your favorite cooking shows…

Griffin Cabinet Mount for iPad It can literally fold up and away into your cabinet… or swing out to help/entertain/both while you’re cooking!

Ok now say instead of an iPad you want an actual TV in your kitchen, or want to hide a little computer in the cabinet and mount a flat panel monitor that can discreetly disappear under the cabinet? Here are a few mount options that flip up! VideoSecu Under Cabinet Mount Flip
Premier Mounts FLIP LCD Flip-Down Mount
OmniMount 75/100 FD Under Counter Flip Down Flat-Panel Mount

Or if you really want everything in one - there are even devices like: Philips AJL750/37 Kitchen Clock Radio with 7-inch TV

So what’s our sponsor, Xfinity TV, offer you to stream? In the cooking realm, Xfinity TV has shows like Top Chef, Master Chef, and Good Eats available!

Curious what else Tasteologie editor’s would stream while experimenting in the kitchen?

No Reservations

Everyday Italian

Man V. Food

America’s Test Kitchen

I’m notorious for carrying my beloved 5D mkII relatively unprotected in just about any purse that will fit it… So long as the stitching seems like it can take the weight. And when placed carefully in my messenger bag with laptop and a ton of other gear… well, maybe there are some flip flops buffering the bottom in that hand carry. And i’ve said for years now that i should get some foam and sew up a perfect little insert/sleeve for it! That being said, i’m always on the look out for a sleek solution that doesn’t add more bulk than necessary. And i just stumbled across Ona’s the Roma tonight, and i must admit i’m quite intrigued. Need to go do some measuring to see how it will do with my set up… but it’s looking pretty good!

Here’s what they say: “Let the Roma camera insert transform your favorite non-camera bag into a protective space for your gear. While the Roma won’t replace your carry-it-all camera bag, its the perfect solution for light trips and shoots where only your camera and a lens are needed. But that’s not all. The Roma also has five exterior pockets that’ll help keep your stuff organized. A camera insert that’s also a bag organizer; quite the twofer if we do say so ourselves. Handcrafted with premium Waxwear. Leather side handles for easy removal from your bag.” Dimensions: 10.5”L X 7”H X 4”D. See more pics on the next page!

This sponsored post is brought to you by Samsung Electronics America and the Apps available on Samsung Smart TVs - content is mine, and they are enabling me to do my thing! Thanks, Samsung!

TVs really are like artwork in the house these days ~ when it takes up so much visual real estate in a room, bar, etc, you really can’t leave it off as a big black screen of nothingness! So the big question is, what do you leave on? And with so many apps and channels and dvd collections and everything these days, i’ve been bouncing the idea around with friends about what we’d possibly leave on in the background streaming while people were over and not actually focused on the TV… which things look pretty and interesting enough to glance at now and then… things you don’t necessarily need to be full engrossed in to have moments of enjoyment from… and yet, you could also plop down on the couch and lose yourself in them if that bored and trying to survive the holidays? So, we’ve pulled together a rather random smattering of films and shows that came up, as well as some apps that help you get the job done too! Check out our list on the next page!

The Incredibles
Ratatouille
UP

YouTube App

It Happened One Night
La Dolce Vita
To Catch a Thief

Netflix App

Moon
The Story of the Weeping Camel
Inception

Blockbuster App

Planet Earth
Tiger: Spy In the Jungle
Life

CinemaNow App

The Fifth Element
Blade Runner
The Princess Bride

Hulu Plus App

And you can never go wrong with any Bond flicks or futurama! 007 Full James Bond Collection
Futurama Complete Set - in a Bender Head!

“This sponsored post is brought to you by Samsung Electronics America - content is mine, and they are enabling me to do my thing! The amount and types of Apps available on Samsung Smart TVs vary depending on TV Technology and Model. Make sure to check www.samsung.com/apps to see a complete list of apps available on Samsung Smart TVs and which apps are available on specific models. The views expressed here are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Samsung Electronics or its partners.”

It’s holiday season here at NOTCOT, and we’re doing our annual Gift Guides, Coupons and Giveaways! Just our little way of giving a big hug to awesome brands and readers as we close out 2010!

UPDATE: Congrats to Justin in Highlands Ranch, CO and Leor in Ontario, Canada!

NOTCOT Holiday Giveaway #19 is here ~ and today our friends at the web comic, Diesel Sweeties, are giving two lucky readers a pixelated makeover of sorts with two bundles! Bundle One is all about Pixel Skulls - a pair of Pixel Skull Shot Glasses, a classy Pixel Skull Tie, and some Pixel Skull Socks ~ perfect for a day at the office? Or a night out? Bundle Two is all about the Red Robot - a Red Robot Army Tote Bag, a flaming Red Robot Tie, and some Red Robot Socks! For the peek at all of Bundle Two’s goodies, check out the pic on the next page (as well as a coupon!) So the question now is… which are you?

For a chance to win leave a comment by midnight on Dec 16th (PST) ~ telling me about whether you’re a Pixel Skull kind of kid or a Red Roboter… and why!

Bundle Two = a Red Robot Army Tote Bag, Red Robot Tie, and Red Robot Socks!

For a chance to win, Bundle One’s Pixel Skulls - a pair of Pixel Skull Shot Glasses, a classy Pixel Skull Tie, and some Pixel Skull Socks or Bundle Two’s Red Robots - a Red Robot Army Tote Bag, Red Robot Tie, and Red Robot Socks from Diesel Sweeties, leave a comment by midnight on Dec 16th (PST) ~ telling me about whether you’re a Pixel Skull kind of kid or a Red Roboter… and why!

And check out the rest of our 2010 Gift Guides, Coupons and Giveaways! Happy Holidays!

p.s. For your shopping pleasure:

Amazing. I’m literally in complete awe as i write this post, under the glow of the Kraken Lamp, while sipping some Kraken Rum on ice. There’s just something too awesome about great things feeding and inspiring each other ~ in this case Kraken Rum coupled with incredible design studio, Dead As We Know It, and launching quite possibly the coolest product line yet! The product line is lustworthy on its own… but still noteworthy, when’s the last time a Rum inspired you to redecorate? Rum inspired housewares, art work, and wearables? Even handkerchiefs for the dandiest fellow on your gift list… Take a peek at some of my favorites from the new Kraken Rum Store on the next page… and i can’t wait to see what else the Kraken will inspire in all of us!

Here’s opening box 1 of 2 boxes and a tube that arrived… got to love the touch of a handwritten note!

Inside the box ~ tote, notebooks, shirts, handkerchiefs, and shower curtain ~ in the other box - LAMP! and in the poster tube ~ the prints! Seriously, they went all out on the quality of each of the items, and the printing is just beautiful! Shirts are American Apparel 50/25/25s… prints are on the nicest, thick hand made paper…

Ultimate gift for just about anyone this season? Limited Edition Kraken Gift Kit The unique set includes a long sleeve shirt (available in S, M, L or XL), Kraken scroll poster, genuine Kraken tooth, the famously amusing and informative book, and a DVD of Kraken stories! All items are packaged in a unique Kraken-print box… and for your other gifts, you can even wrap them in the Kraken Gift Wrap!

How can i not be giddy when my favorite rum goes into Housewares?!?! Kraken Shower Curtain and Desk Lamp - Beyond the black and white goodness, there’s something so fun about spinning the lamp shade between a Kraken watching your every move… and seeing his skeletal system glowing back at you…

Famous Kraken Battle Hankies come in two options - Kraken vs The Night of the 1000 Piranhas and Kraken vs Robert McCrae

Kraken Tote Bag ~ groceries just got instantly more exciting.

Release The Kraken Tee

Ok, i don’t usually bring up prices here on NOTCOT, but i’m surprised they only priced these posters at $13 each! They are on such incredibly lovely paper, complete with hand torn looking edges… and not at all tiny at 24”x11”. Here are the Kraken Internal System and Outer Shell posters

Kraken Size Chart Tee

For all the Kraken inspires… Kraken Moleskine

Kraken Long Sleeve Tee

A classic framed on my wall the last year… Kraken Size Chart Poster and The Evolution of the Kraken Poster

And just so we don’t forget… seeing as these products are quite awesome on their own… these are all inspired by one of the most delicious (and definitely the BEST packaged) rums! Kraken Rum!!!

It’s holiday season here at NOTCOT, and we’re doing our annual Gift Guides, Coupons and Giveaways! Just our little way of giving a big hug to awesome brands and readers as we close out 2010!

UPDATE: Congrats to Jeremy in Alexandria, VA!

NOTCOT Holiday Giveaway #18 is here ~ and today our friends from Hard Graft are giving one lucky reader: a Phone Fold Wallet! So many luscious feeling wool felt/leather goods for your phones, laptops, ebook readers and more… these guys are still one of my favorites by far! Currently lusting after their new pocket phone case that just came out too!

For a chance to win, leave a comment by midnight on Dec 15th (PST) ~ sharing what you love about your phone?(aka why it deserves such an awesome case!)

Is molecular gastronomy ready to go main stream? Tucked in the rear of the new Marina del Rey Jamaica Bay Inn on Mother’s Beach (where we were quickly warned not to go in the water!) ~ there is a newly opened restaurant, Vu. With the look of an all-american restaurant in a business hotel perched on the marina, it is so well lit, we felt no shame in grabbing a camera for a few food snap shots! My friend kept joking that if we were going to do the molecular gastronomy thing, we may need to go for burgers after… but the dishes here were far more filling than we expected! With deep fried grits, pork belly, bacon powder, collard green fluid gel, goat cheese hush puppies, micro cilantro/arugula/basil, aerated cream cheese, apple roe, sweet tea poached lamb, chicken fried watermelon, coffee-glazed cous cous, and more… it’s a fascinating experiment to taste! Chef Kyle Schutte has crafted quite the mix of comfort foods and local socal deliciousness! See some of the dishes we tried on the next page… and here are the Vu menus.

And just because i’d feel remiss not to share this… i wasn’t feeling the 3 cocktails we tried… and our chicken was unfortunately raw in the center of the drumstick, but Chef Schutte kindly came out to apologize, and brought us some of the deliciously dense home made (air free!) mint ice cream! The must tries if you find your way to Vu ~ definitely the Lamb Lollis and the Chicken Fried Watermelon… also the Pork belly strangely reminded us of jelly donuts for some reason, and they were less intense if you try it with just Root Beer Jelly on Crispy Grits! You can also see some of Chef Kyle Schutte creations.

It’s holiday season here at NOTCOT, and we’re doing our annual Gift Guides, Coupons and Giveaways! Just our little way of giving a big hug to awesome brands and readers as we close out 2010!

UPDATE: Congrats to Sara in San Antonio, TX!

NOTCOT Holiday Giveaway #17 is here ~ and today our friends from Fred are once again giving one lucky reader: a SUPER FUN Fred Pack containing: Handlebar wine opener, Ninjabread Men Cookie Cutters, Beat It! Drumstick Chopsticks, Tea Cupcakes Silicone Molds, Equal Measure Cup, Salt & Peeper, Brain Freeze Ice Molds, Birds on a Wire paperclips, M-Cups Matryoshka Measuring Cups, and Flora Silicone Spoon and Spatula. Phew* that’s some bundle they’ve put together to really brighten up your kitchen! And of course, it is all as functional as it is fun! See details on the next pic!!!

For a chance to win, leave a comment by midnight on Dec 14th (PST) ~ sharing something fun to make all the commenters to come after you smile!

Handlebar wine opener

Ninjabread Men Cookie Cutters

Beat It! Drumstick Chopsticks

Tea Cupcakes Silicone Molds

Equal Measure Cup

Salt & Peeper

Brain Freeze Ice Molds

Birds on a Wire paperclips

M-Cups Matryoshka Measuring Cups

Flora Silicone Spoon and Spatula

For a chance to win a Fred Pack containing: Handlebar wine opener, Ninjabread Men Cookie Cutters, Beat It! Drumstick Chopsticks, Tea Cupcakes Silicone Molds, Equal Measure Cup, Salt & Peeper, Brain Freeze Ice Molds, Birds on a Wire paperclips, M-Cups Matryoshka Measuring Cups, and Flora Silicone Spoon and Spatula. , leave a comment by midnight on Dec 14th (PST) ~ sharing something fun to make all the commenters to come after you smile!

And check out the rest of our 2010 Gift Guides, Coupons and Giveaways! Happy Holidays!

On beautiful holiday editions, Perrier Jouët’s Dandy Champagne Bag is stunning! It’s a “lavish leather bag containing a bottle of Perrier Jouët Fleur de Champagne, two glasses and a notebook on the art of drinking champagne,” along with two hats and two artistic flutes from ad hoc Borsalino. It is a limited series of 40 for the whole world! The bag is made by leatherwork designer, Isaac Reina, and is numbered and signed. The details are just lovely! The Dandy’s Champagne Notebook by David Piper has illustration by Kareem Ilya, who did the Perrier Jouët’s Dandy Ball paintings which are absolutely gorgeous! See more details of this new Holiday 2010 Perrier Jouët’s Dandy Champagne Bag on the next page!

Gift Guide time! In addition to the NOTCOT Holiday Coupons and the many Holiday Giveaways that will be unfolding daily… Today, we’re going GREEN at home, in gorgeous and unexpected ways as sponsored by Starbucks who is celebrating their 12 Days of Sharing with us, all around NOTCOT.org! Ready for the green gift guide? Check out the next page!

Litill Terrariums - http://www.notcot.com/archives/2010/10/litill-ltd-terrariums-at-er-bu.php

Suck UK Flower Grenade - just toss/break and water!
Common Studio’s Holiday SeedBomb Pack - complete with wooden slingshot to help distribute the bombs to those hard to reach areas!

Woolly Pocket’s Wally One Indoor+Outdoor Living Wall
mcdowells air plant hanging pot

Authentics Pflanzsack - in various sizes, these are ready to go for anything from a little flower on your desk, to a huge house plant!

Planters from Walter
Pascal Charmolu & Born In Sweden’s Watering Can

Authentics Pflanztasche

Wooly Pocket Modular Gardens

Thelermont Hupton’s Off the Wall Mini Plant Pot

Swedish Garden Tools
Greenbo’s Railing/Balcony Planter

Where will your next adventure take you? Get carried away with this gorgeous roundup from Notventures. To find out more about each destination, click on its image.

It’s holiday season here at NOTCOT, and we’re doing our annual Gift Guides, Coupons and Giveaways! Just our little way of giving a big hug to awesome brands and readers as we close out 2010!

UPDATE: Congrats to Katie in Sydney!

NOTCOT Holiday Giveaway #16 is here ~ and today our friends from Fitzsu are giving one lucky reader: a Boomerang Wok and an Alea 16 pc. Stone Trivet! Though this wok and playfully unexpected trivet set fit perfectly with our Kitchen Theme today, don’t forget to check out all the other amazing designer goodies for just about anyone in your life over at Fitzsu too!

For a chance to win, leave a comment by midnight on Dec 13th (PST) ~ sharing what you imagine making in this magical WOK!

Gift Guide time! In addition to the NOTCOT Holiday Coupons and the many Holiday Giveaways that will be unfolding daily… today is a Gift Guide for the Kitchen! as sponsored by Starbucks who is celebrating their 12 Days of Sharing with us by hiding fun goodies, all over NOTCOT.org! Ready for a bunch of fun product picks to surprise anyone’s culinary side? See the next page!

flexi grilling wire
Smoking Gun

Pie Maker
Sous Vide Supreme Water Oven

Merchant4 Teak Kitchen Goods - lovely ice cream scoop, measuring cups, spice bowls and more!

Click for art Tea Cups & Saucers - the whole series are a beautiful work of art!

Magisso Cake Cutter and Server
Zyliss Cake Slicer

Hario Woodneck Coffee Drip Pot
Bodum Santos Stovetop Vacuum Coffee Maker
Hario Cold Water Coffee Dripper

cupcake stands
Ichendorf’s Double Walled Oil/Vinegar carafe

fusion brands foodpod
Multi Purpose Kitchen Tool The Homo Sapien A sandstone multipurpose kitchen tool
standing rice scoop

On fun birthday surprises, this gorgeous gift box of The Macallan 18 arrived earlier, and there is something so dazzling about it i can’t stop staring. Especially alongside the Absolut Glimmer, sparkly is definitely going around this season. Also the 2D 3D cube patterns… like the Samsung Tweet Wraps! Well this gift box is mesmerizing, between the various shades of purple and silver, embossed and matte, the pretty little ribbon pull tab and built in card, who wouldn’t smile receiving one? A few fun snap shots of the real thing on the next page!

It’s holiday season here at NOTCOT, and we’re doing our annual Gift Guides, Coupons and Giveaways! Just our little way of giving a big hug to awesome brands and readers as we close out 2010!

UPDATE: Wow, these guys really went all around the world! Congrats to Ken in Seattle, WA, Maria in Doral, FL, Tara in Seattle, WA, Iva in Slovenia, Antoana in Kent, UK, Jennifer in Vienna, VA, Gabriele in Richmond, Canada, Eugene in San Francisco, CA, Shane in Cedar Rapids, IA, and Pei-Yun in Singapore.

NOTCOT Holiday Giveaway #15 is here ~ and today our friends from Dead Zebra Inc. are giving 10 lucky readers: a Special Limited Edition Holiday Android! I couldn’t think of a more special giveaway to do on my birthday for you guys! It’s absolutely adorable! Snowdroid? See a few more peeks of him on the next page!

For a chance to win, leave a comment by midnight on Dec 12th (PST) ~ sharing something about your love of snow - or android! - or both!

How adorable is that little carrot nose?

And if you want to see what the adorable androids looked like before this limited winter edition…

And here are a few peeks from when i unboxed the first series!

(glow guy was definitely my favorite!)

For a chance to win a Special Limited Edition Holiday Android from Dead Zebra, leave a comment by midnight on Dec 12th (PST) ~ sharing something about your love of snow - or android! - or both!

And check out the rest of our 2010 Gift Guides, Coupons and Giveaways! Happy Holidays!

p.s. For your shopping pleasure:

Gift Guide time! In addition to the NOTCOT Holiday Coupons and the many Holiday Giveaways that will be unfolding daily… and this week’s are sponsored by Starbucks who is celebrating their 12 Days of Sharing with us, hiding fun goodies, which are popping out from behind NOTCOT.org posts!

As for today’s theme, i always do a birthday wishlist of randomness i’ve been loving/craving on the 8th! So here we go… a little of this, a little of that ~ a bunch of stuff that’s caught my eye lately!

Globe Trotter Centenary Collection

Mercedes-Benz AMG Driving Academy Advanced Winter Sporting Course in Arjeplog

Logitech Driving Force GT Racing Wheel
Gran Turismo 5
Racing Playseat

The Macallan Masters of Photography Albert Watson Edition - the prints are absolutely mind blowing, and having had a chance to taste this special master’s blend while in Scotland, it is quite possibly my favorite ~ ever ~ even compared to the Sherry Oak 18!

Audioengine A5 Speakers Audioengine Subwoofer

Freitag Reference Collection Overnight Bag Medium

Colorware Macbook Air - would love to have my Air be a soft touch super stealthy black…

Louboutin Miss Fast Ankle Boots

Logitech Alert 750e Outdoor Master Security System with Night Vision
Logitech Alert 700i Indoor HD-quality Security Camera

Pressed Juicery

The holidays are upon us! Here are some delicious treats over at Tasteologie and Liqurious this week!

Thanks to the Gilt Man team for sponsoring this post and bringing me out to NY to play in the warehouse!

First i showed you sneak peek at Love Moschino post… and as promised, here’s the peek inside the warehouse… where we can get a look at where all our Gilt goodies live and what they go through before they get to us! From the cages, endless shelves, and racks of product… it truly made my head spin! Seeing it ALL there, they aren’t messing around, when the products sell out instantly, they really are only selling exactly what is right in this space! And when your waitlist spot suddenly finds that one more dress for you? Sometimes they really found another one hiding in here! Sometimes they convince the designer to sell a few more… Even saw baskets of orders waiting to go out… racks of dresses for sales yet to come… stacks of boxes being assembled waiting for that inevitable noon sale rush! It’s a trip, and so fun to see behind our simple interaction of see the site, order some stuff, and ding dong package arrives! So here’s a peek inside the world of Gilt Groupe… we’ll start at the Park Ave office and work out way out to the Brooklyn Navy Yard Warehouse on the next page!

First stop: Gilt’s beautiful old NY styled Park ave office… right after their all hands meeting announcing that Gilt Man will be launching an FULL PRICE store! Yes, a non-sale store to further grow the Gilt Man/Gilt MANual lifestyle…

Read in to it how you will that this very strategic and carefully (quickly!) grown company has a large chess set in its entrance…

… and of course fun fashion imagery in the waiting area!

Next stop, we hop a car across the bridge to the Brooklyn Navy Yard ~ extra gritty on a dreary day, they are positioned right next to the B&H Warehouse… so tempting to go see what was in THERE too!

And up to suite 601 we go… this shot is for anyone else who ever wondered why their Gilt packages always came saying Mercedes on the return label ~ that’s the people who run the distribution…

… in we go behind the big security guarded door…

There’s something fun about their minty/forest green walls…

We peek into the offices, then back out on the floor…

Right to the “special” shoe closet ~ anything over a few hundred dollars specially bought or saved to be reused on shoots gets locked in here. Swoon

These are the less pricey counterparts waiting for shoots!

… and for the men…

… the jewelry that get’s locked up for accessorizing on shoots!

Prepped shoots are organized and ready to go…

Everything is organized in these cages! From props to products, it’s all in here, and everything has its place.

I loved seeing the prop furniture… in a cage… in front of a wall of shoes.

Trovata coats waiting for a sale date!

And then a SEA of clothes literally waiting for you to snatch them up when the clock strikes 12… noon… on the given sale date!

Endless rows of shoes waiting for sale…

Tops and more…

Even MORE clothes…

There was a definite eerie fascination wandering the stacks… so curious what treasures lie hidden in the many boxes.

Then the BOXING! Once they pull your order together, it comes to the boxing station…

… where they fold and package up your order in those signature printed boxes… dropping in the little faux handwritten note and all…

AND OFF THEY GO! To end up at your doorstep in no time!

And as you saw in the sneak peek at Love Moschino post… here’s another shoot in progress…

In another part of the warehouse, there’s a Home shoot being set up for bedding… but they are ready for anything with fireplace sets, xmas trees, the works!

Love that there’s even some fun art that has snuck on to the columns!

Curious where your calls go when you contact customer service? To these guys!

Being pretty far out in the navy yard, they have a festive lunch room with catered meals! Love that they mix up their caterers as much as their freelancers, always keeping things fresh, Adorable that they even have hand written menus! It really feels lie a fun family of a crew in the warehouse, and so much creativity and fast paced organized chaos surrounding you at all times!

And just for security, upon exit from the warehouse, everyone has to press the button… and it randomly decides whether you get searched! So no stealing goodies out of the warehouse… unless you’re feeling really lucky i suppose…..

phew are you as exhausted as i am? It was quite the trip seeing where my Gilt Groupe packages come from… and what it all goes through before it gets to me!

It’s holiday season here at NOTCOT, and we’re doing our annual Gift Guides, Coupons and Giveaways! Just our little way of giving a big hug to awesome brands and readers as we close out 2010!

UPDATE: Congrats to Mary in SF!

NOTCOT Holiday Giveaway #14 is here ~ and today our friends from Stacks are giving one lucky reader: 3 boards (SOS, Red Knight, Reese Balance S)! And whether you’re a skater, a future skater, or just someone who appreciates gorgeous artwork… these boards will be great to USE, or hang in your office… or as i did with my red knight, turn into a fun Skateboard Swing for all to enjoy! (p.s. fun coupon on next page from Stacks!)

For a chance to win, leave a comment by midnight on Dec 11th (PST) ~ sharing something you loved to do as a kid that you still do now!

For your shopping pleasure:

For a chance to win 3 skateboards from Stacks, leave a comment by midnight on Dec 11th (PST) ~ sharing something you loved to do as a kid that you still do now!

And check out the rest of our 2010 Gift Guides, Coupons and Giveaways! Happy Holidays!

Gift Guide time! In addition to the NOTCOT Holiday Coupons and the many Holiday Giveaways that will be unfolding daily… and today is all about goodies for the HOME! as sponsored by Starbucks who is celebrating their 12 Days of Sharing with us, hiding fun goodies, which are popping out from behind NOTCOT.org posts! NOW ~ on to the Home Gift Guide on the next page!

Swedish bird feeder
dl co book of candles

Cire Trudon Stink Bombs - glass vials you literally smash on the floor to add a beautiful fragrance to the space…

Design Glut Cubic Switchplate Design Glut Jar Tiles

Plumen Light bulbs

Lladro parrot collection

Sqube coffee table

Bent Metal House Numbers
Peephole covers

Here’s the latest post in our Inspiration series! Sponsored by Veer.com ~ we get to have some fun and go image researching across the internet around random themes inspiring us at the moment.. and share what we find! This time i’m all about the red stripey goodness of the season.

I’ve seriously been on a peppermint/candy cane kick since it started getting chilly. On pattern’s that scream HOLIDAYS! to me ~ red and white stripes definitely do it. That and the super delicious limited edition Peppermint Mocha Kahlua that is just divine in hot chocolate on these brisk wintry days (ok fine, so it’s a bit wet and chilly here in LA ~ not snowing or anything)… So when hunting for some visual inspiration, my stomach took me to flickr where i promptly obsessed on smashed candy canes turning into sweet temptations… like peppermint bark! First one to grab me? That awesome pic up there by Erin and Ben… see more tempting inspirations i found on the next page… and even more as i moved on to Veer to see what visual red and white striped goodness i could find (housed in my album here!).

Linus Ekenstam’s Peppermint Rock Meringue Recipe

Debbie R’s gingerbread peppermint cuppies

Nicole Vaughn’s Peppermint Bark

Go Dutch Baby shows off how you make Peppermint Bark

Ok i struggled for about 5 seconds on this one. I know, its been a heavily sponsored, brand happy holiday season. Between actual awesome sponsors supporting what we do here ~ and the many many giveaways and gift guides in progress… and Samsung is in fact one of (not to play favorites) our very awesome sponsors once again this season. But all of that aside, this was just awesome, and were it for any other random brand, i’d be posting it. So here it is!

Appropriately i found out about this little internet toy on Twitter ~ Samsung’s Boosted is bringing us all some Tweet Wrap ~ wrapping paper you can customize with your tweets (or any search you want) ~ and they will actually SEND you your wrapping paper ~ Free! (You can also order more, pay for speedy delivery, etc). Beyond the concept, the site and UI is fun, playful, colorful, and all around holiday happiness… besides, 8 bit video game styling and fun optical illusion filled textures can’t go wrong… so since there were only 65 of the 3000 free rolls when i just tried it, had to share. And screenshots of the nice UI on the next page.

UPDATE: Here’s how it looks in real life!

It’s holiday season here at NOTCOT, and we’re doing our annual Gift Guides, Coupons and Giveaways! Just our little way of giving a big hug to awesome brands and readers as we close out 2010!

UPDATE: Congrats to Carla in Vancouver, Francis in the Philippines, Mooni in SF, Rafidah in Brunei, David in the Philippines, Dylan in Oklahoma City, Jacob in Birmingham, AL, and Tommy in San Gabriel, CA.

NOTCOT Holiday Giveaway #13 is here ~ and today our friends from Incase are giving 8 lucky winners: a bundle of cases from the Perforated Collection! Here’s how it breaks down - we have 5 sets of iPhone 4 Perforated Snap Cases in black, purple, and white - and 3 sets of iPhone 4 Perforated Snap Cases in black and white and an iPad Perforated Snap Case in White.

For a chance to win, leave a comment by midnight on Dec 10th (PST) (Totally random, but when i stare at these cases, i can’t help but thinking about panning for gold.) So for a chance to win, share what treasures you hope to sift out of 2011 in the comments! Also #iPad in the comment if you’re an iPadder ~ and i’ll assume you either have an iPhone 4 or want some cases for a friend if you’re entering in general!

iPhone 4 Perforated Snap Cases

Here’s what we have 5 bundles of to give away!

iPad Perforated Snap Case

Here’s what we have 3 bundles of to give away!

Love the way you can poke at the case through the packaging…

For a chance to win, leave a comment by midnight on Dec 10th (PST) (Totally random, but when i stare at these cases, i can’t help but thinking about panning for gold.) So for a chance to win, share what treasures you hope to sift out of 2011 in the comments! Also #iPad in the comment if you’re an iPadder ~ i’ll assume you either have an iPhone 4 or want some cases for a friend if you’re entering!

And check out the rest of our 2010 Gift Guides, Coupons and Giveaways! Happy Holidays!

p.s. For your shopping pleasure:

NOTCOT.org Roundup time! It continually blows my mind daily how together we’ve all found so much inspiration constantly! Can you believe its been doing its thing since 2006??? As for today’s look at the last week of inspiration ~ click the pics to find out more!

Last week the world of Gilt Man let me behind the scenes in their Brooklyn warehouse to sneak peek tomorrow’s sales in the making! This may well be one of the coolest posts i’ve ever been sponsored to do! Broken up into two parts, today i’m excited to give you a peek at one of TOMORROW’s sales… jumped in behind the Love Moschino sale… so on the next page you can see how these sales come to be ~ from product to model to retouchers to the screen ~ to YOU! I’ll fill you in along the way on how unique their shooting process is as well! See it all on the next page!

Arriving at the warehouse door… (more to come on the warehouse itself tomorrow!)

This was one of about 10 shoots simultaneously happening ~ some are still life (shoes! jewelry! bedding!) others were women’s ~ even steaks were being prepped… Each shoot has their own styling/makeup set up, and most of their stylists are full time (not so easy to have someone just drop in and know what’s available in the prop rooms and closets in a moment’s notice! It is like flash styling on set.) The Photographers and Models are all freelance though, and none can work more than 2 days a week ~ the idea being that 2 days you get the perfect amount of work out of them (without burning out or getting restless), keep the site look and feel fresh, and the inspiration they come back with having other gigs (around the world as well as the city!) help take things to the next level in the Gilt world!

These shoots go FAST, like lightning fast… like when you look away the model is in a new outfit already! All equipment is Gilt owned ~ every photographer comes in and shoots tethered 5D MKII ~ the consistency is key with so much change. And see the racks below? Everything is for this one Love Moschino shoot, and they will go through all of that in a few MINUTES per outfit.

As she steams and preps the clothes…

… they are shooting away!

… quick styling in between shots!

… while the photographer and his team and going through pics to make sure they have the 3 shots they need. Front, back, detail…

… once he gets the shot and all is good, move on! This is a detail shot in the making…

Images from the shoot are uploaded to the main server, and by that night, they are ready for the retouchers!

This is the retouching cave ~ just like each shoot is ONE photographer and ONE model ~ there is ONE retoucher who will be responsible for each sale. Again, have to admire the visual consistency that comes through their process…

As the final images are ready to go, the merchandising team compares images to the ACTUAL clothes, just to make sure there are no discrepancies…

… and off to the site they go! To taunt and tease us all until the site launches!

And TOMORROW, we can finally see how those shots came out at the Gilt Man Love Moschino Sale!

As mind blowing as this internet paced 24/7 shooting schedule (they have shoots going almost constantly - a day and night shift!) what is even more fascinating is that they seldom know which sales will run certainly until 2 weeks in advance… shoots are happening almost exactly a week before actual sales go live… there is no room for error, and yet Gilt Groupe still manages to keep an impressive visual quality through the whole site and all of the sales. Yes, they have poked and prodded at EVERY piece being sold IN PERSON! And having watched it all in action, it suddenly all makes sense why often their shots are even better than the manufacturer’s pics! Anyhow, the adventure will continue tomorrow in a second post sharing my adventures running around the warehouse finding out where our packages come from after we order on Gilt Groupe !

It’s holiday season here at NOTCOT, and we’re doing our annual Gift Guides, Coupons and Giveaways! Just our little way of giving a big hug to awesome brands and readers as we close out 2010!

UPDATE: Congrats to our 6 winners who have been emailed!

NOTCOT Holiday Giveaway #11 and #12 are here ~ and today our friends from Delight and Gent Supply Co.! They are giving 6 lucky readers: $50 Gift Certificates! (3 for Delight and 3 for Gent!) Delight and its sister (brother?) store Gent Supply Co, are some of my favorites for mail delivered gifting, they always come so beautifully wrapped, and have a little something for everyone! The gift cards will let our 6 lucky winners treat themselves, or find presents for friends! Take a peek at the coupons on the next page as well!

For a chance to win one of the 3 Delight gift certificates, leave a comment by midnight on Dec 10th (PST) ~ with #DELIGHT sharing something ladylike you’ve done this year.

For a chance to win one of the 3 Gent Supply Co. gift certificates, leave a comment by midnight on Dec 10th (PST) ~ with #GENTS sharing something manly/gentlemanly you’ve done this year.

For your shopping pleasure:

For a chance to win one of the 3 Delight gift certificates, leave a comment by midnight on Dec 10th (PST) ~ with #DELIGHT sharing something ladylike you’ve done this year.

For a chance to win one of the 3 Gent Supply Co. gift certificates, leave a comment by midnight on Dec 10th (PST) ~ with #GENTS sharing something manly/gentlemanly you’ve done this year.

And check out the rest of our 2010 Gift Guides, Coupons and Giveaways! Happy Holidays!

Gift Guide time! In addition to the NOTCOT Holiday Coupons and the many Holiday Giveaways that will be unfolding daily… and today we’re looking at TOYS! And fun things for big kids and little kids… This gift guide is sponsored by Starbucks who is celebrating their 12 Days of Sharing with us; hiding fun goodies, which are popping out from behind NOTCOT.org posts! Now ~ on to the gift guide picks on the next page!

Wood sapling teethers
w+k abc onesies
Skiphop dunks

fred xyz blocks
Animal Areaware wooden boxes
wooden knight/horse chess set

NERF Stampede Automatic Heavy Blaster

Tegu blocks
land of nod ~ kids wooden mixer set
Android toys

colored bucky balls
War Planes
Ardone

Auditorium Toy Co. Boattail Racer

Snowball slinger
Bird Mobile
Transport mobile

It’s holiday season here at NOTCOT, and we’re doing our annual Gift Guides, Coupons and Giveaways! Just our little way of giving a big hug to awesome brands and readers as we close out 2010!

UPDATE: Congrats to Thomas in Berlin, Germany!

NOTCOT Holiday Giveaway #10 is here ~ and today our friends from Maker SHED are giving one lucky reader: a copy of Cooking For Geeks, a Bomb Defuser Leatherman, and a $200 Gift Card! Maker SHED is the awesome shop from the folks behind the magazine, Make, and it is so full of kits and books and toys even the least electronics savvy kid can be caught up in no time ~ as well as lots of arduino goodness for your craziest ideas! So for our winner, we’ve decided to get you going with the amazing cookbook and the bomb defusing micro tool… and a generous gift certificate to indulge your inner Maker, whatever level you may be! Take a peek at some of my favorite pics from the Maker SHED on the next page, as well as a coupon!

For a chance to win, leave a comment by midnight on Dec 9th (PST) ~ sharing the geekiest name for a recipe you can think of!

Here’s a collage of some things i’d love to play with from the Maker SHED!

For a chance to win a copy of Cooking For Geeks, a Bomb Defuser Leatherman, and a $200 Gift Card from Maker SHED, leave a comment by midnight on Dec 9th (PST) ~ sharing the geekiest name for a recipe you can think of!

And check out the rest of our 2010 Gift Guides, Coupons and Giveaways! Happy Holidays!

p.s. For your shopping pleasure:

This is Part II of Justine’s LAX-LHR contribution to Operation Window Seat ~ Part I was the Tiny Planes! Now it’s a look at the stunningly snowy winter edition as she flew into the VERY snow covered UK. It’s really so amazing to see the patterns cut so crisply into the white snow, layered with the fluffy clouds! Check it all out on the next page!

Here’s a look at the adorable packaging of Fearless Chocolates ~ to be fair, the elephant logo and the actual bite taken out of the chocolate when you unwrap it have won me over. Cute graphic details too! See all the packaging details on the next page ~ including a gold badge/sticker thing!

It’s holiday season here at NOTCOT, and we’re doing our annual Gift Guides, Coupons and Giveaways! Just our little way of giving a big hug to awesome brands and readers as we close out 2010!

UPDATE: Congrats to Ayla in Ottowa, Anneke in London, and Tim in Queensland!

NOTCOT Holiday Giveaway #9 is here ~ and today our friends from Suck UK are giving 3 lucky readers: a box of Xmas Declarations! “Deck the halls with light explosives”. No one is suggesting you do that. Our set of 6 plastic Christmas decorations merely serves as a subtle reminder, during times of celebration, of those less fortunate. And also noteworthy, when a pack is purchased, a donation is made to Ctrl.Alt.Shift’s fight against global conflict. Ctrl.Alt.Shift is an experimental initiative - a new generation of individuals striving for social justice and global change. Using creative media such as photography, film, stories, illustrations and music, it aims to give a voice to the silent majority.” I have adored the way that Suck UK has found cheeky, brilliantly designed ways to help people think a little differently while having fun. This giveaway is a great one to help keep things in perspective while celebrating the holidays!

For a chance to win, leave a comment by midnight on Dec 8th (PST) ~ sharing something you think you take for granted!

Aussie company,Knog, is one of my favorite bike accessories companies to watch, and i’m not at all a bike person, but i love watching what they are up to ~ beautifully designed products, playful photography ~ and their latest line of Bike Locks do not disappoint. Functional with a fun use of silicone to top it all off ~ gorgeous color choices ~ and so many options. Take a peek at some of it on the next page. LOVE the pic of one even holding up a CAR!

Plan your escape this weekend with a few inspirations from Notventures. To find out more about each destination, click on its image.

Gift Guide time! In addition to the NOTCOT Holiday Coupons and the many Holiday Giveaways that will be unfolding daily… this one is focused on PHOTOGRAPHY! as sponsored by Starbucks who is celebrating their 12 Days of Sharing with us, hiding fun goodies, which are popping out from behind NOTCOT.org posts! So, if you’re ready to see my Photography focused gift guide picks ~ check out the next page!

la cie mosKEYto
Camerahead Necklace
lomo sprocket rocket

Camera Phone Mini lenses - SO much fun to use!
Lomography Mini Cameras Keychains
photo paddles

Leica D-Lux 5 - a gorgeous accessory - and stunning colors in the pics!
Canon 60D - the perfect camera to step up to after the Rebel, before leaping to the 5D MKII
Pentax Optio W90 - drop it, shock it, freeze it heat it, dunk it. It can handle it!

Incase Ari Marcopoulos Camera Bag - gorgeous alternative to your usual camera bag look - and fits an ipad too! Crumpler Sinking Barge Bag
Timbuk2 Snoop Camera Messenger Bag - fully removable camera insert

It’s holiday season here at NOTCOT, and we’re doing our annual Gift Guides, Coupons and Giveaways! Just our little way of giving a big hug to awesome brands and readers as we close out 2010!

UPDATE: Congrats to Roel in Portland, OR and Sharon in Kirkland, Quebec!

NOTCOT Holiday Giveaway #8 is here ~ and today our friends from Triple Aught Design are giving 2 lucky readers: the set of an Artemis Hoodie (ladies), a Fast Pack Lite Speed Backpack and a Special Service Sweater (men)!

You probably remember Triple Aught Design as TAD Gear from the super awesome Patrick Ma of Rocketworld - with the bad ass Insurgent Wilderness Gruppo creatures in vinyl and more! They have taken on this incredible understated hyperfunctional chic style that is worn by everyone from special ops teams to… well, designers like us? The quality of materials and attention to detail in the design and build of their products is absolutely incredible! So, i’m really excited to be sharing these brand new products with you! The Fast Pack Lite Speed Backpack JUST launched today! Check out all the details and close ups on the next page!

For a chance to win, leave a comment by midnight on Dec 7th (PST) ~ sharing your awesomest 2010 adventure!

Fast Pack Lite Speed Backpack Details: The FAST Pack Litespeed is a lightweight, nimble and versatile day pack that keeps essential gear handy for urban EDC, day hike, or travel use.

Exterior PALS webbing provides endless modular customization possibilities with MOLLE-compatible pouches, making the FAST Pack Litespeed a top choice for those who need to organize their gear in a streamlined format that allows them to move fast.

The FAST Pack Litespeed is based on the highly rugged design of the FAST Pack EDC, the legendary larger volume pack preferred by special operations forces and wilderness explorers alike

Special Service Sweater: We adopted the traditionally slim fit to maintain a sleek profile that’s ideal for layering, but integrated a full front zipper with mockneck collar so that this sweater also functions as a stylishly warm outer piece. Knit from heavy, premium grade Australian Merino, our sweater’s textile is finer, softer, more insulating, and more breathable than traditional wool. The fibers themselves are flame resistant and retain minimal odor.

Artemis Hoodie: Made with premium grade Australian Merino wool, this textile is finer, softer, more insulating and more breathable than traditional wool. Our urban styled zip-up easily transitions to outdoor use, regulating temperature and retaining low odor during high levels of activity. Integrated thumb holes help keep your hands warm while in motion when using pockets is impractical. Body-contoured fit to flatter curves.

For a chance to win an Artemis Hoodie (ladies), a Fast Pack Lite Speed Backpack and a Special Service Sweater (men’s) from Triple Aught Design, leave a comment by midnight on Dec 7th (PST) ~ sharing your awesomest 2010 adventure!

And check out the rest of our 2010 Gift Guides, Coupons and Giveaways! Happy Holidays!

Gift Guide time! In addition to the NOTCOT Holiday Coupons and the many Holiday Giveaways that will be unfolding daily… today’s gift guide is all about deliciousness (that you can order and have surprise someone at their doorstep)!!! It’d hard for anyone to turn down delectable delights ~ especially when they are this beautiful or surprising! (You won’t believe some of the flavors!!!) See it all on the next page…

Bacon Marmalade - http://thehungrysoutherner.com/2010/07/19/southern-review-bacon-marmalade/
Vosges Bacon Chocolate Chip Pancake Mix
Bacon and Eggs Caviar from the California Caviar Company

K Chocolatier - Scotch/Vodka Balls
Compartes Black Collection - features 4 distinct flavors: Macallan Single-Malt Scotch aged 15 years, Imported Black Truffle mushrooms from Italy, Japanese Black Sesame + Wasabi and Black Guinness Stout Beer.

Mari’s NY - Holiday Cheer Brownies! Cranberry Cognac and Sugar & Spice
Zoe’s Chocolates - hand made all natural candy canes!

Vosges Limited Edition Holiday Collection - Mascarpone and Ceylon Cinnamon Snap - Plum Pudding - Peppermint Candy Cane - Eggnog and Jamaican Rum. YUM!

Schokoleim Hazelnut Glue
Waffles and Dinges!
Talenti Gelato e Sorbetto

Tell Tale Society

Basiltops Pesto - delicious basil that comes in easy serve/save pouches! I recommend the Pesto Roma and Pesto Diavola ~ delicious! Image from GlideMagazine.com

The posts are looking delicious on Tasteologie and the drinks at Liqurious are quite literally on fire! To find out more about these posts click on their individual links.

Justine seems to be taking over my Operation Window Seat addiction… and is taking it to a whole new level. Armed with her new Canon 60D, on her LAX home to LHR flight, she has started taking some amazing TINY PLANE SPOTTING pics! Found these in my dropbox shortly after she got home. You have to see how incredibly tiny they look! Then let yourself imagine how many people are in there! They are pretty amazing, almost surreal, and i swear i didn’t photoshop them in! So very fascinatingly tiny, check them out on the next page!

Woohoo! Gift Guide time! In addition to the NOTCOT Holiday Coupons and the many Holiday Giveaways that will be unfolding daily… Here’s one of my favorite random ones of an unexpected mix of goodies for the creatives in your life! Ready to see the picks? Check out the gift guide on the next page!

Naef Tectus
The Quick Brown Fox Jumps over the Lazy Dog: Typeface Memory Game

Typography Tshirt
tiny chair necklaces
twitter follow me stockings

Futurama Box Set
Pagecues - Bookmarking meets dioramas
magnetic putty

Best Made Co Axe in an Axe Sling
Dark Fin Gloves

Fiskars Cuts & MORE Scissors
Electronic Spy Camera Shirt - The trigger even has vibration feedback for stealthy shots…
OMHU Cane/Walking Stick

This sponsored post is brought to you by Samsung Electronics America - content is mine, and they are enabling me to do my thing! The amount and types of Apps available on Samsung Smart TVs vary depending on TV Technology and Model. Make sure to check www.samsung.com/apps to see a complete list of apps available on Samsung Smart TVs and which apps are available on specific models. The views expressed here are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Samsung Electronics or its partners.

So i’m currently at Gramercy Park Hotel - actually just popped down 14 floors to their gym you see in the pic up there! Working out on the go is a challenge ~ and i’ve been ending up in a lot of conversations lately on how technology has helped/evolved the way we work out and find regularity in our schedules, especially while on the go ~ as well as many discussions about how apps and the internet on our TVs are changing our interactions in the living room. Combine the two, and when posed with a chance to explore the new Samsung TV Apps, it seemed only natural to see what’s available these days that can change the way we exercise. From literally using fitness apps, to streaming workout videos/dvds on youtube and netflix ~ from blasting pandora tunes to skypeing a trainer or a friend to work out with from just about ANYWHERE… take a peek at what i found!

YouTube App - I think it’s safe to say you can find just about anything on YouTube ~ and that definitely cuts both good and bad. I won’t deny i found some freaky workout-like videos… but i also found a lot of pretty awesome ones showing you quick workouts, technique, and just about anything you can look for.

Netflix App - stream workout DVDs instantly on the TV! You can probably keep mixing up workouts for a while with their selection ~ and the ones you start on the TV - you can continue while on the road streaming to your laptop too!

Pandora App - allowing you to play music to fit your tastes - the same system you love on your computer, phones, etc now playing out of your TV! Fun way to find the perfect workout playlist without getting bored!

Skype App - There’s something magical about how easily you can really connect with someone from afar now! Whether you skype a far away trainer or work out alnogside your best friend half way around the globe ~ the personal motivation you need can be right on screen!

Here are some of the Workout Apps currently available - Power Breathing - Yoga Helper - Six Pack Pro - Do Squats

Lots of options, right? And i bet things will get even more interesting as people keep hacking up things like the Kinect ~ or as our phones and tvs and laptops talk more easily ~ or as we…. well, who knows! It’s fascinating to see how the user experiences evolve with all of this new tech!

It’s holiday season here at NOTCOT, and we’re doing our annual Gift Guides, Coupons and Giveaways! Just our little way of giving a big hug to awesome brands and readers as we close out 2010!

UPDATE: Congrats to Roxanne in Corpus Christi,TX and Meghan in Tacoma, WA!

NOTCOT Holiday Giveaway #7 is here ~ and today our friends from Normann Copenhagen are giving two lucky readers: a Large Norm 69 Lamp!

For a chance to win, leave a comment by midnight on Dec 5th (PST) ~ sharing what lights up your life.

p.s. feel free to peek at some special coupons on the next page too!

And check out the rest of our 2010 Gift Guides, Coupons and Giveaways! Happy Holidays!

p.s. For your shopping pleasure:

On fun new sponsorships ~ Starbucks is celebrating their 12 Days of Sharing advent calendar like holiday event on NOTCOT.org with fun hidden surprises popping up each day around the site! Click on them to find out more ~ and see if you spot them all over the next 12 days! Every day will be a little different!

Here’s a peek at the Starbucks page ~ super cute design with the advent calendar style windows to open each day!