On things disguised as other things… while at Belcampo Butcher Shop in Santa Monica, i came across these faux-cigars (in wood box and all) that are 100% Beef Blunts! So of course i had to try one!

They are basically fancy slim-jims? Mini cigar shaped salamis? They are what i imagine our hardcore paleo non-smoking friends will give out at the birth of their kids. take a peek at the details and what’s inside (as well as the lovely Belcampo store!) on the next page.

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Inspiration grid! Click the squares to find out more from NOTCOT.org.

Maison Margiela Anamorphose Collection and the Heritage Solitaire Collection are a nice twist to the classic diamond ring, while maintaining a simple elegance.

As they describe - the Heritage Solitaire is “The non-engagement ring. A bisected diamond whose sparkle reflects the many facets of a union. The break acts as a metaphor for openness and the constancy of time. It could symbolizes love reunited or a romantic milestone. It takes into account the cyclical and irregular nature of love. It might signify revisited love, and could be worn by a man or a woman who likes to move beyond convention and the classical notion of marriage.” It’s an interesting way to visualize being together but separate… two halves of a whole, but not necessarily fully merged into one.

As for the looped twists of the Maison Margiela Anamorphose Collection - “A flexible, infinite circle, bent to adapt to our scale. An anthropomorphic gesture. A random movement quickly becoming stable and a jewel that comes to be defined, understood, engraved in us like a footprint.”

Their descriptions are nearly as lovely as the rings themselves. Take a peek at the details on the next page.

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Happy first day of Spring! Though weirdly it actually got cooler and cloudier here in LA today. Today’s adorable Google Doodles are too cute not to share!

For those in the northern hemisphere…

… and those in the southern hemisphere!

A flat spray perfume magazine insert! You can press it kind of like a perfume bottle for a few sprays. While they have apparently been around since 2010 (at least), when i came across this one in Bazaar, i had to take it apart. Sadly while testing it out, totally sprayed my whole arm and now stink while writing this up. It’s an interesting concept though - instead of the usual peel the page or peel the sample - you pull the tab (watch out it might spray straight up!) and squeeze it! Basically when you pull the tab you expose the hole, and when squeezing you force the air/perfume out. See details on the next page!

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The North Face Homestead Collection grabbed me instantly with the popping faceted, shadowy graphics… which are by 3D illustrator Timothy J. Reynolds. They feel like a modern digi-camo taken to a whole new level… you’d blend right into a vintage video game campsite made of polygons? Somehow the Americans get red, and the UK get green (and their tent comes with the Tentertainment system?!?!) - but both are pretty stunning. Discovering the Homestead Collection on Timothy’s twitter, i had to know more! See the pictures and more details of the collection on the next page!

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Happy St Patrick’s Day! Here’s another roundup of inspiration from NOTCOT.org! Click the squares to find out more.

Mmmmm… a beautiful press kit just arrived from Malfy Gin, a new spirit from Biggar and Leith. Did you know that Gin was invented in Italy - In the 11th Century?!?!?! Italian monks in Salerno infused alcohol with Juniper berries and gin was born. Over the years, my friends tend to fall in the gin lovers and the not-a-fan of gin folks… Hendrick’s was one of the first to start converting the not-a-fan group (myself included)… but Malfy Gin! It’s so… zesty? refreshing? delicious! Beyond the branding and colors that just scream summer - my first sip tasted like summer too! The crisp refreshing lemon filled flavors hit you long before you realize you’re sipping gin.

It brought me right back to being 20 in Cinque Terra. Distracted by glistening ocean views, we hiked up the trail further than we realized without packing water (i blame the last night’s activities)… and luckily came upon an older Italian man tending to his garden, who offered us a huge lemon that he cut up with his pocket knife. In any other situation, i can’t imagine devouring it as easily as we did, and while it was tart, it was incredibly sweet and juicy! That first splash of Malfy Gin on the rocks tasted just like that. Italian Riviera Summer… in a bottle? Honestly, while it looks lovely with a twist - it certainly doesn’t require it!

So back to this delicious new gin… or delightful lemony liquor (for your “non-gin” friends) - “MALFY G.Q.D.I. (Gin di Qualita Distillato in Italia) is distilled by the Vergnano family in Moncalieri, Italy, using a traditional stainless steel vacuum still. Malfy Gin’s is made from 6 botanicals including Juniper (Ginepro in Italian) and lemon sourced from the Italian Coastline,” says Biggar and Leith. I’m fascinated by the story, delighted by the branding (those colors!) and packaging (the stopper is Italian Oak!), and reaching to refill my Malfy on the Rocks as i write this.

Take a peek at all the details on the next page!

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Inspiring me this week! A sampling of links from NOTCOT.org - click the squares to find out more!

Wow - Happy March! Easter is nearly upon us… and with it come a barrage of bunnies, chicks, and chocolate! There are the childhood classics like Cadbury Creme Eggs and the Mini Eggs… and then there are all the other drugstore/supermarket options and variants… as well as all the overly ornate (and often HUGE) chocolate eggs… but i’m most curious about the modern and unique Easter Chocolate options available this year! Much like my Valentine’s Day 2016 Chocolate Gift Guide - while these CAN be gifts, i’m even more interested in the seasonal packaging and product designs! Take a look at how Easter 2016 is looking in the chocolate world on the next page!

p.s. If there are more you find or love that i’m missing - leave a comment!

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Happy LEAP DAY! Hard to believe March is here tomorrow… 2016 is flying by! Here’s another dose of what’s been keeping us inspired and giddy over at NOTCOT.org. Click the squares to find out more.

What’s up with marTINis? Literally martinis in tins… stumbling around the internet last night, i found the adorably packaged martini tin from Continental Delicatessen in Newton, NSW… then hunting for more i found the Fisherman’s Can Martini from Hotel Megaro’s Bar in London. But that’s pretty much it! Have you had any? Take a peek at what i found on the next page - they are both more interesting because they have lovely labels of course too!

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How adorable is this luxurious Wonderboo Premium Dog Food Truck? It’s like a Louis Vuitton inspired Piaggio Ape… and it might be cruising around London now handing out samples!

While the Ape is definitely what pulled me in first - and i can’t seem to decide how i feel about the branding… there’s a very Rodeo Drive, luxe lingerie/jewelry, purse dog vibe going on… it is very consistent and eye catching! From product to logo to concept store to… mini truck and Land Rover Defender! This Swedish luxury dog food brand launched last year and is currently available in Sweden and the UK. (So no luxury taste testing for Bucky quite yet.) They offer Swedish Ox and Swedish Cod flavors, and have recently added food for big dogs and puppies too. Of course they also have Wonderboo Accessories including luxury jewelry (for humans) and leather leashes and collars (for dogs). Take a look at the details on the next page!

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25 squares of inspiration! Another peek at what’s keeping us excited over at NOTCOT.org! Click the squares to find out more!

You know you’re a designer when… watching people unbox something you MADE is even more of a thrill than unboxing incredible packaging and designs? Those following along the last decade already know that i love unboxing great products in great packaging - especially mind blowing press kits! So, NOTCOT has jumped to the other side (again) and we put all that press kit love to work for Nextbit!

Shawn and I are so excited to finally share the Nextbit Robin Press Kits we designed and built! You’ve seen the teasers and making-of post… now see the actual press kit, delivery, and a peek at some of them in the wild! Made of wood, foam, SF Fog paint, and a piece of elastic, these boxes present the stunning phone, sheep mascot vinyl toy (which we unboxed earlier), charger/cable, and sometimes cases to prominent media outlets. The beautiful design and branding of Nexbit set the bar high - just where we like it. Ready to see all the details? To the next page!

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