5 new reasons to love CB2

CB2, Crate & Barrel's version of IKEA, sits almost on the border of SOHO and Chinatown in New York. It's the sort of store that you enter, needing nothing yet buying $100 worth of stuff.  Like their big sister chain, Crate & Barrel, they send out catalogs and have a cool website but like most things, it's always better in person.  Was in there last week and fell in love with 5 new cool things, adding to the growing reason to keep this store on your radar.

Super cool ceramic lanterns start at 19.95.

Small space dwellers rejoice!  The max mandarin ottoman pulls open to a twin bed.  Guess there is room for that crazy college friend to visit after all. $499

For those lucky folks looking to spruce up their outdoor spaces, the new twin side tables pack a punch at $59 for a set.

And how ADORABLE are these planters?  Equally adorable? Their sale price of $10.95. 

Bill Blass said, "When in doubt, wear red."  I think the same is true in the home.  A hit of red adds a bit of "oomph" to an interior.  (Not to mention extra storage).

I know.. .we've all "seen the tubs".. in Pottery Barn, Target, Crate & Barrel.. blah blah.  This one hits my design fancy and at $24, seems like a nice replacement to the Coleman cooler for future picnics. 

Side Note:

Last night I attended Blue Note's Jazz Benefit for Japan night and was blown away by the talent that performed. The event was extended for performances tonight too.  GO!  To be able to see heavy hitters like Madeleine Peyroux, Karrin Allyson, Sonny Fortune (played with Miles!), Janis Siegel, Regina Carter, Paquito D'Rivera, etc. for a mere $45 was amazing. Hearing Renee Fleming sing Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah was worth the price of admission alone.  With CNN reporting death tolls reaching 14,000 and radiation still at dangerous levels, the Japanese need us.  

I heart NYC, Jazz and Japan. 

Live large, 

Frances