We’ve tried it all: flash cards, lists and even the Fifty Nifty song. And finally, we’ve figured out what it takes to memorize the 50 states: cheese.

AHeirloom, a Brooklyn-based husband and wife team, has created the state series cutting and cheese boards. Made from butcher-block bamboo plywood (plyboo), the boards, each one in the shape of a state, are available in amber and a natural light tone. They’re continually adding to the series so if your favourite state isn’t yet there, requests are accommodated.

No word if that includes provinces.

US$38 at Etsy.

Before serving the meal at your next dinner party, ask your guests to take a number.

A numbered seat, that is.

Designed by Dade Art and Design Lab, the sleek elm chairs are numbered 1 through 10 and are available as a set ($3,000) or individually ($380). Great conversation starters, they can also offer amusement if the dinner conversation is a little dry—switch numbers everyone!

And if handsome guest number 2 pulls out your chair and pours the wine, it could be your lucky number. 

Dade Art and Design Lab, 1327 Ninth Ave. SE, Calgary, 403-454-0243, www.dadeartanddesignlab.com

Yes we reduce, reuse and recycle—but sometimes loading up can be green, too.

Riva’s Eco Store new Inglewood space has fabulous collections, like adorable pillows by K Studio and mini speakers by OrigAudio ($19.99). And we’ve already stocked up on water-based nail polish by Acquarelle ($18, pictured) and pretty tops by Stewart and Brown.

Too much of a green thing? Never.

Riva’s Eco Store, 1237 Ninth Ave. SE, Calgary, 403-452-1001, www.rivasecostore.com

Nursery decals getting you down?

Art school graduate and mother of two Sarah Edmonds hand draws a delightful Canadian menagerie, like water birds, northern animals or ocean creatures, and has them screen printed as limited edition posters.

The graphic shapes and fun scientific facts will delight your toddler, and the news that they fit a $20 IKEA frame will delight you.

Now that's some smart art.

From US$50 at www.banquetworkshop.com

We love French cookware company Le Creuset because its cast iron wares are indestructible and oh-so-pretty.

It boasts over 70 cool colours like Elysee yellow, Cherry red and its just-launched Cassis, a regal shade of purple that’s right on point with fall fashion. Collect the entire enameled set including the Round French Oven (from $255) and Iron Handle Skillet ($175), or mix and match with classic hues like Kiwi or Dijon.

Now our kitchen will be aflame with colour (as opposed to actual flames, we hope).

For retail locations, click here.

An online store becomes a bricks-and-mortar shop? Now that's as backwards as a Dr. Seuss book.

But it's true: Ashley York the website is now Ashley York the store, new to The Pier on Bowen Island B.C. The best selling clothes and accessories are made by moms, such as the rough-edged denim "guy ties" ($19). We loved the albino sock monkeys, baby balls made from vintage fabrics and the polka dot Australian splat mats for under the highchair.

Not goin' to Bowen? There's even more available online.

Ashley York, The Pier at Bowen Island, 604-947-2200, www.shopashleyyork.com

After appearing on tennis courts in 1933, the green crocodile has been sported on the courts, off the courts, and everywhere in between.

Now the company behind the classic tennis tee has brought that laidback feel of sportswear to the bedroom with the Lacoste Home Collection. Choose from a handful of different sets, each one inspired by the bright colours and modern styles of Lacoste’s ready-to-wear collections. The duvet sets start at $200 for twin ($250 for queen) and can be paired with solid twill sheets (from $70) and a croco-knit throw ($110). Finish off the bedroom with a classic crocodile print cushion (from $70).

Love all, indeed.


Lacoste Home Collection at The Bay.

We're definitely not a smother mother, but neither are we a slummy mummy.

Perhaps that's why we're drawn again and again to the gorgeous wares at Nonchalant Mom.

We can attest personally to the loveliness of the pillows and delicate angel wings of Atsuko et Akiko and are lusting for their new sparkly masks and dressups.

We also love the Fleamarket section for its vintage toddler spoons and forks.

Which we will so nonchalantly integrate into our carefully curated collection of original Beatrix Potter bowls and Birks silver cups… not that we care, or anything.

www.nonchalantmom.com

We asked Frank Turco, Senior Manager, Trend and Design, Home Depot Canada, for ideas on simple ways to update our pads this summer. Herewith, his five tips on how to go from drab to fab with easy projects that can be done in one day max.

1. Change up your kitchen by pulling off the cabinet doors for an open storage look. For added punch, apply a sheet of bright wallpaper or a bold paint colour to the inside of the cupboard.

2. Have fun with your staircase by adding a new finial to the banister. Go bold with a glass globe or change up a modern setting with a rustic pick.

3. Boring bathroom? Add glass mosaic or textured wallpaper to one of the bathroom walls. Turco recommends spicing up the wall behind the toilet as it’s often overlooked.

4. Shine up old furniture with a high-gloss gold spray paint or the easy-to-use stainless steel paint Rust-Oleum.

5. If you’re a condo dweller, make your concrete-floor balcony more inviting by placing weather-resistant Enviro-Tiles made from recycled rubber tires (18”x 18”, $8.99 each).

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Who’s the Cleverest Mommy of all?

When you find yourself leaving the house having forgotten to look in the mirror, it’s handy to have one in the nursery. This pretty butterfly looking glass is lightweight, a cinch to hang, and a bargain at just $45.

Just don’t let it remind you your roots are down to your ears.

At Urban Barn nationwide, www.urbanbarn.com