We discovered a few products to make your life easier

Looking for something new to perk up your table or home or make your life easier? Here are products that caught our eye at the recent International Home + Housewares Show in Chicago.

FiestaIf you love Fiesta for its nostalgia value, America's Diner Bistro Collection hits a home run this year. The two patterns - a band of checks or lines - work well with your classic Fiesta, says The Homer Laughlin China Company. Like many products these days, the idea is you can buy one piece - say the dinner plate - and change or update the look of your service. The six colors are chocolate, turquoise, scarlet, cobalt, cinnabar and black. Of course, mugs, cups, bowls and smaller plates will also be available, and you'll find them in stores this week. The new Fiesta color this year is paprika, an orangy red that should be available in June.Write onDo you have "discussions" with your spouse over how long you've had a pitcher of milk or exactly what is in that container? ASA Selection is a German company with a solution. You write on their blackboard-looking part of the shiny white containers, then wash it off with a sponge when the basil dies and you decide to plant cilantro. A planter is $14.95, a milk container $19.95 and a pitcher $17.95. Bowls with lids are also available for $12.95 to $34.95. The company is planning major U.S. distribution out of Wisconsin.Danish styleKahler's Cammeo containers are a little pricey, but very cool Danish design from a company that's been in business since 1839. The three sizes of shiny white jars with lids and a variety of colorful rubber bands for sealing start at $44.95 for the smallest. They can go in the dishwasher, and you can store food, cosmetics, office supplies or whatever you prefer, said Jean-Luc Bouchard, co-owner of the company. Many of the products are still made in Europe. Bulbino vases are another Kahler product. You can purchase these at the Chicago Architecture Foundation or the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago or at urban-butik.com.Portion controlSlipware fits in with the campaign to train children how to eat correctly. Really sophisticated designs like flowers or graphics are imprinted on melamine plates. There's a size for each part of the meal - largest for vegetables, medium for carbohydrates and small for proteins (but this expands if you're eating "healthy" proteins such as chicken or fish). It's a visual reminder, not a scientific gauge. Four plates are $35. You can pick your style at slimware.com. They can go in the dishwasher, but not the microwave, so porcelain might be next.Take it with youOasis Concepts offers great folding islands for small kitchens or entertaining wherever you need one. The prices range from $150 to $300. While the concept has been around for several years, new designs come out all the time, said Sophia Wong, manager of the company based in Trabuco Canyon, Calif. Oasisconcepts.com.False959691Bulbino vases from Kahler are artistic, functional and available at Chicago Architecture Foundation, Museum of Contemporary Are in Chicago. False