Life Life Strategies 6 Clever Items to Simplify Your Life Real Simple’s mission, through its 21 years, has been to simplify your life with smart finds like these. Between a multi-tasking oven mitt and accessibility-friendly shoelaces, these products are sure to solve more than a few of your daily problems. By Brandi Broxson Brandi Broxson Instagram Twitter Website Brandi is an editor and writer with more than 15 years in the magazine and newspaper world. She was with Real Simple for nearly seven years and oversaw personal finance, pets, product testing, and career content. She ideated the magazine's first money issue in 2019 and created two virtual money summits which drew thousands of attendees. Brandi was a longtime editor of Real Simple's popular Clever Items franchise and tested hundreds, if not thousands, of products during her time at the brand. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Published on February 18, 2021 Share Tweet Pin Email 01 of 06 Little Sipper courtesy $6, amazon.com Grimy nooks, ridges, and grooves are no match for this drinkware cleaning set, with two brushes for straws, a curved one for lids, and a nib for the tiniest crevices. 02 of 06 Double Oven Mitt+ courtesy $24, kuhnrikonshop.com These silicone-trimmed mitts have a snap-on quilted panel to protect arms from a bubbling casserole. When it’s time to serve, detach the panel and use it as a trivet. 03 of 06 MyQ Smart Garage Control courtesy $30, amazon.com This device lets you control, secure, and monitor your garage door from your smartphone. You can share access with visitors and enable Key by Amazon for in-garage delivery. 04 of 06 Braun 3-in-1 No Touch Thermometer courtesy $65, target.com In just two seconds, this thermometer glows green for a normal temperature, yellow for slightly high, and red for a fever. It even tests food and bathwater. 05 of 06 The DooLoop courtesy $10, amazon.com Attach this colorful loop to Fido’s leash and use it to hold the bag after he does his business…until you get to a trash can. 06 of 06 The Original Stretchlace Elastic Shoelaces courtesy $10, amazon.com These stretchy laces turn any shoe into a slip-on. The elasticity helps kids and people with limited mobility tie shoes more easily. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit