Life Life Strategies Personalized Protein Powder—and More Clever Items to Upgrade Your Life This Week Upgrade your favorite hobbies and activities with these savvy products that won’t break the bank. Enjoy a speedy cup of espresso with your loved one, knit anywhere at any time with a clever bag for yarn, and feel prepared with a reliable water filter when you’re in the great outdoors. By Leslie Corona Leslie Corona Instagram Website Leslie Corona is the Senior Home Editor at REAL SIMPLE magazine. She has been styling, organizing, writing, and reporting on all things in the home space for a decade. She was previously at Good Housekeeping, HGTV Magazine, and Parents. She has shared her expertise on the TODAY show, Cheddar, and local television news outlets. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Published on April 8, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Gainful.com Waterproof Notebook bespokepost.com $12; bespokepost.com You're probably familiar with the sinking feeling you get when you realize a bottle of water has leaked all over the contents of your bag. Books and notepads—ruined! You don't have to deal with the soggy paper and splotches of ink next time it happens though. This journal is waterproof thanks to its waxed canvas cover and special coated paper. Gemini Espresso Maker store.moma.org $48; store.moma.org Brew java twice as fast with this nifty espresso maker, which has a unique top with spouts for two cups of coffee and it attaches to the traditional bottom chamber. It's extremely efficient for a large family—or just one coffee chugger! Travel Knitting Bag uncommongoods.com $35, uncommongoods.com With the knitting trend that's taken over, you and probably five of your friends have taken up the hobby. Take it on the go with a carry-all that hangs from your lower arm while you knit. It can hold two to three balls of yarn in the main compartment and all the teeny tiny accessories in a front pocket. We especially love that the bag is made in the U.S. from a blend of cotton and recycled plastic. Personalized Protein Powder gainful.com From $45; gainful.com The world of protein powders and shakes can be very overwhelming, and it's not one-size-fits-all, which means there may be lots of trial and error until you get it just right. Gainful is proving this doesn't have to be the case. They offer personalized mixes based on a quiz you take, and it offers 19 to 27 grams of protein based on the goals you entered. Plus, the powders are flavorless so you can add them to anything you'd like or add one of their nine flavor boosts. Personal Water Filter lifestraw.com $20; lifestraw.com Going camping? Keep this water-filtering straw on hand. It removes 99.9 percent of bacteria, parasites, and microplastics, plus any dirt or sand. The filter lasts up to 1,000 gallons, or enough water for one person over five years. Fortunately, it has an unlimited shelf life, so you know it'll never need replacing once it's in your emergency kit. Desk Accessories Organizer ikea.com $13; ikea.com Consider this your kid's portable homework station. The carrying case has pockets for pens, scissors, notepads, headphones, and more. Because it's only 12 inches wide and 8 inches deep, it won't eat up the entire work surface. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit