I have long been a coffee aficionado. I abhor the weak cup of coffee that gets brewed in the office coffee pot. Like a chef trying to perfect a recipe, I researched what makes coffee taste the way it does, and how to replicate it.

I discovered that there are some insane people who who will spend thousands of dollars to make sure that their cup is perfect. I am not one of those people.

Enter the AreoPress. A $25 inverse french press that packs up for travel, makes an amazing cup every time, and is easy to use. It allows me to make small adjustments each time so that I can hone in on my favorite taste. There are annual AreoPress coffee competitions, and it has a dedicated following. Using a product that has a tribe behind it means that any question you have can be answered quickly, and by someone who is happy to help. There are few products out there like that – and when you find one that is useful, jump behind it!

The Xshot tripod mount iPhone case allows you to attach your iPhone to any tripod in portrait or landscape.

I use it for timelapse videos, self portrait shots, group shots (with me in them!) and more. I have dropped my phone many times, and it has always protected it. The company will even send you more adapter pieces so you can leave them on your tripods if you have more than two.

It comes with a mini tripod that can cling on to poles, rocks, and other surfaces with its bendy legs and rubber feet.

This is a Leatherman that is worth carrying around. With pliers, a serrated knife, a bottle opener, and interchangeable screwdriver heads it is useful everyday. It is the lightest Leatherman, and I no longer notice it in my pocket. From opening boxes, to fixing everyday objects (loose knobs, leaky faucet, etc) I buy them in 3 packs so that when I misplace one, I never have to go without.

I also got the bit expansion pack which gave me many other screwdriver heads and an extension, but find that I never use it – the large and small phillips and flat head that come with it are great. Get it here.