What Brené Brown Can’t Live Without

I swim or workout outside in Houston daily, so I wash my hair every single day. This brush is so good at smoothing and straightening without damaging my hair. I keep one in my bathroom, one in my suitcase, and one at the gym. I’ve been using them for so long, the handles are perfectly worn on the edges.

I am a sparkling water connoisseur. I can identify all of the major brands in a blind taste test. No joke. If you like serious bubbles, nothing is better than Topo Chico. It has the best bubble ratio of all the waters. I think I drank my first one in San Antonio at a small taqueria. They come in a couple of different flavors, but I like the original. Try it with some guacamole and street tacos, and thank me later.

I’m a Texas girl. I was raised believing, “The higher the hair, the closer to God.” I reluctantly let go of my big ’80s hair, but I still love hair spray. This one is medium hold so your hair can move, but it keeps the body and style. One word of advice though — Kérastase makes another one that’s also in a purple can and that one is “mall bangs” hard-core. Look for the Laque Couture.

You know that feeling when you’re using something that’s just made really well, and it makes everything easier? I’ve probably collected over 15 different pieces from this bakeware line, and they’re all great. It’s the easy button of bakeware. Nothing sticks, and cleanup is fast.

It’s hard to stay dewy and fresh-faced when you travel as much as I do. This has changed everything and replaced a drawer full of creams. It’s all I use now. It’s expensive, but you just use five drops in the morning and five drops at night. The trick is to press it in. Don’t forget to press it in.

I was voted the least likely to ever have a backpack, but if you travel a lot, this one will change your life. The best way to minimize stress when traveling is “mise en place” — a place for everything and everything in its place. I carry my 15-inch laptop in one of those fancy zipped TSA-approved sleeves, my iPad Plus, wallet, two hardcover books, a big Ziploc bag of my healthy snacks, two cases for my glasses, a magazine or two, my journal, my ear pods, and all of my pens and pencils. It has a great compartment for my phone and waterproof side pockets for a water bottle or umbrella. And it has a sleeve on the back that fits over the handle of my carry-on. I’ve had it for years and never worn it on my back. I even put a small purse in it for running around once I’m on the ground somewhere. I’ve converted everyone at work!

I’ve tried all the carry-ons, and this one just does the trick. It’s easy to pack and has two useful zip pockets on the outside. I’m not an expert packer, but I can easily take three or four outfits. And, it actually broke after three years, and they fixed it for free. I have the navy Tumi backpack, and it looks great with the slate blue suitcase. Just make sure you buy AWD. You want all the wheels on the same team.

Everyone in my family uses these at home, and I always travel with one. They’re Apple approved, and you can’t beat the long cord in those funky hotels that don’t have outlets close to the bed.

The only thing better than receiving flowers is sending flowers, and this company is my favorite. Gorgeous flowers that miraculously come arranged and ready to go, right out of the box. I love the burlap bouquets. Beautiful flowers, organic arrangement, and a little bit of down-home style.