Christine
Summer has just begun and a new brand (new to me, that is) has captured my heart in the form of three straps and a two-layer sole — Teva. My Teva sport sandals are rugged, sturdy and up for any challenge a summer can throw at you. So far, my Tevas and I traveled to a rural wine festival in Martinsburg, WV, while visiting great friends. Soon after, we trucked through the terrain of Burgettstown, PA, to see Coldplay at the Post-Gazette Pavilion. Alright, so neither one of these events were quite the hard core activity that the Teva normally endures. The sandal originated from and revolves around nature and active involvement in a variety of heart-pounding outdoor activities. I am up to the challenge of the brand — there is much of the summer left to do my new favorite sandals proud.

Matt
With longer days, the opportunity to get outside and grill is a welcome change. And what better way to enjoy the outdoors than to smell the terrific aroma of sizzling steak coated with fresh ground pepper and a coating of Tony Chachere's Original Creole Seasoning. The packaging may be a little corny, but it's what's inside that really counts. Besides red meat, this seasoning adds a little "zing" to your chicken, pork and fish with no added MSG. One of my favorite uses is to mix this, along with A1 (a close second summer brand) and a healthy dose of garlic powder in some quality ground beef for some awesome hamburgers. And don't forget about the cold beverage to balance out the spatula.

Susie
The clay-caked tennis togs from the French Open have been discarded for Wimbledon tennis whites. It is six days until the start of my favorite summer brand — Wimbledon. Wimbledon is the oldest tennis tournament in the world and is considered by many to be the most prestigious. The traditions, which include a strict white-only dress code for the competitors, eating strawberries and cream and playing on grass at the All England Club in the London suburb of Wimbledon, make this summer brand elegant and stylish. In a break from tradition in 2006, the officials and ball boys and girls were outfitted in navy blue and cream uniforms designed by American Ralph Lauren.

So, this year, Wimbledon will be played in the shadow of last year's final round between Nadal and Federer, which some call the greatest match of all time.

Paul
I love to cook. I love the creative challenge and the pleasure of providing enjoyment with simple ingredients and a little technique. I have a couple brands that I use in my "signature" summer dishes, but I use those brands year round too. So in choosing a favorite summer brand, I need to stretch the rules a bit.

Although Pittsburgh markets have an abundance of specialty brands, the pure, unfiltered version of my favorite brand is found here in limited quantity even in the summer months. In my dad's old picnic table that I converted into an herb garden, my favorite summer brand helps me to grow the basil, cilantro and Italian parsley plants that anchor those signature dishes. It gives me abundant plum tomatoes and vegetables and makes it much easier — and more fun — to cook well. My favorite summer brand? Il sole. The sun.

Lori
After a morning full of coffee and afternoon downing water, at the end of the long work day I look forward to a relaxing evening that begins with the perfect summer cocktail. A vodka and tonic is one of the most refreshing summertime drinks and it is the perfect mix of my two favorite summer brands: Absolut Citron and Schweppes tonic water.

The key to my recipe is keeping your Absolut Citron in the freezer so it thickens up just a bit. First, take your favorite drinking vessel — mine is a heavy six-ounce cocktail glass — and run a slice of lime around the rim. Then, add the vodka to your taste, three to four ice cubes, and two slices of lime. Top with tonic water and garnish with a sprig of lemon verbena. Sit back, sip and relax (preferably in the garden). Cheers!

Megan
It's opening day at my community pool and I arrive insecure and pale. I reach into my bag and the music begins to play. "Bain de Soleil for the St. Tropez tan." Since I am of a certain age, it's no wonder I have a huge affinity for this brand. I'll never forget their advertising campaign in the '80s featuring the exotic model in the black bikini with the impossible tan and glass of white wine. Who didn't want to be the Bain de Soleil woman? And I love the brand's addicting indulgence — the metal tube, the exotic sent, the luxurious orange gelée. Even though I now lather up with SPF 70, Bain de Soleil will always be my barometer of tanning chic.