Zara sandals, $39.90

If I didn’t already purchase a pair of blue sandals in anticipation of summer, I’d definitely be adding these to my wardrobe. They’re the most irresistible shade of sapphire. 

Is there anything more summery than this resort look? Even if you’re not jetsetting this year, CB2’s Acapulco chair and this swimsuit by Mara Hoffman turn the smallest backyard into a sanctuary (add an umbrella drink and a kiddie pool for good measure).

We haven’t planned a 2013 seaside escape yet, but that’s not stopping me from dreaming of a new swimsuit in a pretty shade of cerulean. I’ve got my eye on this strapless, scarf-print version from J.Crew (and these yellow shorts to go with it).

Shop It: J.Crew tulle underwire // Miu Miu bow bandeau // J.Crew striped halter // Norma Kamali halter // Violet Lake bikini top and bottom // Tory Burch bikini top and bottom // J.Crew one-shoulder // J.Crew scarf print // J.Crew bikni top and bottom // J.Crew scalloped tank

Weekend Snapshots:

1. A fallen leaf makes for a pretty color combo in the pool
2. Sipping on a Singapore Sling - it’s time for classic cocktails to make a comeback
3. A waxy bottle cap from New Glarus’ Wisconsin Belgian Red - there’s over a pound of cherries in each bottle and I’m sure it would make an excellent float with vanilla ice cream
4. We went to see Ted on Friday night. It wasn’t very good. If you watched the trailer, then you saw all of the funny scenes.
5. Friday afternoon floating in the pool - we were the only two there for hours

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Weekend Snapshots:

1. A couple of my favorite baubles
2. Downtown Madison
3. Wisconsin pennants decorate the ceiling of The Old Fashioned
4. Celebrating Independence Day a few days early
5. A food truck near the state capitol
6. Escaping the blistering heat

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Weekend Snapshots:

1. Obsessed with my new shoes
2. Rediscovering an old favorite
3. Dining al fresco
4. Kicking off the weekend
5. Another relaxing afternoon at the pool
6. Wonderfully bright earrings

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I only feel svelte enough for a bikini about 10% of the time and that’s only when the conditions are optimal: I ate well, exercised that week and kept away from the cocktails. For the other 90%, I rely on a one-piece suit with strategically placed ruching. This year, I’ve grown tired of my blend-into-the-background black suit and am looking for something much more vibrant.

1. Arrowhead Ikat Tank, J.Crew, $98
2. Prickly Pear Tank, J.Crew, $82
3. One-Shoulder Tank, J.Crew, $150
4. Leopard-Print Suit, Diane von Furstenberg, $110
5. Garden Floral Tank, J.Crew, $92
6. Polka Dot Tank, J.Crew, $86

Weekend Snapshots:

1. Poolside shades
2. Nearly clear skies
3. A perfect morning for coffee on the patio
4. Evening drinks with friends
5. Pairing a mint necklace with a green dress
6. Dipping my toes in the water

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Making infused vodka had been on our summer to-do list for over a year and I’m not really sure why we dawdled for so long. (Maybe I’m just too impatient for a cocktail?) It was incredibly easy and well worth the wait.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Fill a large Mason jar with your berry of choice (other fruits and peppers will also work). Make sure it’s ripe and take off any part of the fruit you wouldn’t normally eat (pits, stems, etc.).
2. Add vodka (or gin or clear rum or whatever else your heart desires). We used Tito’s vodka.
3. Seal it and stick it in the fridge for a couple of weeks. We shook ours every few days to mix it.
4. Give it a taste. If you like the intensity, strain it and store in the fridge.
5. Enjoy!

We kept it simple and mixed our concoction with 7Up. The lemon-lime soda added sweetness to the infused vodka without overshadowing the strawberry flavor. Next up: Blackberry vodka? Jalapeno tequila? Cherry rum?