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Our fancy imaginary beach house today is well matched to a few elegant items: Bathing Suit – Love this sleek gray suit with leaf detail at the neck. Stationary – Classic Crane’s notes with a sailboat design. I had a set of these in ivory once. Tunic – In crisp white from Steven Alan. Lamp…

Our third beach house this week is also the fanciest. This little gem is set right on Seal Beach. Note: the pane windows, shingles, cypress tree and rope fence.

Life at our imaginary lighthouse beach home is nautical, wordly and relaxed: Bikini – A dash of hippie flair in green and white ikat. Ship – It is a lighthouse with a long nautical history, after all. Tunic – In beaded yellow from Bluefly. Bracelet – Leather and a hamsa charm. Book – Virginia Woolf’s…

Today’s beach house is farther down on the coast from yesterday’s. Pigeon Point Lighthouse has been converted into a hostel but still operates for the Coast Guard, protecting ships from the rocky coast. It is surrounded on both sides by small farms. You can stay there anytime for $23/night, but remember to book your time…

And a few goodies to go with our Guadeloupe beach house: Bikini – If we can afford this imaginary beach house, we can also likely afford a $300 Prada bikini, on sale. Books – Lots of Steinbeck. Sweater – A cardigan to wear with your best bikini. Candle – Williams-Sonoma olive oil candle. Tea Pot…

Our first beach house of the week: The Guadeloupe! This adorable little 1911 casa is in Moss Beach, two blocks up from the coast. Please note: the beach stone wall, love in the mist blooming on the path, the stained glass door, tea roses on the archway and a granny unit above the garage.

Rob and I seem to be kicking off the summer by spending a lot of time down in Half Moon Bay. We biked to Point Montara lighthouse, spent a short week with the family at Moss Beach and this weekend rode down to Pescadero. If only all these lovely rough beaches and wildflower covered bluffs…

Cooking on vacation is so pleasant. None of the rush that comes with everyday cooking after work. This classic, light salad is just right as part of a lunch spent watching whales and pelicans migrate. Insalata CapreseTwo of the best tomatoesFresh mozzarella (the kind packaged in water)Fresh basilOlive oil1 clove of fresh garlicPepperOnion salt Pour…

We returned from Moss Beach late last night. What a perfect little break. Reading, soaking in the hot tub, walks, guacamole, hermit crabs, al pastor, whales, bowling, artichokes, puzzles…all the good things that come with a Northern California beach trip. I’ve barely returned and already have plans to go to LA tomorrow and then back…

My sister and her fiancé arrive tonight. We’re going for Sichuan with Margaret before picking them up from the airport. The rest of the week will be devoted to fun in the city and wedding planning. And then next week, we’re with the family at a rental beach house near Half Moon Bay. (Being Northern…