COTE DE TEXAS: Architectural Digest Does Twilight!

Architectural Digest Does Twilight!

 

I confessed to you several months ago HERE about my obsession with all things Twilight.  In case you have been living under a rock, Twilight is the hugely popular series of teen books and movies about vampires and first love.  Trust me, I’m not the only middle-aged mother with this vampire obsession.  After my official confession,  I received tons of emails (well, more than a few)  from other readers confessing the same addiction to cute, hunky vampire teenagers, especially those played by actor Robert Pattinson or RPattz, as he is affectionately known.  After my big confession, I thought I would never have the opportunity to write about anything Twilight again.  I mean, after all, how much does Twilight have to do with interior design?  Well, a lot, it appears – just ask Margaret Russell.

 

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Who couldn’t love this face?  The smexy vampire star of Twilight, Robert Pattinson, or RPattz. Google Robert Pattinson and you get over 11 million hits.  Google RPattz and you get 300,000. 

 

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Houses in movies are often built on soundstages.  Twilight’s contemporary Cullen house was built on this Canadian soundstage for the third movie, Eclipse.  For the fourth and fifth movies, this same house is currently being totally rebuilt on a Baton Rouge soundstage.  This house is a copy of one built in Washington by Jeff Kovel who designed it for Nike Executive John Hoke.     The first movie was filmed in the actual house.  Hoke was thrilled to lend his house for the movie, even though all his furniture and possessions were removed and replaced. 

 

Currently, the fourth and fifth Twilight movies are being simultaneously filmed on locations in Baton Rouge, Louisiana (so close!), Canada, and Brazil.   These last two movies deal with Edward and Bella’s marriage and the subsequent birth of their half-breed daughter Reneesme.  Don’t ask. The newly wed vampire couple honeymoon on their privately owned island, Isle Esme, off the coast of Brazil.  The filming of their long awaited honeymoon took place just a few weeks ago in Rio and also at a beautiful secluded beach house in Brazil.  I had planned to write all about this beach house and even spent a weekend researching other beach houses in South America to beef up the story,  but ended up shelving the idea entirely, thinking the house wasn’t THAT great.   So, imagine my shock when I opened up the new January issue of Architectural Digest with a huge spread dedicated to this same Twilight beach house!   BTW, this is Margaret Russell’s debut issue. Do you think she included the Twilight beach house just for my benefit so that I would favorably critique her first issue?  Hmmmm.   The plot thickens.

 

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The beach house featured in this month’s Architectural Digest is located on a secluded bay in Brazil.  The only way to reach this house is by boat or helicopter.  The producers of Twilight picked this house expressly for its seclusion – the only way to ensure the paparazzi couldn’t take pictures of the filming.

 

 

 

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The Twilight beach house in Brazil is available for rent.  Instructions to the totally isolated locale are included.   The house is reached by boat or helicopter – only.

      

 

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The house was designed by Bernardes and Jacobsen, a  renowned architectural firm that works mainly in South America.   Notice how in this picture the front lawn is green grass.

 

 

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For the new Twilight movie – the grass was removed and replaced with sand.  I think it looks much prettier with the sand!

 

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Despite the secluded area, Paparazzi rented boats and helicopters to take pictures during the filming.  Here, men were spotted replacing the grass with sand.  In Twilight world – no detail is too trivial. 

 

 

 

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The front is a long covered veranda that runs the width of the house.

The South American beach house is owned by a hugely wealthy Brazil businessman who hired the architects to custom build his 11,000 sq. ft. dream house.   In Architectural Digest, he says that everything he asked for was vetoed by the architects.   He wanted the house placed high in the hills but it was built level with the water.  Further, the owner says “Every idea I had in my head about what the house would look like and where it would be located, Bernardes said no to.  He didn’t do a single thing I requested.  But it turned out ten times better than I ever imagined.”    

 

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The house is truly inside/outside.  The huge windows pivot to completely open up the house to the breezes.  It is available for rent and many of the Architectural Digest photographs appear on the rental web site. 

 

 

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The furniture inside is all white slipcovers and seagrass, shells and lanterns. 

 

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A long bridge on the second level connects the left and right side of the house.   Huge painted panels on the second level provide the main color in the house, where the upholstery is mostly all white cotton.

 

 

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Looking the other way, there is a large orange panel on this side of the house.  According to the architect, the house was built on the same principles that local fishermen use to build their wood huts.  Bernardes built the house using huge eucalyptus posts and beams – calling the house a “tree house for adults.”  

 

 

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A view of the second floor bridge that connects the two sides of the house.   The peak of the roof is a window which floods the house with light.

 

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The bedrooms are on the left side, behind the wood shutters. 

 

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On the same porch pictured above, in front of the bedroom shutters, the paparazzi took pictures of the filming – while the stars played a game of chess during their honeymoon. 

 

 

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Later, paparazzi took more pictures when the filming was moved to the beach. 

 

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Here, the chess game is now played on the beach, which leads to a torrid kiss.  Who knew chess could be so romantic?   The two stars, Kristin Stewart and Rob Pattinson actually do date in real life. 

 

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Kristin aka Bella in the beach house, snapped by a paparazzi intruder.

While in Rio,  the paparazzi and thousands of fans followed the filming.  When the crew moved to the beach house, they expected complete privacy, but that was not meant to be.  Most startlingly, a lone paparazzi snuck into the beach house with a camera and caught Kristin walking around in her underwear. There were more photos of  her and Rob laughing and getting dressed in wardrobe.  These pictures were then shown on Brazilian TV and were a bombshell.   The captions read in Portuguese “Actress In Her Panties!!”    Disgusting.    Increased security was immediately instituted in Baton Rouge where the filming has now moved to and will continue until April of next year. 

 

 

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Such a cute couple!   This scene was shot on the streets of Rio during a staged carnival.  When these pictures were released, there were thousands of inquires about the availability of Kristin’s dress.  Sadly, it was said to be a one-shot vintage.   No one enquired about Rob’s clothes, but…….

 

 

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I got the biggest thrill during the filming of this scene showing the honeymooners leaving by boat for Isle Esme – I discovered that their luggage is the same exact set that I own!  I almost died and ran to show Mr. Slippersocks Man who was beyond thrilled.  Not.   But seriously, what are the chances that my luggage would end up in my favorite movie?   It’s an omen.  Of what?  Maybe I need more pieces of luggage???

 

 

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But, without a doubt, the biggest thrill of the entire Brazil photo shoot was this picture, taken by paparazzi of course, of poor Rob’s bathing suit falling down.  How truly awful!!!!!  hehe

 

 

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To rent the beach house, go to its web site, HERE.  To read more about the architects, Bernardes and Jacobsen, which I highly recommend, go HERE.  And to read the story about this beach house, get the January issue of Architectural Digest.  And no, there is no mention of the Twilight connection to the house! 

 

 

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SO, back to business, how is Margaret Russell’s first Architectural  Digest?   I think it’s a great issue, a winner.   First, there seems to be shift to cleaner covers, but otherwise, the layout appears to be the same, with maybe some font size differences.  I’m sure major changes will come later.  Margaret, being the class act that she is, wrote a glowing article about Paige Rense’s legacy.   Margaret is one gracious lady.   How many times does a new editor come on board and nothing is heard of the former one ever again? 

 

 

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Photograph by Derry Moore of the cover story in this month’s Architectural Digest.  Greek Isles go Swedish!

 

Inside there are some gorgeous photographs – they are extra large and plentiful for each article.   There’s a Tim Corrigan Parisian flat, there is Sting’s Tuscany spread, which is to die for.   There is a beautifully photographed house on the Aegean Sea.  Derry Moore took those photos and I hope we continue to see a lot of his work in the future.  There is a wood Zen Californian house, which I didn’t care for, but then there is another Californian house decorated by Windsor Smith!  Windsor in Architectural Digest!!!! That’s a first.  Photos by Erhard Pfeiffer.   There is a fabulously cluttered French penthouse in Manhattan, also photographed by Derry Moore.   Then, there is the Twilight beach house, of course, all ending with yet another Parisian flat.  How many houses is that?   Eight!   Amazing.  I did notice that Margaret has lured writer Mitchell Owens over from Elle Décor.  I’m not sure who else she brought with her. But just the fact that she showed Windsor Smith is a huge step – I’m guessing that the doors will be opened for all kinds of young, fresh talent at Architectural Digest – something that has been lacking for years. 

My final thoughts:    Architectural Digest will have a record year with new subscriptions.   It is chic again and that is all due to Margaret Russell’s touch.   Congratulations Margaret.  The first one is a winner!!!!

 

 

And for Houstonians:

 

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For the first time, six houses in Southampton (my favorite Houston neighborhood!) will be open, one day only, all dressed up in their holiday finery.   Readers will recognize several of the houses on the tour.  One was in Lonny Magazine, April 2010, HERE.  Another was shown a few months ago on this blog – designed by Ashley Goforth HERE.  One house was designed by favorite Randy Powers.   I’ve heard that the house at 1754 Rice is a stunner – absolutely fabulous.   You can get tickets at the doors on that day or email cathyblum@greenwoodking.com to reserve them. 

 

 

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The house on the tour at 1902 Sunset has a long and interesting history.  It was featured in Lonny Magazine this past April.

 

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And, this house on the tour at 2115 Sunset was designed by Ashley Goforth.  Pictures of the house were shown on the blog several months ago.

 

 

And finally:

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Kathryn Ireland’s living room – she reveals what actor Steve Martin said about this room!

 

In other news:  Interior Designer extraordinaire Kathryn Ireland was a guest on the Skirted Roundtable.  Watch for information about when the interview will go online!!!  It’s a good one!!

 

 

44 comments :

  1. What a fun post. The Twi-Mom loved it!

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  2. Whew. Lot of eye candy here! The interiors are great too.
    Thank you for sharing.
    Teresa

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  3. Just when I thought I couldn't love you any more than I already do Joni~ ♥ this post! ;)
    xo~
    T (closet Twi-mom)

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  4. With two daughters, we have a countdown here till the next movie :) Not sure that this one is as architecturally stunning as the first set but who can beat the location?! great post!

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  5. Joni- Thanks for the preview! I'll have to get my hands on the new issue! I'm excited to see what Margaret Russell does next!

    Loretta

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  6. You really have the twilight bug!!
    Can heaven be this house!
    The set designer is actually using some of our furniture for the set in Baton Rouge, my sales associates went gaga....

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  7. I was SO CLOSE to going to Rio to stalk the filming (we live about a 2 hour flight away).
    Alas, I had to stay home with the babies...
    Great investigative blogging - I guess if I ever bothered to watch the Brazilian news, I would've seen the story about the rogue paparazzi!

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  8. You must have been channeling MR when you wrote earlier about Twilight!

    Guess you're never getting rid of that set of luggage!! Maybe Santa will slip you another piece to commemorate its auspicious appearance in the latest Twilight!!!

    Happy Monday!
    Elizabeth

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  9. Just got the Eclipse DVD this weekend and I've been enjoying it! Thanks for a great post on the Isle Esme house!

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  10. Joni,
    Haven't seen the new issue yet but love Margarette Russell. I've got some questions about your new blog design. I'm going to E-mail you.

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  11. Actually, I don't believe this was Margaret Russell's first issue, as it was shot by earlier photographers. I expect this issue was put together from the archives (which must be huge by the way)-and I expect her first all-Margaret issue to be the next one.
    They may not have realized that this house was the Twilight house- a clever bit of detective work on your part I must say!
    The old AD was very particular about use of photos. To find them advertising the house for rent would be a big no-no!

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  12. What a fabulous house and I wouldn't even mind the seclusion. Joni you crack me up, is there anything you can't find out? This was a fabulous post with lots of eye candy...love it!

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  13. Phew! So much good stuff in one post!. I just got AD today and it IS better. I think the amber lens has come off of the camera. Photos are brighter and fresher.

    As for the Twilight characters having a baby! (I haven't read the books...so bear with me) How could a vampire have a baby at all in the first place...and in the second place...wouldn't it be excruciating to have a baby made out of stone?! I know...you said not to ask.

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  14. squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



    also butt crack!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  15. Such a fun post! I really enjoyed reading it. I too am a Twilight fan. I appreciated this past movie much more than the second one. The under appreciation can be blamed on the fact that I read the books and it always, inevitably will ruin movies for me:( I'm totally ready for New Dawn since the books aren't fresh in my mind now.

    Thanks for the fun post!

    Shanna

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  16. You have tempted me Joni to get into the 'Twilight'....they might be my Christmas reads after all....xv

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  17. I am delighted about the fact that you posted about this special house in Brazil. Thank you so much, obrigada ! For great Brazilian houses in the same style please check the art book "Living in Bahia" with photos from Tuca Reines and text by Monica Lima (Taschen). I think you will love it!

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  18. This home is fabulous...love the indoor/outdoor living - and the new Architectural Digest...perfection!!

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  19. Joni I am in awe -- what a cyber-sleuth!
    Such attention to detail and so much fun.
    I was just thumbing throught AD yesterday, thinking it was looking much improved.
    And of course Brazil and Twilight make for a beachy-keen combo ;)
    Can't wait to hit the Southampton tour -- maybe we'll see each other there!
    Cheers, Alcira

    nerochronicles.com

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  20. I came over for a much needed break in between studying for finals.
    What a laugh you brought to my day. I think the luggage means something and I am one middle aged lady who was SO sad to see Robert's trunks sliding south. :)

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  21. OK, so what is your luggage? I like it! And will you be able to show us who don't live in Houston pics from the tour? Hope so! Always love your posts, Joni!

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  22. Joni--as a new subscriber, just wanted to say thank you for reminding this Texan turned New Yorker of the some of the best of Houston. Loved the Southampton tour. My long ago first house was in West U on Wroxton and I knew every house by its front facade!

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  23. Wonderful story and photos.
    Thank you!

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  24. Thanks for the amazing detective work, Joni! I was a tiny bit disappointed by this long-anticipated first Margaret Russell AD issue. It seemed a bit of a mismash - maybe leftovers? That last Parisian apt. of Deniot's was a masterpiece. Arabella Lenox-Boyd could do no wrong and Sting's Tuscan estate was also a winner. The rest, except for the exteriors of the Washington Smith villa, were non-starters for me. I await some real change and know that Margaret can do magazine magic. I'm willing to be patient! M.

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  25. So many fabulous topics in one post! How do you do it? Amazing.
    Mary Ann

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  26. You really should have been a detective. As always, amazing photos and what scoop!!

    You won't be surprised to know that Kathryn Ireland's living room is my favorite of all!

    And yea!! another shelter magazine we can curl up on the sofa with - there are so few now, thank goodness for Margaret Russell!

    xo Ann

    aka Hill Country House (for some reason I was not identified when I signed on the comment)

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  27. Joni, while I'll definitely have to take a look at the new AD, I just had to tell you that since I found your blog and SRT I just don't bother with subscriptions anymore. CDT and SRT are what I'd call one-stop shopping kind of blogs -- always gorgeous, informative, interesting and never a dull moment. I thank you all so much for doing what you're doing --you are brilliant at what you do!

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  28. Um, hello-oh! The omen about the matching luggage is that you need that incredibly beautiful boat to go with your own set! tee hee

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  29. In love!

    I too so love the Twilight movies. I haven't read the books yet. I tell myself that if I read them first it will ruin it. So I will wait till the movies are over.

    Love, love, love this post!
    Bit of a spoiler for me though. lol
    Been trying to stay away from any information but I did hear about some of what you wrote already.

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  30. They've rented and bought quite a few things for Twilight at perch. in New Orleans. xo xo

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  31. how did you know it was the same one?!! way to go detective!!

    love hearing all the juicy details.. and still on team jacob... will let you know after next movie
    ;)
    xoxo,
    lauren

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  32. You know, I totally claim that I'm a mediocre Twilight fan. Yet, I've read all of the books, seen all of the movies thus far, and snag every magazine that has a Twilight interview! This was right up my alley! Can I have that Brazilian beach house?! Wow is that beautiful!
    xoxo
    Lila Ferraro

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  33. I just got way too excited with this post ;) So sad about the paparazzi though.

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  34. Hey Joni! Love the Twi house....I could most definitely see myself living there, especially when the MR boats out for all of the errands!
    xx

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  35. I can't wait to see the issue! This is such a fun post -- and it's giving me courage to come out of the closet! I love this vampire craze. I'm sooo hooked!! My daughter can't believe it; in fact, I think she rolls her eyes! Oh well, apparently, I'm far from alone! yeah.

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  36. Gorgeous post- so enjoyable!!
    Where do you get the energy from to do such long posts !! Thank you for sharing!
    PS good pic of that wardrobe malfunction hahaha

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  37. I hadn't noticed cotedetexas.blogspot.com before in my searches!
    This is such a stupendous resource that you are providing and you give ground it away in place of free. I love seeing websites that catch on to the value of providing a standing resource for the sake of free. It is the hoary what goes in every direction comes circa routine. Did you acquired lots of links and I over lots of trackbacks??

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  38. hmmm before i leave a comment i must admire the verbage used in the anonymous comment before mine. splendid. {dont you love those}

    anyway - thank you THANK you for this. i, too, am a rob junkie. i mean, UGH hes fantastic. {dont tell my husband...nevermind he already knows...}

    also, wanted to briefly {yeah right..ha} tell you something funny...just finished up a big reno for a client and when we were discussing paint colors for her kitchen, and what i was picturing, she said she loved my office color {which is what i wanted to use on her cabinets}. i dug out my "house files" to find what color i painted it, and lo and behold when i pulled out my BM paint wand to find one shade lighter for her walls it was on the same line as your beloved fieldstone! my office is actually silver song {as are her cabinets}, and her walls are winter orchard. so funny - when i saw it was on the same card i immediately thought of you and your love for the color. i guess when a color works, it really works! here is the link to some of the pictures, if youre interested: http://theroefam.blogspot.com/2010/11/meet-my-baby.html

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  39. I really loved both of them, and the movie of twilight so romantic. Anyway the garden house is perfect for this.

    Just like to share with you a quote...

    "Give me a stock clerk with a goal and I'll give you a man who will make history. Give me a man with no goals and I'll give you a stock clerk." - J.C. Penney

    You can get more quotes at http://www.quotelandia.com

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  40. I'm so excited after reading this post that I can hardly manage to write in english. Trust me, right now I'm in a mental short circuit.
    YOU ARE A GENIOUS! GENIAL TOTAL!!!
    If your blog was my #1 reference for excellence, now..it has become THE BIBLE. I love Robert Pattinson, I love Twilight no matter what my friends say. Thank You for this jewel of a post! Long life and plenty of success to Cote de Texas!

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  41. Ha! You sound just like my lovely wife! I've never seen her so obsessed, I'm tellin' ya. She even wants to turn our Omaha house into one of those vampire mansions. We already have a schedule for the roofing. It's the first to be redesigned, of course. Then, we're gonna put some glass windows and doors in almost every part of the house. Thanks for sharing some of the Twilight info. She'll be so excited when I show her these.

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  42. Like you, I'm also a Twilight fanatic, and so happy that you had some of the photos of Kristin and Rob while shooting on the film. I love the design of the house, perfect for a vacation and honeymoon, eh. Cab't wait for the movie. Thanks thanks for sharing. :)

    Cheers,
    Cathy@embroidery digitising

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  43. Don't particularly like twilight but those beach homes look ideal.

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