Carolyn Westbrook: At the Plantation

(Pictured here: Victoria and Jack)
Back home at the Plantation and all of you that know me, know how I always talk about our big, black lab, Jack. He was the protector of the house and all who live here. He kept the skunks, coyotes, and everything else away, and was always waiting at the end of the road to welcome me home. He would run beside my truck and lead the way into the drive with tail wagging and his big ol' tongue hanging out. We have had many dogs and still have three others, but none would take the place of Jack. Just before I left for NYC, as I had to walk down to the barn to get something, Jack ran before me, as he always did, to make sure that all was clear and to protect me.

He would stand in front of me and hold me back, many times, while he chased a cat out or a huge buzzard that was once nesting there. We noticed that he had been limping and the vet suggested arthritis. During the Halloween Weenie Roast and Hayride, I noticed he was having a hard time getting around. We took him for an x-ray and bad news...bone cancer. He did not last long and he passed this week and it was a very teary good-bye. He was one of our family.
He will be sorely missed and reminds us of how important it is to be thankful for the little things and enjoy every being that is in your life, as we never know when that can change. So, this Thanksgiving, I will be reminded once again, to count our blessings and to thank God for all of the creatures and blessings in our life. I appreciate every one of you that support me through the things that I am able to do.
Happy Thanksgiving to any and all who are reading this and my thanks to you!!!

xoxo Carolyn

Carolyn WEstbrook: More from the big apple

So, as promised...more pics from our latest whirlwind trip to NYC. Our hotel was in Times Square so we were sure not to miss anything. We perused all of the junky tourist shops on Times Square and I cannot help it....I love snow globes and they had the tiniest, cutest ones with the Statue of Liberty in pink...how adorable. We grabbed some authentic New York style pizza and headed back to the room to have a hot bath and put on our p.j's after walking all day because Victoria had to watch the Rangers...sorry they lost.
This amazing culinary store/bakery was at the Plaza...OOOH I absolutely love The Plaza. And guess what...
















My favorite store of all time...the Eloise store, all in pink. I absolutely LOOOOOVE Eloise since I was a kid. I had all of the books and read them to my girls when they were little, and they have been skibbling around ever since. We even had to buy Skipperdee and Weenie, back when they were small...they may be vintage now??? Here is Victoria in the Eloise store and she looooved it too. She had to have an Eloise coffee mug and we were upset that there were no Eloise t-shirts for adults. If you have not heard of Eloise, then you simply must look for her books.
This is another shot from another section in ABC Carpet and Home. Again, one word...amazing!
This city is a breath of inspiration.
Will keep posting more pics as we go.


I wanted to say thanks to our friends at French Laundry for the lovely blog post and giveaway on their website. If you have not seen it then check it out for a chance to win a copy of my new book: The French Inspired Home. It is a beautiful website.

We should be in the November issue of Where Women Create, so look for it on stands..thanks to Jo Packham.

Also, just heard from my friend and Editor n Chief, Jacqueline at Romantic Homes magazine, and we were chosen as one of the "Romantics" for their big February issue of Romantic Homes. I am honored to be a part and how she does all that she does with a new baby...incredible.

Don't forget...we will be signing books this Sunday at the Urban Market in Houston, Texas. I hope that you all can come out it is a wonderful show packed with great talent! For more info www.THEURBANMARKETHOUSTON.com

xo Carolyn