Carolyn Westbrook: Awesome NYC adventures

Had a wonderful trip to NYC and wanted to share some inspiration. We had a great adventure with beautiful scenery, good food, and lots of shopping. I wonder what the budget is for the flowers in NYC? It is amazing. There are so many parks...I will have to share more pics on a seperate post. Here are some pics from ABC Carpet and Home and it was great as usual. A new place we went to was Fishes and Eddy (hope that is right). They told me they started out selling all hotel dishes and silver. Now it is new, but merchandised really unique. There were many of the vintage painted portraits that we love to name and create a story for. My friend Heidi collects these for her fabulous stores, so I gave her one and we named him Eduardo and he traveled around the world and threw fabulous parties. Anyway, loved how they worked them into the dish decor. It was a total EAT PRAY LOVE trip, as we shopped around and had some pretty yummy pizza, which will be in the next post. ABC Carpet and Home as the most incredible collection of chandeliers that I have seen anywhere. LOVE! Cannot afford one, but worth the trip.

I like the bedding floor...and I make bedding. The beds, the chandeliers, and all of the artful displays and antiques...well done. We stayed in the oldest hotel in New York. The architecture here is reminiscent of Europe. If you have not been then you need to go, but like it much better in the fall or spring. It was so crowded, I have not ever seen it like this. Sort of like Disney in the summer. I stopped by my favorite photographers studio, Mr. Keith Scott Morton and he was in the middle of a studio shoot. He had just finished shooting Katie Couric and said that she was so nice. She even made them a sandwich. Yes, but did she serve you iced tea in a Mason jar with fresh mint?? He laughed, and said no and that he wanted to come back to our neck of the woods for iced tea and Bar B Que.
Windows of ABC
Dishes and a portrait that looks a bit like Eduardo.


















Exterior of ABC Carpet and Home











Will post more for you to see!
xo Carolyn

Carolyn Westbrook: Great Junking!

I was able to get to Canton Flea Market for a few hours this month, and realized how much I enjoy treasure hunting! I always try and get there early, when it is not so hot, and try and beat everyone to the buried treasure (tee hee). Collections are such an important part of any roomscape, and you know that I believe it needs to old and treasured, not some trinket bought from a store shelf. ok, maybe a few really good trinkets, but you have to have some antique patina or it looks like everyone else's house. I love stacks of antique leather bound French books. Now that is a beautiful sight. This photograph is in the new book, The French Inspired Home and here it is featured in a magazine, but you get the idea...it is all about the collections. Tarnished silver, stacks of books, a piece of antler, and a lone German sheep, looks amazing.

Plus, the bonus is, it gives you something to hunt for. I had bought just a couple of items, and was becoming a bit discouraged when I came upon a huge French mirror, dripping in swags and garlands of roses and bows. Standing about 6 ft. tall, I breathlessly asked the man, how much? He looks at me and says, how 'bout $125? Dollars? I asked...then quickly said, can you do $100? I know, shameless, but you have to ask. He quickly agreed and I could not pay him fast enough. The adreneline was racing through my veins as I shoved the money at him. I'll be back to get it, I told him. When I returned, he had a posse of women standing around it. He said, I'm glad your back, these women were about to make off with it. Usually, it is me that is left drooling over the "sold" item, but this time, I was the finder of the treasure! How exciting I thought, as I carefully put the mirror in the back of the Suburban. It was a good haul and a good day, as we sat under the shade of a tree, eating pimento cheese sandwiches with my mom and looking affectionately at my mirror. So, get out there and find your own buried treasures this summer, you will be glad that you did!!

xo Carolyn

Carolyn Westbrook: Live from the plantation..Home Grown!

So, when we started this garden the last frost was just a few days before. Nick decided that he was going to have a garden and boy, did he! He tilled up a big patch and then we went and purchased plants and seeds for cucumbers, sugar snap peas, squash, onions, carrots...you name it we have it. He put up trellises for the cucumbers and tomatoes and worked his heart out, and you know what they say...you reap what you sow. Today, he came in with the prettiest and yummiest carrots that I have ever seen. Honestly. carrots have never really developed in Texas that I have seen. These are big, fat, juicy carrots, and do not taste like store-bought. Anyway, needless to say we had a feast of vegetables and I cannot wait until the red, ripe tomatoes start coming in. There is nothing better than a tomatoe sandwich, but only works with home-grown. The store bought ones taste like cardboard. We have more onions than we know what to do with.

This is the perfect time of year. We are all excited because it is warm enough to go barefoot, but not too hot. Time for working in the flower beds and gardens and decorating our out-of doors. After a long winter snooze, it is time to refesh and renew. Throw open the windows, break open the Pine-Sol and get busy. Washing down the house is a big job, but was sorely needed. A little touch up painting around doors and porches and all of the porches needed a good scrub. This is the time of year that I always like to evaluate the outside and see what needs freshening. Beautiful, bright, new cushions are brought out to grace all of the chairs, swing, and sofa on the front porch and same for the back. The porches are adorned with blue & white pottery of all sizes and filled with flowering plants. Any old rusted hardware, door knobs, door bell plates, should be addressed. This is the place that everyone sees, their first impression, so make it a good one. It is a great time to have beautiful patio or porch furniture, colorful umbrellas, rugs, even lamps, under a covered area. I like to try and find cheap vintage oil paintings and signs when out at the flea markets, to use on the porch. I was able to find a great "boat rental" sign that is one of my favorites for the back porch and an antique wire plant stand. It looks great covered in vintage pots, moss, and little flowering blooms look quite cheery when friends come in the back way.

Oh, and by the way...for those who read this regularly, you will remember that Nick brought home those baby chicks, even when I told him not to...they are ALL roosters. We may have to do some trading at Canton next week. Too many roosters in the hen house and they are all learning to crow at the same time. Old Jake is doing well and has gained 13 lbs, has a shiny coat and now acts as if he was here all along. Bob, who is my licensing agent was down yesterday, and he couldn't believe it was the same skinny, run-down dog from the shelter that he had seen 2 months before. Jake seems to like it here and has fit in very well.

I was busy getting ready for our first photo shoot for the new book, a couple of weeks ago. It was a whirlwind shoot schedule, but turned out just fantastic. I am really pleased with the direction of the new book and I hope to top the last book.
This weekend is supposed to be beautiful weather, so let's get out there and enjoy it. Refresh, Renew, and Enjoy!!! Happy Memorial Weekend everyone!!! xo Carolyn

Carolyn Westbrook: From the Big Apple

Bryant Park

Ralph Lauren NYC

Ralph Lauren NYC

Just returned from New York City and wanted to share these photos with you. I love NYC and it was absolutely full of inspiration and beauty. Spring flowers were spilling out all over the streets with big pots of hyacinths, tulips and daffodils everywhere we went. The architecure is amazing too. This shot of the carousel at Bryant Park reminds me of Paris. If you cannot get to Paris, I would recommend New York. This trip was fast and furious and I made my licensing agent walk over 20 blocks in the sprinkling rain to see the Ralph Lauren store. There were no cabs available...they were all full because of the rain and we walked and we walked, but it was totally worth it. The windows were breathtaking. I wish you could see them better, as there are many details that do not show up in the shots. I have one word: AMAZING!
The entire trip was good and hopefully will have some good news to share with you on the book front.

xoxo Carolyn

Carolyn Westbrook: A Sad Day in Warrenton and at the Plantation

What started out as just another beautiful day in Warrenton Texas, soon turned tragic with one phone call. All that know me, know my love for my big Schnauzer "Princess" ( pictured on the right.) She was my baby and in my first book, sitting on the couch. She is our baby and pretty much runs the house. One of the smartest girls that I have ever met. She has been battling Cushings Disease and was not well, but doing fairly well when I left for Antiques Week. She suddenly became extremely ill and lost her battle yesterday. I told her that I would see her when I got back, and now realize that she will not be at the door waiting for me when I return. One of the saddest days for the entire family and we have all shed alot of tears. It is truly heartbreaking. I could not have been in a better place, as we sat around the table last night with all of my good friends gathered round, crying with me and offering condolences. Victoria was devastated and we could not find anyone that sold a pet casket locally. I told Victoria that when I was in Minnesota, that I bought a fabulous alligator suitcase with red satin lining and that would be fitting for her. She had a very dignified burial, just wish I was there for it. Later, I told my friends, with the price of caskets, got me thinking...will someone please bury me in a Louis Vuitton trunk. I think that would be much more to my liking... and my Mother laughed for once that day and said, "Honey, we might have to fold you in half." I told her that was ok by me. Princess will be sorely missed and unreplaceable. We all know that she is in a better place and feeling no pain now. Love to all, who understand the great joy and unconditional love that our pets, or should I say family members, bring in our lifetime. Here's to Princess...may you always be in green pastures and I know that you know, how much you were loved. xoxo Carolyn

Carolyn Westbrook: Paris France or Warrenton Texas

Hey Everyone!!! Excited to see the latest issue (April 2011) of Romantic Home magazine. It is all about the French and it is wonderful. We are happy to be included in the issue with a fabulous spread on the book, The French Inspired Home.
I was thinking...which is better, France or a trip to Warrenton/Roundtop Antiques week. Hard to say. I do absolutley love going to Antiques week and we will be there to see all of our friends at Zapp Hall antique show in Warrenton TX. Starts Friday March 25th-April 2nd. We have some fabulous new prints, and loads of the good stuff that all are searching for. As most of you know, the show goes on for miles and miles and takes several days to see. There are bargains and treasures and inspiration galore. We will have copies of the new book, that I am most happy to sign and look forward to meeting new friends. It is all about gathering and spending time with old friends, meeting new friends with good food, good fun and lots of wonderful shopping adventures. Here's to good times for all. See you there...

xo Carolyn

Carolyn Westbrook: LIve from the Plantation...all the way to Great Britian!

As if being in the latest issue of Where Women Create wasn't enough, just found out that the
book is a favorite with our friends in the U.K. as well. It is called: Period Living and you can find it at your local Borders stores. It is the February issue. This is Britian's #1 home magazine and found out that we had a 4 page spread...woo hoo! Actually, my friend Gina was perusing the book store and saw this article and gave me a call. Thanks Gina!!! I then found out that the new book, Carolyn Westbrook The French Inspired Home is like #7 in decorating books there on Amazon...we are so proud. Thanks to all in the U.K. for buying a copy. Maybe you should fly me over...would love to do some junking in England. I am looking forward to seeing all of y'all at the next big Antiques Week in Roundtop/Warrenton Texas March 25th-April 2nd..I hope to see you all there, as I have many new surprises that y;all are just going to have to have...and copies of the book, so come and get you a signed copy!
xo Carolyn