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Istanbul, Again — And Better Than Ever
This was my second trip to Istanbul. The first time, we traveled the Mediterranean — a sweeping, sun-drenched journey with Istanbul as one stop among many. This trip was different. This time, we stayed. We gave the city our full attention, and it gave us everything in return. Istanbul is one of those places that doesn’t let you go easily. It is layered in a way that takes time to appreciate, ancient and alive at once, generous in its beauty, and genuinely warm in its people. If you’ve been, you understand. If you haven’t, I hope this gives you a reason to go. Getting There: Turkish Airlines Let’s start at the beginning, because the journey matters. Turkish Airlines is, genuinely, one of the best airlines I’ve ever flown. The service is attentive without being intrusive. The food, and I say this as someone who has lowered their expectations considerably when it comes to airline meals was outstanding. From the presentation to the quality, it felt like a restaurant at 35,000 feet. If you’re flying to Istanbul from the US, I can’t recommend Turkish Airlines highly enough. It sets a tone for the whole experience before you’ve even arrived. Where We Stayed The Harem Suite, Çırağan Palace Kempinski There is staying somewhere, and then there is this. The Harem Suite at Çırağan Palace Kempinski is housed in a genuine Ottoman palace overlooking the Bosphorus, with views of the historic Yıldız Park — once the private hunting forest of the Sultans. The suite itself is a maisonette-style duplex: two bedrooms, a living room, a dining area, and a kitchenette spread across two floors. Generous, calm, and impossibly beautiful. But what made the stay extraordinary wasn’t the architecture. It was the butler service. You have your own dedicated butler for the duration of your stay, available around the clock. They escort you wherever you need to go — on foot or by golf cart, depending on the distance. During our stay, they came to our door twice with carts, each time with something that stopped us in our tracks. The first visit: a cart filled with handmade soap samples in every scent imaginable. We were each invited to choose our own, which would then be placed in our room for the rest of the stay. The second visit: an assortment of perfumes and fragrances. We chose our favorites lavender and vanilla, and within the hour, diffusers had been set up throughout our two-story suite, filling every room with exactly the scents we’d chosen. It was just amazing. Our Airbnb We also stayed in a wonderful Airbnb that had everything a home base in a foreign city should: beautifully designed, immaculately clean, and perfectly located. The concierge service was genuinely exceptional, they arranged drivers, organized dining, brought in food, and responded to every message with warmth and speed. It gave the whole stay a feeling of ease that made exploring feel effortless. What We Did Hagia Sophia No trip to Istanbul is complete without standing inside Hagia Sophia. It is one of those places that refuses to be summarized. Built in 537 AD, it has been a cathedral, a mosque, and a museum, and today it stands as all three layered on top of one another. The scale is humbling. The light is extraordinary. You walk in and immediately understand why it has been considered one of the great buildings of the world for nearly fifteen centuries. The Basilica Cistern Just steps from Hagia Sophia, the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayı) is one of Istanbul’s most atmospheric and surprising experiences. Descend underground into a vast sixth-century Byzantine cistern — a forest of 336 marble columns rising from still water, lit in low amber light. It is quiet and slightly otherworldly. Don’t skip it. The Grand Bazaar On my first trip to Istanbul, I had several gorgeous rugs shipped home from the Grand Bazaar. I still love every single one of them, and returning felt like visiting an old friend. The Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world — over 4,000 shops across 60 streets, with a history stretching back to 1455. It is easy to get wonderfully lost in. For anyone who loves rugs, Istanbul and the Grand Bazaar in particular — is one of the finest places in the world to find something truly special. Take your time. Have conversations. The craftsmanship here is extraordinary and the vendors know it deeply and share it generously. What I Wore & Packed A few things that made the journey easier and the airport altogether more bearable: Lululemon Be Calm Oversized Boatneck Long Sleeve — Shop here This is my travel uniform. Comfortable enough to sleep in, put-together enough for the airport and beyond. On Running Shoes — Shop here I’ve been wearing On to the airport lately and I don’t see myself going back. They walk the line between athletic and elegant in a way nothing else quite does. Travel Pillow — Shop here On a flight as long as New York to Istanbul, a good pillow is not optional. This one was genuinely wonderful. The Playlist Every trip deserves a soundtrack. Listen to my Spring playlist here — the one that played on the way there, on the way back, and in quiet moments in between. Istanbul has a rare quality: it stays with you. Both times I've left, I've been thinking about the next visit before I've even reached the airport. There is still so much to explore, so many corners I haven't found yet. From the grandest hotel suite to the smallest shop in the bazaar, the hospitality was remarkable. Beautiful people, inside and out. There is a warmth to the city that is not performance; it is simply how people are. I hope this inspires you to go — or to go back. With love, Rachel
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Love is in the Air
My love language is quality time. What’s yours? Slow mornings. Good music playing in the background. And filling our home with pieces that make everyday moments feel warm and meaningful. For me, love has always shown up in the simplest ways — lingering at the kitchen table, sharing a dessert, or just being together without rushing to the next thing. Especially around Valentine’s Day, I’m reminded that love doesn’t have to be grand or complicated. Sometimes it’s just about making space for the people you care about. When it comes to dessert, strawberry shortcake is always a favorite in our house. I use the Bisquick shortcake recipe, but I do it my way. I like my strawberries freshly sliced, no sugar added. I place the shortcake in a bowl and pour just a little milk or half-and-half over it to add moisture. Then I layer on the fresh strawberries and finish it with a generous dollop of whipped cream. So simple. So good. And somehow, it always feels special. ♥️ Here’s to slow moments, sweet treats, and celebrating love in the ways that matter most. Xx, Rachel
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Starting Fresh in January
Rachel's Favorite Way to Reset at Home The cozy little changes that make a big difference. January always inspires me, not in a “new year, new everything” kind of way, but to start fresh in a way that actually feels good. For me, that always starts at home. I’m not talking about a full renovation or a massive clean-out. I mean the small changes that quietly shift how you feel day to day — a bedroom that feels peaceful when you wake up, a bathroom that feels like a mini spa, or a cozy scent that instantly makes the whole house feel calm. Every morning, I use my Joovv light therapy as a quiet moment to myself. It’s when I set my thoughts for a positive, grounded day ahead. I also use my sauna about three times a week, it’s become one of my favorite ways to unwind, reset, and feel restored from the inside out. This month, I pulled together a "Shop the Look" inspired by what I personally crave in January: soft layers, warm lighting, simple organization, and a few beautiful pieces that make everyday life feel just a little more special. I’m also sharing two wellness items I actually use at home — they’ve become part of my own self-care routine and something I really look forward to. If you’re feeling the pull to start fresh too... in a way that feels comforting and doable, you’re definitely in the right place.
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Setting the Mood for the Holidays
Every family has that one holiday dish—the one everyone looks forward to, the one that feels like celebration, the one that doesn’t taste quite the same unless it’s made during this season. For Rachel, it’s her famous once-a-year appetizer, the Caviar Pie. In true Rachel fashion, it wasn’t just about the dish. It was about the moment: the music playing, the table set with intention, the feeling of a home filled with warmth. It’s the kind of tradition that lingers long after the last bite. This season, we’re sharing her beloved recipe so you can bring a little of that same magic to your own celebrations. Whether you’re hosting New Year’s Eve, gathering with friends, or simply creating a cozy night at home, this festive dish is guaranteed to become a new favorite. Ingredients: 6 hardboiled eggs, chopped 3 tablespoons mayonnaise 1 ½ cups of Bermuda (red) onion, chopped very small (about 1 large or 2 medium onions) 8 ounces cream cheese, softened ⅔ cup sour cream 4 – 5.5 ounces of black or red lumpfish caviar, rinsed and drained well Oil or cooking spray for pan and small knife Optional garnish – parsley and lemon Equipment: Pot Cutting board Medium knife Small sharp knife Small strainer with wire mesh & paper towels Large and small spoon Spatula Measuring cups Measuring spoons 2 medium bowls 8 or 9 inch springform pan Foil or plastic wrap Optional – handbeater to mix cream cheese and sour cream Instruction: Lightly oil the springform pan or use cooking spray.- Hardboil the eggs, peel them, and chop them into small bits.- Mix the chopped eggs and the mayonnaise (basically egg salad without seasoning) and place that mixture on the bottom of the greased pan as the first layer of the pie.- Sprinkle the finely chopped onion as the 2nd layer and spread it evenly over the eggs.- Blend the softened cream cheese and the sour cream. Especially if the cream cheese is not softened enough, you may need to whip them together with a beater. I did that this time, but don’t always find it necessary. - Using a knife or spatula, gently spread that cream cheese/sour cream mixture over the onion as the third layer, being careful not to mix the layers together.- Cover the pie with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 3 hours, up to a day. - At the last minute, carefully place the caviar in a small strainer, rinse it under softly running cool water, drain it well, and gently pat the caviar in the strainer with a paper towel on the top and the underside to remove any residual moisture. This step is important. It rinses salt off the caviar and prevents the color from running in to the other layers. Be gentle and take your time!- After the caviar is rinsed and dried, delicately dot small amounts over the sour cream/cream cheese mixture. Then spread it evenly over the pie with the back of a teaspoon.- When you are ready to unmold the pie, have a plate at hand that is at least 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the springform pan. After placing a bit of oil or cooking spray on the blade of a small knife so that it will glide, gently run the knife around the pan sides to loosen the pie. You may need to do this in several steps, cleaning the knife a couple of times. Then, holding your hand on the bottom of the pan, gently release the spring on the side so the ring around the pan enlarges and comes off. - Put the bottom of the pan (on which the pie is sitting) on the large plate and garnish to hide the springform bottom on which the pie sits. I use a combination of parsley and lemon. - Serve with Sasanian Caviar French Mini Blini Read the full, beautifully detailed recipe on Mother Would Know, complete with step-by-step photos and tips that bring this festive appetizer to life. A Once-a-Year Recipe Worth the Wait: The Caviar Pie
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