The Edit
The Edit
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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The Sweetest Tradition: Rachel’s Famous Apple Pie
There’s something about Thanksgiving that brings us all back to the table. The scent of cinnamon in the air, the sound of laughter echoing through the kitchen, and the comfort of gathering with loved ones — it’s one of those moments where time seems to slow down, even just for a little while. For our founder, Rachel Dow, Thanksgiving has always been about creating memories around the food that brings people together. And one recipe, in particular, has become something of a legend in her family — her famous apple pie. When we asked Rachel about the story behind it, she laughed and shared: “There came a point in life in which I realized that I was an adult and I needed to learn to cook. Clearly not thinking, I went to the grocery store and picked up Gourmet Magazine and started my intro into cooking haha. I became obsessed with creating these complex and challenging meals and it became my passion for a season ... until I found tennis :-) Anyway, so enthralled with the magic of the kitchen, I took a deep dive into cooking classes next. I fell in love with The Chopping Block in Chicago. We met in this little old white house with creaky wood floors. Walking into this adorable house with the fall leaves turning yellow, orange and red was amazing enough, but entering into this small home full of the amazing aromas of a true cook's kitchen was an overload of the senses. It was here that I took a four-hour Thanksgiving class and learned the apple pie that I became famous for. This pie only appears in November and December and never disappoints. Unsalted Plugra butter is a must! I have a million little notes on my recipe full of all the tips and tricks that create this masterpiece. I hope this pie becomes a favorite for your loved ones as well!!” Rachel's Famous Apple Pie Ingredients: 3 1/2 pounds Apples (Granny Smith Apples), peeled, cored and quartered (6-8 cups)6 tablespoons flour1 cup sugar1 teaspoon of cinnamonPinch of salt1 recipe pie dough2 tablespoons unsalted Plugra butter, cut into piecesHeavy cream and sugar for garnish Instructions: Toss together the apples, flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt, then let the mixture sit. Roll out the bottom crust and place it in a pie dish. (When making the crust, divide it into two unequal parts — a larger portion for the bottom and a smaller portion for the top.) Add the filling and sprinkle small pieces of butter on top. Roll out the top crust and place it over the filling. Seal the edges by pinching or pressing with a fork. Brush the top of the pie with heavy cream and sprinkle generously with sugar. Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake in a 350°F oven for 1 to 1½ hours, until the filling is bubbly and the apples are tender. Allow the pie to cool before cutting.
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The Heart Behind Gorgeous Living
Originating from a vibrant background in the arts and entertainment industry, Rachel always imagined continuing her creative passions after embarking on the rewarding journey of motherhood. As her two daughters gained independence, she found herself rediscovering the creative energy that had always defined her. This transition sparked her passion for design, as she delighted in shaping a warm, welcoming, and aesthetically pleasing home for her family. For Rachel, homes extend beyond four walls—they’re backdrops to our lives, filled with the potential to inspire joy and creativity. Gorgeous Living was born from this desire to transform living spaces into luxurious sanctuaries of comfort. Q: One memorable trip from this summer? I went to southern California with my youngest daughter this summer. I love one on one with my girls. Since home, I feel we are closer than before we went. I try to take advantage of all the moments we have together before they get busy raising their own families. Family is one of my favorite parts of this life experience. It is everything to me :-) Q: What kind of music have you been loving lately? My taste in music is so broad. I have Sonos speakers installed in the ceiling of all the rooms in my house, so there is always something playing in the background, especially in the kitchen. Bossa nova in the spring and Sinatra in the fall, I love seasonal shifts. I cannot imagine this world without music. Q: What have you been reading lately? A cup of strong coffee, a stack of books, and a pen for annotating is one of my morning highlights. I’m a non-fiction girl, always wanting to learn more than time allows! Recently, I found my diary from middle school. My two daughters and I had the best time reading it, it was hilarious! How can I not remember who “Junior” is? He called after school all the time, haha. Q: Beauty must-have you can’t stop using this past month? I’m more of a lip balm girl than lipstick. I’ve used Dior Addict Lip Glow Balm 001 for as long as I can remember. It’s so hydrating, my everyday essential! Q: What do you love most about hosting? I love preparing my favorite foods for those special in my life. Setting the tone for the evening throughout the house is part of the fun for me. Everyone gathered around a beautifully set table. Lights dimmed, candles lit, music playing, yummy wine poured. It's even more fun if people stay over and gather for breakfast the next morning. No excess cleaning while guests are there for me. Just enjoy and have fun! Q: Your top 5 favorite Gorgeous Living pieces right now? 1. Voyage et Cie. These candles are so amazing. They hand pour these organic candles made with amazing fragrant oils once the order is placed. Simply divine. 2. Sweater Weave Fireplace Basket. I have a beautiful banana palm tree in mine that I keep near my foyer. 3. Shell Square Mirror. I love natural elements like shells mixed with organic textures and crisp upholstery. A beautiful coastal vibe that I enjoy. 4.Moss Home- Oh boy!! This company, I love the Avery Bed! They are really expensive $$$$$!! I hope to carry their Basics by Moss Home collection soon which would allow more people to buy this luxury brand at a lesser price. 5. I love my Normandy Surya rug that I have in my bedroom. I own several Surya rugs and they never disappoint.
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