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Snapdragon

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Snapdragon

Snapdragon

So regarding the second episode with Mindy Kaling, I am so confused about Meghan going on about how her last name is Sussex now because that's what their kids' last name is.  Her kids' last name is Mountbatten-Windsor.  I double-checked just to make sure I wasn't remembering incorrectly, but yeah, it's Mountbatten-Windsor.  I understand that Harry and Prince William used their title as their last name for school and whatnot, but now that he's no longer an active royal, it's odd to me to just start using Sussex, especially when legally, that's not even their kids' last name.  And hey, Mountbatten-Windsor is probably a pain to write out so if they want to use Sussex instead, then fine, but then legally change everyone's name to reflect that.  And certainly don't correct someone on tv that they have your last name wrong when you've all of sudden decided that's what you want to be called and didn't inform anyone.

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SeanBug

SeanBug

2 hours ago, Snapdragon said:

So regarding the second episode with Mindy Kaling, I am so confused about Meghan going on about how her last name is Sussex now because that's what their kids' last name is.  Her kids' last name is Mountbatten-Windsor.  I double-checked just to make sure I wasn't remembering incorrectly, but yeah, it's Mountbatten-Windsor.  I understand that Harry and Prince William used their title as their last name for school and whatnot, but now that he's no longer an active royal, it's odd to me to just start using Sussex, especially when legally, that's not even their kids' last name.  And hey, Mountbatten-Windsor is probably a pain to write out so if they want to use Sussex instead, then fine, but then legally change everyone's name to reflect that.  And certainly don't correct someone on tv that they have your last name wrong when you've all of sudden decided that's what you want to be called and didn't inform anyone.

I had seen a story that Meghan "reprimanded" Mindy for calling her Meghan Markle. It seemed more like, "oh btw, I go by Sussex now". 

Sussex is the area that they are the Duke and Duchess of, correct?  I can't keep up with the RF. 

I turned this on to see what all the fuss was about.  It seems like some innocuous here's how to do parties make cute desserts etc. I'm not sure who the audience is supposed to be.  Influencers? Other rich moms? 

I'm wondering if Meghan realizes that most people don't have the time, money or estate to grow their own berries, make jams and preserves, etc, balloon arches, and cucumber tea sandwiches for kid parties. Who are they kidding? 

IMO it feels like she just doesn't know what to do with herself, now that all the hubbub has calmed down. I know she had that TIG website with this type of content. I guess it's just not my cup of tea (sandwich). 

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Snapdragon

Snapdragon

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3 hours ago, SeanBug said:

I had seen a story that Meghan "reprimanded" Mindy for calling her Meghan Markle. It seemed more like, "oh btw, I go by Sussex now". 

Sussex is the area that they are the Duke and Duchess of, correct?  I can't keep up with the RF. 

I turned this on to see what all the fuss was about.  It seems like some innocuous here's how to do parties make cute desserts etc. I'm not sure who the audience is supposed to be.  Influencers? Other rich moms? 

I'm wondering if Meghan realizes that most people don't have the time, money or estate to grow their own berries, make jams and preserves, etc, balloon arches, and cucumber tea sandwiches for kid parties. Who are they kidding? 

IMO it feels like she just doesn't know what to do with herself, now that all the hubbub has calmed down. I know she had that TIG website with this type of content. I guess it's just not my cup of tea (sandwich). 

Yes, I agree that the way she said it wasn't overly rude or anything.  It was just strange.  I read an article after I posted that said that when the Charles became king, Archie and Lilibet automatically got the prince and princess titles, so the whole family's title now includes "of Sussex".  Which, fine, but to act like now her last name is suddenly Sussex (when they don't even live in the UK anymore, nor are active royals) is weird.  And her delivery was as if she and Mindy Kaling were friends from high school or something and Mindy kept using her maiden name instead of her married name.  No one has ever referred to her as anything but Meghan Markle in the media.  I've seen articles where they refer to her and Harry as the Sussexes, but that's only when they're talking about them together.  When they're only talking about Meghan, it's always Meghan Markle.  Maybe she's trying to rebrand?

Also agree that I'm not sure who the show is for.  It's Meghan entertaining "guests" at a rented property.  Why?  I think she views herself as some sort of Martha Stewart-esque, lifestyle guru and someone needs to be honest with her and tell her she's not.  I watched parts of episodes one and two (couldn't make it through an entire episode) and I found the show to not only be tone deaf, but dull as well.  Very similar to the Alec Baldwin reality show that just premiered on HBO Max.

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Brn2bwild

Brn2bwild

17 hours ago, Snapdragon said:

Yes, I agree that the way she said it wasn't overly rude or anything.  It was just strange.  I read an article after I posted that said that when the Charles became king, Archie and Lilibet automatically got the prince and princess titles, so the whole family's title now includes "of Sussex".  Which, fine, but to act like now her last name is suddenly Sussex (when they don't even live in the UK anymore, nor are active royals) is weird.  And her delivery was as if she and Mindy Kaling were friends from high school or something and Mindy kept using her maiden name instead of her married name.  No one has ever referred to her as anything but Meghan Markle in the media.  I've seen articles where they refer to her and Harry as the Sussexes, but that's only when they're talking about them together.  When they're only talking about Meghan, it's always Meghan Markle.  Maybe she's trying to rebrand?

Also agree that I'm not sure who the show is for.  It's Meghan entertaining "guests" at a rented property.  Why?  I think she views herself as some sort of Martha Stewart-esque, lifestyle guru and someone needs to be honest with her and tell her she's not.  I watched parts of episodes one and two (couldn't make it through an entire episode) and I found the show to not only be tone deaf, but dull as well.  Very similar to the Alec Baldwin reality show that just premiered on HBO Max.

Whoever it's for, they're watching: the show is in the Top 5 on Netflix in the US, Top 5/10 elsewhere in the world.

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sadie

sadie

First ep was fine, didn’t hate it or love it. Not sure what I think, I’m never going to to tend to bees or make bath salt so……..

it was all very pretty but it felt like a “background “ show for me. I just can’t seem to totally connect with her. I love watching someone like Johanna Gaines, but Meghan just doesn’t grab me. Something slightly fake about her (and yes I realize all tv people are fake) but this just seemed more so. I’ll watch the next ep and see if she warms into it. I don’t think she’s breaking ground with this but I’ve seen worse.

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Mountainair

Mountainair

I was watching something not kid friendly when my 9 year old daughter walked in so I switched it over to this and my daughter was into it. I ended up watching the first two episodes even after my daughter left the room. I don’t usually watch these type of shows but it held my attention and there is a certain beauty about Megan that makes me want to watch her if that makes sense. 

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Urban Shoe Myth

Urban Shoe Myth

I'll be honest: I liked it. I could see how people could say that in these troubling times, she comes across as out of touch, but to me, in these troubling times, it was comforting. I was transported to a world of gardens and herbs and bees and chickens that is not my everyday life, and it felt like wearing a cozy sweater and curling up with a hot cup of tea. I will try the one-pot pasta dish, so I actually got something useful out of it as well.

Above all, I guess I just find Meghan appealing. There's something so sweetly vulnerable about her to me, though to look at her on the surface it seems she has it all. I've only seen the one episode thus far, so hopefully I'll continue to enjoy it. 

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Sailorgirl26

Sailorgirl26

(edited)

Its nothing groundbreaking, but what lifestyle shows are anymore?

For those who dislike Meghan, they're going to dislike it no matter what, and probably even more so because she is clearly genuinely happy and for some reason people hate that for her. I don't understand why those people would watch, but they're gonna do what they're gonna do. 

I feel like some of the reviewers are really grasping at straws to criticize her -- this Guardian piece, for example, trashes her for the cost of the full fruit rainbow display and makes a comment about adding clouds of squirty cream if you're doing a kid's plate.

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/mar/08/let-them-eat-fruit-meghan-rainbow-plate-easy-to-make-but-hard-to-justify

But . . . if you're having a party where a fruit platter is part of the menu, yeah, its going to cost you this much, no matter HOW you present it. And even the reference to doing a kid's plate conveniently overlooks that she specifically does create "clouds" on the kid's plate using yogurt. 

It was an easy background watch and anyone who has been rooting for her to  find some peace and happiness post-Royal family will like it. 

Edited by Sailorgirl26
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Carbon60

Carbon60

I enjoyed the first two episodes-all I’ve seen so far.  It’s fine for what it is and some of her ideas are adaptable in part to lower cost versions. Ultimately, though, she isn’t doing Semi-homemade or budget cooking. As far as her presentation goes, she seemed more relaxed with Mindy Kaling in Episode 2.  Anyway, I made the spaghetti from Episode 1  and it was delicious and cheap.

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Queen Charlotte

Queen Charlotte

I’m really enjoying this series. I’ve been a depressive state for quite some time, and there’s something healing about watching this. It finally inspired me to cook for the first time in weeks. I made the one pot spaghetti, and it was delicious. I also love that Meghan’s IG is reposting videos and pictures from people who are making the meals from the show. How sweet.

I find Meghan and the show to be a delight. I’m looking forward to making additional recipes.

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Boofish

Boofish

(edited)

The episode with Mindy Kaling was my favorite. Not sure why everyone feels the need to tell her what last name she uses or what her last name is; it does not matter what source you are using. I ALWAYS correct anyone (including my family) who calls me by my maiden name. I got exactly what she was saying; it is special to share a name. And perhaps it was the name they all chose as a family and this was her way of letting the world know. 

The show is whimsical and delightful. None of her ideas are out of touch or out of reach. I saw a whole article about how pretentious she was to say "but don't use tap water." Calm TF DOWN. Distilled water is 50 cent and I have a whole shelf in my garage dedicated to it because I don't like using tap water in food either.

Anyone who thinks her lifestyle is beyond reach must not be on the rich/influencer side of TikTok and Instagram where ladies are making champagne ice cubes with flowers inside and dressing up their Stanley Cups like it's giving a speech at Church. How is fruit, cookie cutters, balloon arches and growing gardens out of touch. 

 

Edited by Boofish
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Brn2bwild

Brn2bwild

4 hours ago, Boofish said:

The show is whimsical and delightful. None of her ideas are out of touch or out of reach. I saw a whole article about how pretentious she was to say "but don't use tap water." Calm TF DOWN. Distilled water is 50 cent and I have a whole shelf in my garage dedicated to it because I don't like using tap water in food either.

 

Plus she said you could boil it, which anyone can do.  

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Notabug

Notabug

On 3/5/2025 at 1:14 PM, SeanBug said:

I turned this on to see what all the fuss was about.  It seems like some innocuous here's how to do parties make cute desserts etc. I'm not sure who the audience is supposed to be.  Influencers? Other rich moms? 

 

I presume, since she is also launching 'As Ever', multiple branded products including the dried flowers she sprinkles on most of what she makes on the show; it is aimed at the consumer with disposable income who is interested in buying her wares. The website includes multiple other products, such as honey (not from Meghan's personal beehives) and cookies strewn with the flower bits.  The show is meant to help launch sales for her new role as vendor.

To me, it doesn't seem like Meghan is doing anything so incredibly special or that she is doing it so well; that people would be interested in watching.  The fact that every single guest on the show appears and immediately starts gushing about how amazing and wonderful Meghan is doesn't help either.  Show, not tell.  And so far, she hasn't shown herself to have any special talent in cooking or entertaining or design; no matter what her guests say.  A lot of her onscreen interactions feel stiff and stilted despite her previous work as an actress.  The show needs to loosen up and Meghan (and her guests) need to admit that she is learning a lot of this stuff on the job and go with it.

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Conotocarious

Conotocarious

I started watching with skepticism because I don’t watch or like any cooking shows or anything like Martha Stewart but here I am now checking on my focaccia bread and showing my husband the one pot pasta episode. So I got something out of it. I didn’t think it was can’t look away TV but I liked some of the ideas and I even looked up that visor she was wearing on the hike because I dug it. If I found the right one online its $400 so I guess I’ll just admire from afar.

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Carbon60

Carbon60

(edited)

I finished the series. I’ll watch a second season because I got enough from it to be worthwhile. I enjoyed Alice Waters so much, especially her admission that she mixes and eats salad with her hands. This felt like it was  anti the Meghan philosophy on things, and I don’t necessarily think it was a pointed comment. It was refreshing to see Meghan admit that she is learning. 
 

Ok, she can seem a bit precious at times, especially with her somewhat over the top comments about everything being elevated or pretty. The fact that some of these comments are delivered almost under her breath makes me think she was a bit insecure or inexperienced at showing her love for things and wasn’t sure if she should actually comment that way.

she really loves those dried flowers, eh? But again, ok, as many people have a garnish they love and try to use on everything. My mom loved loved loved loved very thin stalks of rosemary that she would stick in everything because she loved the aromas.  She once sprinkled chopped rosemary on plain butter icebox cookies. 
 

Maybe I’ll  order some dried flowers. Already have  the rosemary plant!

Edited by Carbon60
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xls

xls

On 3/5/2025 at 10:08 AM, Snapdragon said:

So regarding the second episode with Mindy Kaling, I am so confused about Meghan going on about how her last name is Sussex now because that's what their kids' last name is.  Her kids' last name is Mountbatten-Windsor.  I double-checked just to make sure I wasn't remembering incorrectly, but yeah, it's Mountbatten-Windsor.  I understand that Harry and Prince William used their title as their last name for school and whatnot, but now that he's no longer an active royal, it's odd to me to just start using Sussex, especially when legally, that's not even their kids' last name.  And hey, Mountbatten-Windsor is probably a pain to write out so if they want to use Sussex instead, then fine, but then legally change everyone's name to reflect that.  And certainly don't correct someone on tv that they have your last name wrong when you've all of sudden decided that's what you want to be called and didn't inform anyone.

The look on Mindy's face was wtf. 🤣 

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Notabug

Notabug

1 hour ago, xls said:

The look on Mindy's face was wtf. 🤣 

I think it was a set up.  Meghan wanted to talk about changing her last name to Sussex, so, the first time Mindy called her by her former name, Meghan jumped on it.  Meghan, and her business interests, are very invested in her connection to the British royal family and changing her last name to Sussex will reinforce that.

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topanga

topanga

I've only watched two episodes, but I really like it so far. I love her cooking ideas, and even though I wouldn't always present my food the way she does, it's obvious that she gets joy out of making her food pretty. And tasty. And there's nothing wrong with that. She has the time and money for it -- which she freely acknowledges. 

And I do believe people find nit-picky reasons to criticize her. I don't remember Martha Stewart or Rachel Ray ever getting as much criticism about their shows. 

Her kitchen is beautiful and cozy. I'd love to hang out there. 

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Queen Charlotte

Queen Charlotte

4 hours ago, xls said:

Can't wait for the SNL (I hope) skit of this show; it's just begging for it!

Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t see what the humor is in the show. Then again, SNL isn’t that great, so they might as well keep digging themselves into a hole. Even if they did a skit, I’m sure that Meghan is cool enough to laugh at herself. She doesn’t take herself too seriously, and I find it charming.

4 hours ago, xls said:

 

WTH? Giving kids a bag full of sharp metal objects as a party gift bag? really? 

 

I can’t remember what she put in the bag, but it was clearly implied that she’s telling the parents what’s inside as she even  commented that the children would need help with a certain part of the activity. 
 

 

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Brn2bwild

Brn2bwild

(edited)
On 3/20/2025 at 10:23 AM, topanga said:

I've only watched two episodes, but I really like it so far. I love her cooking ideas, and even though I wouldn't always present my food the way she does, it's obvious that she gets joy out of making her food pretty. And tasty. And there's nothing wrong with that. She has the time and money for it -- which she freely acknowledges. 

And I do believe people find nit-picky reasons to criticize her. I don't remember Martha Stewart or Rachel Ray ever getting as much criticism about their shows. 

Her kitchen is beautiful and cozy. I'd love to hang out there. 

One underrated thing about the show is that most of the dishes appear to be healthy/relatively low calorie.  So many cooking and baking shows I watch go full fat with meat, cheese, butter, etc., so it looks delicious, but I would never try to make it myself.  But a crudite platter?  Pasta with tomatoes, olive oil, and greens?  I can make that without guilt.

Edited by Brn2bwild
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