Meghan Markle's new Netflix show, With Love, Meghan, has divided critics since its release on Tuesday. The Duchess of Sussex hosts from a rented California mansion, sharing recipes, crafts and home remedies. But one writer decided to test her lifestyle tips over 48 hours and found the experience largely disappointing.
The first challenge was recreating Meghan's vibrant fruit platter, which she prepared for actress Mindy Kaling during a children's tea party. Despite Meghan's mantra that 'we're not in the pursuit of perfection, we're in the pursuit of joy', the writer spent an hour arranging carrots, cucumber, mango, strawberries, blueberries and cherries. The result was messy and unappealing, leading her to conclude that tossing everything in a bowl would have saved time.
Next, she tried dehydrated citrus, which Meghan suggested for cocktails or spiced cider. Without an expensive dehydrator, the writer used an oven for 15 minutes, producing crisp rather than dehydrated slices. She found the process tedious and pointless, though she acknowledged it might be worthwhile for a special event.
The writer then baked brownies, lemon drizzle slices and doughnuts, decorating them with edible flowers as Meghan often does. She enjoyed this activity and appreciated the 'naked' styling approach, which she found prettier than traditional sprinkles.
Finally, she attempted Meghan's 'sun tea' – leaving a tea bag in a jar of water outside to brew. The writer received strange looks from neighbours and found the resulting drink disgusting, nearly vomiting from the first sip. She also tried flower arranging but found it boring after a long day.
Overall, the writer concluded that most of Meghan's tips were a waste of time, though she conceded that the edible flower decoration was a pleasant novelty. The show has been renewed for a second season, but this experiment suggests it may not appeal to everyone.
