The Allure and Reality of With Love, Meghan

On my recent flight home from Europe, I watched Meghan Markle’s new Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. The show features Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, inviting friends and notable guests to a picturesque California estate, where she shares cooking, gardening, and hosting tips.

While the series presents a serene and aesthetically pleasing environment, it left me feeling like the show lacked relatability. The meticulously curated scenes… from the label-free glass jars in the kitchen to the pristine organization… seemed more like something to aspire to than something most people could realistically achieve. I looked up a few reviews afterward, and many critics echoed that same feeling. 

Rotten Tomatoes gave the show a 39% and said “Insistently pleasant but ultimately sterile, With Love, Meghan frustratingly encases its tour through the Duchess' lifestyle in bubblewrap.” It’s beautifully done… but out of touch and overly curated.

It got me thinking: Do people enjoy watching shows like this for inspiration, even if it feels far off? Or does it feel more like a disconnect from everyday life… maybe even a turnoff?

🥣 Inspired Action: Transitioning to a Plastic-Free Kitchen 

Even though the show felt a bit over-the-top, one detail really stuck with me. There was no plastic anywhere in the kitchen. Everything was stored in clean, clear glass containers with no brand labels in sight. I later learned that was intentional. Meghan wanted to avoid promoting any specific brands. In fact, even the white Le Creuset pot she used sold out almost immediately.

A while back, I swapped out most of our leftover containers from plastic to glass. But last week, I went to grab the walnuts I got from the farmer’s market, and the flimsy plastic pouch wouldn’t seal again. It made me realize I’m ready to start rethinking how I store food… especially pantry items like walnuts, chia seeds, hemp seeds, and anything that comes in those half-zip pouches. Not only would switching to glass jars make everything look neater, but more importantly, it feels like a healthier move… for us and the environment.

That moment sent me down a little rabbit hole… and sure enough, I found an article detailing some of the products (or similar ones) used on the Netflix show. Here is the link in case you’re curious too.

With Love, Meghan: A Breakdown of All the Houseware Items Seen in the Series (Updated 3/21) - What Meghan Wore

💬 Let’s Reflect: Aspirations vs. Authenticity 

With Love, Meghan has sparked some strong opinions. Some people love the calming visuals and peaceful energy. Others say it feels disconnected from real life. Reviews have been mixed, with some calling it soothing and others calling it out of touch.

It brings up a bigger question: Should lifestyle shows aim to give us something beautiful to look at… or should they reflect the more authentic, sometimes messy, realities of everyday life? Can we be inspired and still keep things real?

🧭 Your Turn: Embracing Sustainable Changes 

If you’re thinking about making your kitchen a little more eco-friendly, here are a few steps to get started:

1. Check Your Storage: Look at what you’re using now. What plastic containers could you replace with glass?

2. Start Small: You don’t have to overhaul everything. Begin with the things you use most… grains, nuts, seeds, snacks.

3. Label with Intention: Use a marker or reusable label to ID contents without turning your shelves into an ad.

4. Invest Where It Counts: Do a little research. There are so many great glass and eco-conscious brands out there now.

Remember, it’s not about being perfect… it’s about progress. One jar at a time. 

I started with this shelf in my pantry.