Latest news with #Montecito
Daily Mail
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS Now Meghan launches her own WINE: Duchess releases new As Ever products including Napa Valley rosé, honey and apricot spreads...and her jams are FINALLY restocked
Meghan Markle revealed a trio of new products under her lifestyle brand As Ever today as she launched Napa Valley rosé wine, apricot spread and a new honey. The Duchess of Sussex unveiled the fresh items as she also released a restock of items from her first batch two months after they all sold out within an hour. The rosé is Meghan's first foray into the wine market - with the product sourced from the famous region of California, up the west coast from her Montecito home. The other new products are orange blossom honey and the apricot spread, one of which is on sale in keepsake packaging and the other coming in a normal jar. In April the Duchess released her first collection of nine As Ever products including raspberry spread in keepsake packaging for $14 (£10) or a normal jar for $9 (£7). Others were flower sprinkles for $15 (£11), wildflower honey with honeycomb for $28 (£21), a crepe mix and a shortbread cookie mix with flower sprinkles, both $14. Three types of herbal tea also came out at the same time - hibiscus, lemon ginger and peppermint - for $12 (£9) each. All the products sold out in about 45 minutes. Earlier today, the Duchess teased the relaunch with an Instagram post on her As Ever account at midnight Pacific Time (8am UK time this morning), with a new photograph of her smiling on a garden swing with the simple caption: 'No more sleeps'. Meghan had promised some 'delicious surprises' for fans today after describing the April launch of the original As Ever products as 'absolutely extraordinary'. The apricot spread is one of the three new products launched by the Duchess of Sussex today In an Instagram post on June 16, the Duchess wrote: 'Oh yes, honey… sweet things await. Mark your calendars for June 20 at 8am PT – we're bringing back your favorites, plus some delicious surprises you won't want to miss!' Pacific Time is eight hours ahead of BST, meaning the launch was at 4pm UK time. In a newsletter issued on June 16, the former Suits actress also wrote: 'First off, a sincere thank you for making the debut of As Ever absolutely extraordinary. 'We had a feeling there would be excitement, but to see everything sell out in less than an hour was an amazing surprise. We are pleased to share that on June 20th, we're going live with the products you love – plus, some new delicious surprises.' PR experts said the latest email was noticeably different to Meghan's first As Ever message, which was a long piece full of inspirational quotes and personal anecdotes. Sarah Schmidt, celebrity publicist and president of PR firm Interdependence, told MailOnline on Wednesday: 'Meghan's first As Ever newsletter was poetic and intimate. 'It positioned the brand as an extension of her personal rituals and values, written in the voice of someone building a lifestyle, not just selling a product. 'The latest email, by contrast, is pure transaction: short, strategic and sales-focused. And that pivot is telling.' She said the audience is now witnessing a 'shift' in Meghan from a 'founder-as-storyteller' to 'founder-as-operator.' Ms Schmidt added: 'It suggests a brand moving from emotional origin story into operational scale. However, when key team members exit and the tone tightens, audiences can feel that. 'If the first email said, 'Come into my garden,' the second says, 'Get ready to shop.' Neither is wrong, but the dissonance creates questions. Not just about Meghan's role but about the heart and soul of the brand.' Earlier this month Meghan said she had decided to 'just pause' restocking her brand, saying she wanted to wait until it is 'completely stable and we have everything we need'. She also spoke of the difficulties of building her firm and 'how many tears' she has shed behind the scenes on a bonus episode of her Confessions of a Female Founder podcast featuring Beyonce's mother Tina Knowles. Meghan had suggested the 'scarcity mentality at the beginning might be a hook for people', comparing it to 'a sneaker drop'. But she feared it might be 'annoying' for customers, adding: 'I don't want you to eat that jam once every six months. I want that to be on your shelf all the time.' Meghan said: 'So for me at the moment, with As Ever, it was great. We planned for a year we get and then everything sells out in 45 minutes. 'Yes, amazing, great news. Then what do you do? And then you say 'Ok, we planned as best as we could. Are we going to replenish and sell out again in an hour? Or is that annoying as a customer? 'I'm looking at it saying 'Just pause. That happened. Let's wait until we are completely stable and we have everything we need'.' She added how people 'see all the flashy stuff and they see the product. But that end game… those behind the scenes moments, how many tears I've shed'. Meanwhile, earlier this week the Duchess denied that her personal Instagram account, where she shares behind the scenes footage of family life, is a tool to promote her business. Meghan said returning to social media at the start of the year was 'a great way to get my voice back', and she uses it for 'authentic' sharing such as her twerking video. She added: 'It's my space and my channel for joy.' The former Suits actress went back on Instagram in January, first with footage of her running around a beach and writing 2025 in the sand, and then a montage from her Netflix show With Love, Meghan. The Duchess has since made numerous posts about As Ever, mentioning her As Ever Instagram account, but has also released photos and videos of the Sussexes' life with their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. On Lili's fourth birthday last week, Meghan shared footage of herself twerking in a labour room while heavily pregnant with her daughter. On the Aspire with Emma Grede podcast, entrepreneur Grede asked Meghan about her return to social media, saying: 'Are you thinking about it in the way that so many of us do as also a business tool?' Meghan replied: 'Not for my personal account, no.' Grede challenged her, asking: 'Really?' Meghan said: 'For my personal account? …No.' Grede told her: 'Well that's the one we're all following.' Meghan replied and laughed: 'Well good…as long as you're following As Ever too. No, I think for me it was great way to get my voice back… It's my space and my channel for joy – that is the intention of my handle.' Meghan's personal account @Meghan has 3.8 million followers. Her @aseverofficial account has 847,000 followers, and is linked into her @Meghan bio, as is her ShopMy collection.
Fox News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Meghan Markle admits she sometimes misses acting after quitting for royal life
Meghan Markle reflected on how she feels now about leaving her Hollywood career behind for royal life. The 43-year-old Duchess of Sussex, who made her on-screen debut in a 2002 episode of the soap opera "General Hospital" and rose to fame when she starred in the hit USA Network legal drama "Suits," confirmed that she would be retiring from acting hours after she announced her engagement to Prince Harry in November 2017. She officially became a member of the royal family when she married Harry in May 2018. In January 2020, they stepped down from their roles as working royals before moving to Canada and eventually settling in Montecito, California. During a recent appearance on the "Aspire with Emma Grede" podcast, Grede asked Markle if she ever missed her former profession. "Sometimes, sometimes," Markle said. However, she explained that starring in her Netflix lifestyle show "With Love, Meghan" had helped fill the void. "With Love, Meghan" premiered in March and the show will return for a second season in the fall. MEGHAN MARKLE GIVES RARE GLIMPSE OF PRINCESS LILIBET IN BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE, BREAKS PATTERN OF PRIVACY "Actually, having a large team, being back on set with 'With Love, Meghan' was great because I realized how much I had missed my crew," Markle told Grede. "I love being around a crew." Markle joined "Suits" in 2011 and was one of the show's original cast members. She played Rachel Zane, a paralegal who eventually becomes a lawyer, for seven seasons. While speaking with Grede, Markle recalled how she wasn't able to say her goodbyes when she left "Suits" due to the need to keep her exit under wraps. "We couldn't say I was leaving necessarily. It was speculated," she said. "So, after seven years on the series, we couldn't have a going away party. I couldn't say my goodbyes." One day after Markle and Harry's engagement was announced, the USA Network confirmed her departure from the series. Markle made her final appearance on the show in the seventh season finale in 2018. Markle reiterated that she still misses the crew she worked with during her time on "Suits." "We work with people for seven years," she said. "For seven years, that's a really strong connection. And I loved the crew. So I think for me, having the [Netflix] series even though it wasn't scripted, was really great to get that piece back, but then also building my own business. You have a team, and that's really what I was craving as well." During her interview with Grede, Markle recalled that she struggled to land roles early in her acting career and attributed her difficulties with getting hired to her multiracial heritage. The actress's father, Thomas Markle, is White, while her mother, Doria Ragland, is Black. "When I was an auditioning actress and this was well before 'Suits,' you have to think at that time there were certainly not a lot of mixed race parts," Markle told Grede. "Really?" Grede asked. "No," the duchess replied. "Really?" Grede repeated. "No, there weren't a lot," Markle said. Markle went on to explain how she believed producers and casting directors were looking for a certain archetype and aesthetic in the early years of her career. "If I was going in for an audition — you have to remember this was a very different time than it is now. It was 'girl next door,'" she said. "That was typically blond-haired, blue-eyed and a certain look," Markle continued. "But because I'm half White, I would also be submitted for those roles and then if it was a character that had any sort of ethnicity, there was always a bit of an edge to those characters." "But I'd be submitted for those roles and I also, to a lot of people in casting, they thought I was Latina," she added. "So I share that because, and I've shared this before, because it was a numbers game." "If I'm only up for 10 parts, that could be 10 nos, but if I'm up for 30 parts because I can fit into so many different rooms, that could be 30 nos. That is a lot to chip away at your self-esteem. That is really hard." Markle explained the rejection that she faced while trying to make it in the entertainment industry took a toll on her self-confidence. "I went through my chapter of self-doubt as an auditioning actor and beyond that," she said. "When you're so consumed with what everyone around you thinks of you, that can be a really hard way to live." The actress shared that after entering her 40s and becoming a mother, it was important to her that she set a positive example for her children and how they are "going to think about themselves." Markle shares son Prince Archie, 6, and daughter Princess Lilibet, 3, with her husband Prince Harry, 40. "And that, you can't have an imposter syndrome around. No way," she emphasized. "You have to be so authentically the role model and the example of confidence, self-forgiveness, kindness, fun — all of those things and ou can't fake that. 'You want to model that for them, so all of that really shifted in the past six years of becoming a mom for me," Markle added. After making her TV debut in "General Hospital," Markle made guest appearances in shows including "The War at Home," "CSI: NY," "90210," "'Til Death" "Knight Rider," "Fringe," "Without a Trace" and "CSI: Miami." From 2006 to 2007, Markle appeared as a "briefcase girl" on the game show "Deal or No Deal." LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS The California native also took on small parts in movies including "Horrible Bosses," "Remember Me" and "Get Him to the Greek" before landing one of the leading roles in "Suits" Markle appeared on the podcast while promoting her lifestyle brand "As Ever." The actress launched the brand, which was originally named American Rivera Orchard, in March 2024. She renamed the company "As Ever" in February 2025. While appearing on the podcast, Markle weighed in on whether her experience with acting helped her in her role in her latest endeavor. "Do you think that there are any skills that you got from your days as an actress that are transferable into this new entrepreneurial world that you're in," Grede asked. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER "Of course," Markle replied. "I mean, again, having a thick skin. Partnerships and the value of having great relationships when what you when you're building certainly lots of different SKUs [Stock Keeping Units] is key." "And so a piece of advice I was given years ago as an auditioning actress was don't try to book the part, book the room," she continued. "Meaning it doesn't matter if you don't get that role, you might not be right for it, you might remind the director of an ex-girlfriend that broke his heart." 'It could be any number of reasons — it's not about the part," Markle added. "You're going to see those producers and those casting directors at so many other opportunities. Book the room, let them see that you're talented. Let them see you have something to bring to the table." "Treat them with kindness, all of those relationships end up coming to fruition — you don't know when. But just like with life, relationships matter. So I learned that in the very long road of auditioning, for sure." CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Meghan Markle's best friends pose up a storm at intimate Montecito dinner for female founders - but Duchess of Sussex is nowhere to be seen
Meghan Markle's besties posed up a storm at a luxury dinner for female founders - but the Duchess of Sussex was nowhere to be seen. Abigail Spencer and Delfina Blaquier - both of whom appeared on their longtime friend's Netflix series With Love, Meghan - were among the 'Montecito Girls' in attendance at the intimate gathering hosted by shoe designer Jamie Haller. The influencers shared a series of snaps and photos from the stunning event commemorating the opening of the Californian brand's first store. Flowers, personalised name-cards and curated menus all channeled a very As Ever aesthetic - but Meghan herself didn't appear to be present, possibly busy with the launch of her upcoming site restock. Food from trendy Italian restaurant Ospi coated the tales, including pizzas, pastas and al fresco antipasti perfect for the summer evening, while local vineyard Coquelicot Wines provided drinks. Complementing the porch set-up, candles adorned the setting while guests - which included fashion company owners from the area, such as Clare Vivier, Janessa Leoné, Emily Current and Meritt Elliott - enjoyed conversing. Social media posts from the night also featured a speech made by Jamie, as supporters gushed of their pride of her entrepreneurial drive. Meghan's former Suits co-star Abigail, 43, has been pals with the Duchess after they first met in 2007 at an audition; but they became closer once they became co-stars on the legal drama. The influencers shared a series of snaps and photos from the stunning event commemorating the opening of the Californian brand's first store The Duchess played Rachel Zane - a paralegal who later became an attorney - in the series and Abigail was cast as lawyer Dana Scott. Elsewhere Delfina Figueras, 44, bonded with Meghan as she is the socialite wife of Harry's polo-playing chum Nacho Figueras. Both she and Delfina took a myriad of selfies and videos from the event, boasting of a 'good start to a good night'. While Abigail sported a double denim ensemble, and accentuated her raven tresses with a bold red lip, Delfina contrasted her blonde locks with a black monochrome look. The duo huddled up close in snaps from the day - but Meghan may have likely been absent as she's busy following her release date for her new set of As Ever products, which is just days away. The Duchess took to Instagram on Monday evening to tease the 'delicious surprises' that will be in store during the second launch of her lifestyle brand. And she revealed that the products - which will also include previous 'favourites' - will be back even sooner than previously thought, with the restock going live on Friday, June 30 at 8am. She wrote on her As Ever Instagram account: 'Oh yes, honey…sweet things await. Mark your calendars for June 20 at 8 a.m. PT - we're bringing back your favorites, plus some delicious surprises you won't want to miss!' She added a picture of a stock of pancakes, topped with sweet raspberries and a generous drizzle of honey. As implied by the caption, Meghan's honey will be set to make a return - and it's likely her famous jam will also be up for grabs. In a newsletter to fans, she added: 'First off, a sincere thank you for making the debut of As ever absolutely extraordinary. We had a feeling there would be excitement, but to see everything sell out in less than an hour was an amazing surprise. 'We are pleased to share that on June 20th, we're going live with the products you love – plus, some new delicious surprises.' And posting on her personal Instagram account, she said 'so much love has gone into this'. After reports she had decided to 'pause' restocking the line, Meghan earlier this month revealed that As Ever would indeed be making a return. Alongside a snapshot of bowls of strawberries, raspberries and blueberries resting on a kitchen countertop, she wrote: 'To all who've been wondering and waiting, thank you! 'Your favorites are returning, plus a few NEW things we can't wait to show you. Coming this month... get excited!' The original As Ever range went on sale in March and products sold out within half an hour of going live. Meghan's first line of products included raspberry spread, honey, herbal tea and ready made crepe mix - all of which received a less than stellar review by Daily Mail's FEMAIL team. The shock announcement of an initial restock came shortly after she released a bonus episode of her podcast, Confessions of a Female Founder where Meghan told of the difficulties of building her firm and 'tears' she has shed behind the scenes to Beyonce's mother Tina Knowles. She said of the April launch of As Ever goods including jam that a 'scarcity mentality at the beginning might be a hook for people,' comparing it to 'a sneaker drop'. But Meghan feared it might be 'annoying' for customers, adding: 'I don't want you to eat that jam once every six months. I want that to be on your shelf all the time.' The Duchess said: 'So for me at the moment, with As Ever, it was great. We planned for a year we get and then everything sells out in 45 minutes. 'Yes, amazing, great news. Then what do you do? And then you say 'Ok, we planned as best as we could. Are we going to replenish and sell out again in an hour? Or is that annoying as a customer? 'I'm looking at it saying "Just pause. That happened. Let's wait until we are completely stable and we have everything we need."' Just a few weeks prior, the mother-of two had hinted that she might never restock her jam in an interview with a US business magazine which said she was planning to 'step back to assess' her brand. In the interview - given to coincide with the final episode of Confessions of a Female Founder - the Fast Company said Meghan wanted to 'step back, gather data from the launch, and figure out exactly what As Ever could be.' Her previous store sold out in 45 minutes and contained homely items as well as her long-awaited pots of jam. Addressing her first online shop, Meghan said Netflix agreed that rather than market her products under their brand, it would make sense for her to have her own store. Meghan also reportedly plans to add hotels and restaurants to her As Ever lifestyle brand. The Duchess is said to be trademarking her brand As Ever for 'hospitality services', The Sun first reported. This will allegedly include places to stay, as well as temporary lodgings and 'provision of food and drink', the newspaper revealed last week. Meghan could dish up a selection of her own edible creations, incorporating recipes she featured on her recent Netflix eight-part cooking show With Love, Meghan. Brand experts have claimed hotels and restaurants fit in nicely with the Duchess' business brand. Her lifestyle brand's website states: 'As Ever is more than a brand - it's a love language. 'Created by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, As Ever welcomes you to a collection of products, each inspired by her long-lasting love of cooking, entertaining and hostessing.' Meghan's representatives previously declined to comment when approached by MailOnline.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Jennifer Aniston, 56, looks half her age as she flashes SIX PACK abs in new snaps
Jennifer Aniston has left fans stunned over her athletic level abs while appearing in head-turning photos for her new Smartwater campaign. The Friends alum, 56 - who recently finished dramatic renovations on her $15 million Montecito mansion - has partnered with the brand once again after a five-year hiatus. The actress is no stranger to starring in ads for Smartwater - which is run under Coca-Cola - and initially signed a contract to represent that electrolyte-infused water back in 2007. In one image, Aniston flaunted her incredibly toned physique wearing a cropped white shirt and a pair of black trousers. Her locks were parted to the side and effortlessly cascaded down past her shoulders in light waves. Jennifer opted for minimal accessories and added a few flashy rings onto each of her hands while also balancing a Smartwater bottle on top of her left shoulder. The star's makeup was glammed up for the photo shoot and comprised of a layer of mascara to her voluminous lashes. A warm blush and contour was added to better accentuate her cheekbones while a nude-colored glossy tint was worn on her lips for a finishing touch. Aniston continued to pose up a storm for the campaign while sporting a black sports bra and sculpting leggings. She could be seen holding water bottles and cans from the brand - including the Smartwater alkaline with antioxidant can. Earlier this week on Tuesday, the actress jumped to her main Instagram page to share a short reel that showed her on set. At one point, she walked in front of the camera and picked up a water bottle placed on a stool. Jennifer continued to flaunt her abs in the white cropped top and took a sip of the water before walking out of frame. Social media users jumped to the comment section of the post to share their thoughts over the star's fit figure. One penned, 'Will drinking this water get me those abs,' while another wrote, 'You are goals!!! Absolutely stunning.' Aniston continued to pose up a storm for the campaign while sporting a black sports bra and sculpting leggings Social media users jumped to the comment section of the post to share their thoughts over the star's fit figure One penned, 'Will drinking this water get me those abs,' while another wrote, 'You are goals!!! Absolutely stunning' 'THE ABBBSSSSSS,' a fan also typed out, and one added, 'I'll have what she's having.' Another shared, 'If drinking smart water gives you a physique like that? I have to stop drinking dumb water,' followed by a laughing face emoji. 'My God. That stomach. Way better than mine,' an Instagram user penned, and one wrote, 'When Jennifer Aniston holds a bottle of Smartwater, it's not just hydration - it's a whole lifestyle. The 2025 version? Pure inspiration.' Others expressed their excitement to seeing The Morning Show actress starring in Smartwater ads once again. 'I grew up with this iconic ad,' a fan shared, and another added, 'Welcome back! My favorite water since Jen introduced us to it years ago!!!' When it comes to the star's fit figure, Aniston opened up about the one thing her parents wouldn't let her have when she was growing up during a recent interview with People. 'I was never allowed to have a sugary piece of anything, and I was also served spelt bread,' she told the outlet. 'I grew up in one of those holistic I've sort of lived by that.' Jennifer also explained how her mother had always emphasized the importance of drinking water. The actress later added, 'I've become so hyper aware of people who don't drink water now because I've always been such a water drinker. 'I have girlfriends that just can't drink water, they just don't like the taste of it. It's like, "It's water. It's just water," and I constantly say, "You have to hydrate. You must hydrate."' In regards to her reunion with Smartwater, Jennifer jokingly said, 'We just can't quit each other.' Aniston stated that she is a fan of the water due to it's 'delicious' and 'crisp' taste - while also sharing, 'I love the bottle, I love the brand, I love the people.' When it comes to her fitness regime to achieve her toned figure and abs, the star previously gave insight into her routine while talking to Women's Health earlier this year in January. The Hollywood actress said, 'One thing I'm really proud of in my fitness journey is that I'm still doing it. I just feel strong. I feel stronger than I was in my 20s, that's for sure.' Jennifer - who works with fitness trainer Dani Coleman - explained that it had taken some time to realize that she didn't need to overdo it when it came to workouts. 'You don't have to kill yourself to be in shape. You just have to do the right things,' she expressed. Jennifer has been keeping busy and is set to appear in the fourth season of the hit Apple TV+ series The Morning Show - which is set to premiere later this year on September 17 Aniston also shared the importance of one's body and on days when she is tired, she will instead focus on doing stretches. 'I've learned that you don't have to push through everything. It's about doing what you can and knowing that it all adds up.' The beauty later explained, 'Our bodies need to be loved and cared for and attended to, and workouts are a part of that. Strength training is really important.' Jennifer has been keeping busy and is set to appear in the fourth season of the hit Apple TV+ series The Morning Show - which is set to premiere later this year on September 17.
News.com.au
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Why neighbour won't hang out with Meghan Markle, Prince Harry
NFL legend Troy Aikman is keeping his distance from neighbours Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. The American football star has a property in Montecito, California which is located near the royal couple's home, Page Six reports. The athlete said he won't be spending time with his neighbours anytime soon, however, joking in a new interview that they don't have much in common. 'I don't think they're drinking much light beer,' the EIGHT Elite Light Beer founder told Us Weekly. Aikman, 58, noted that everyone in the community knows Meghan, 43, and Harry, 40, live there. 'I haven't run into them. But they are there, from what I can gather. I think anyone with a heartbeat knows that they're out there,' he continued. 'But I'm not hanging with them, that's for sure.' Insane amount Meghan, Harry pay staff One of Meghan and Harry's other neighbours, Richard Mineards, claimed the As Ever founder — who has reportedly been dubbed 'the Princess of Montecito' by her neighbours — never attempted to 'fit in' with the Montecito crowd as opposed to the more 'approachable' Harry. 'She pays attention to every appearance, every word, every gesture,' Mr Mineards told the Daily Mail last month. 'And here in Montecito, we appreciate simple people, even famous ones. Meghan doesn't play the community game.' Mr Mineards praised Harry as being much more friendly toward locals in the ritzy Santa Barbara County neighbourhood. 'He is always charming, approachable, with that very recognisable Windsor accent. He smiles, shakes hands, willingly exchanges a few words,' he said. 'We've seen him at the beach, in an organic coffee shop, or cycling in the hills.' Meghan and Harry have been living in their $US14.65 million ($A20.9 million) Montecito mansion with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, since 2020. Though they may not be hanging out with Aikman, they are good friends with neighbours Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King. They were also close to Ellen DeGeneres, though the comedian has since sold her home and moved to England. According to another famous neighbour, Sharon Stone, the couple was down-to-earth after moving in following their royal exit. 'They're a part of our community, they've become a giving, caring, participating part of our community,' she told Hello! in 2020. 'They're not here to be like, 'Would you like to kiss my butt?''
