Best Of

Meghan Markle appears without makeup in new video

Meghan Markle. Credit: Instagram/ meghan

Despite all the rumors about tough times and bad business decisions, Meghan Markle continues her business venture with Netflix in the US.

Her new cooking show, With Love, Meghan, had to be postponed because of the tragic LA fires, while her husband, Prince Harry has put his focus on the Invictus Games. The couple has reportedly undergone a “professional separation,” with them being seen flying solo at events more than ever before.

Harry and Meghan haven’t been very active on social media over the last few years, but with the Duchess launching her new cooking show, she has returned to Instagram. In early February, she posted a video of herself at home, and did so without wearing makeup. In the past, such candid images have brought about rumors that she’s undergone some sort of plastic surgery.

Readers may remember that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle signed a massive deal with Netflix years ago. They also made millions dollars through a Spotify deal which later got canceled. On top of that, the couple has released their own documentary series, Harry & Meghan, the documentary Live to Lead, The Heart of Invictus, and a new documentary about polo on Netflix. Now, it’s time for their fifth Netflix release, though this time it’s Meghan who till take center stage.

Earlier this year, it was announced that the Duchess would feature in a new show titled With Love, Meghan. The cooking and lifestyle program will play out at Harry and Megan’s multimillion-dollar mansion in Montecito, California. The show consists of eight episodes, in which Meghan will cook with guests and share smart and creative lifestyle hacks.

The show includes guests such as her former Suits co-star Abigail Spencer, chef Roy Choi, actress-producer Mindy Kalin, and restauranteur Alice Waters.

“I have been so excited to share this with you! I hope you love the show as much as I loved making it. Wishing you all a fantastic new year! Thanks to our amazing crew and the team [at Netflix]. Beyond grateful for the support — and fun!” Markle wrote on Instagram as she published the trailer for the show.

Speculation about Harry and Meghan not being able to renew their deal with Netflix due to the amount of content they’ve produced so far have been circulating for months.

Meghan Markle to launch new lifestyle Netflix series

However, Netflix Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria said she is “excited” for what’s next with the Duke and Duchess, stating that the streaming giant will stand by them. She also told the Daily Mail that she believes With Love, Meghan will be a huge hit.

“We have Meghan’s new show coming out, which is great. It is such a great take on a lifestyle show and showcase for California, Montecito and nature. It really has great takeaways. I was like ‘oh my God, I want to really do that pasta.’ There’s really easy great takeaways on life. I am really excited about that coming out,” Bajaria said.

Notably, Meghan did not undertake any interviews leading up to the release of her show. However, at the Golden Globes, Mindi Kaling, the former actress’s friend, spoke on the production.

“I was just in my maternity leave, and Meghan texted me and said, ‘Hey, do you want to come be in my show and come to Montecito and have me cook for you?’ And I was like, ‘Yeah, that sounds perfect, I would love to do that,’” Kaling said.

“Wel,l I think of myself as kind of an okay cook, but she unsurprisingly blew me out of the water. The thing about her recipes and being there was that it was just really accessible. She has a garden from scratch, which I could never do, and chickens. They would probably all die if I tried to take care of chickens,” she continued, adding that Harry, too, “knows his way around a kitchen.”

“I learned a lot from her”

Meghan Markle’s former Suits co-star, Abigail Spencer, also opened up about the show in an interview with People Magazine. She said people will finally get an “authentic look” at the Duchess.

“Also, you’re gonna learn a lot. I learned a lot from her and she actually gets to teach me something on the show. I’m just so grateful… It’s really from her heart. It really is with love.”

Meghan’s show was set to air earlier this year, but it was postponed due to the tragic Los Angeles wildfires. Instead, a new release date has been set for early March.

The Duchess launched her lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard last year, and with the aforementioned cooking show it looks as though she’s aiming to keep busy. According to royal broadcaster Helena Chard, though, she can’t expect to be “welcomed” into the lifestyle circle just yet.

“Meghan’s team have helped her put a huge amount of positive marketing and branding spin into her Netflix series,” Chard told Fox News.

“In time she may make a success within the lifestyle place. However, this will take a long time as Meghan’s character does not fit this sickly-sweet picture,” she added, saying the show feels “inauthentic.”

Meghan Markle appears without makeup in new video

“Like she is trying to fit in somehow by playing a very dated housewifey role… very odd and disempowering. She has spoken ill and ditched the majority of her family and friends, and this certainly doesn’t conjure a picture of love and joy,” the expert concluded.

As mentioned, Meghan hasn’t been on Instagram for a long time, but decided to make a comeback prior to the imminent arrival of the new Netflix series. So far, she has four posts on her page, which boasts more than two million followers. She posted her latest video on February 4, which was a special one indeed.

Meghan described how, during the Los Angeles wildfires, she and Harry visited the city of Altadena, where they met a mother and her 15-year-old daughter whose home burned down in the area.

Meghan described a teenager who told her that she had lost a t-shirt she got at a Billie Eilish concert in the fire. Meghan decided she wanted to help. The Duchess reached out to the musician, who sent over many things. In the Instagram video in question, Meghan had just received the packages at her home, which included a t-shirt and a lunch box.

“I don’t even know what this stuff means, but it’s signed for her!” Meghan said, jumping up and down.

“Huge thank you, Billie Eilish, this is going to mean so much to her, and honestly, to Adam Levine and Bahati, you guys helped me get this over the line, and to everyone who is showing up for people in big and small ways to get through what’s happened in California, just thank you so much. I’m going to go and email her mom now, just wanted to share with you guys.”

Meghan Markle reveals secret about skincare routine

In the video’s caption, Meghan also shared a heartfelt message to her followers, thanking the heroes doing their best to help rebuild the community.

“Let’s keep supporting those affected by the California wildfires,” the Duchess wrote. “Thanks to everyone who made this possible, but most importantly, thank you to our first responders, who are the community’s real heroes.”

Many people praised Meghan in the comments, but another detail also garnered attention. It was the first time in a very long time that the public got to see Meghan without makeup, sporting a natural glow instead.

Meghan – sadly, may we add – has been the subject of plastic surgery rumors in the past, and it was even speculated that she had gotten a nose job. Nothing has ever been confirmed, though one source inside the Sussexes’ office refuted the idea that Meghan had ever undergone surgery on her face.

All the same Meghan Markle looked great as she sported her natural glow, so what is her secret? In 2014, before meeting Prince Harry and welcoming their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, the then-actress gave away her secret. Regarding her day-to-day look, she was very “low-key” and never wore foundation.

“I don’t wear foundation in real life. My routine is very simple — I call it the five-minute face,” she told Allure.

“Meghan looks best in neutral tones,” her makeup artist says

In an interview with Life and Style, Meghan’s makeup artist, Spencer Barnes, revealed that she is a big fan of enhancing her natural beauty.

“When I worked with Meghan, she was all about skin! She wanted her skin to look like skin but enhanced galore — glowing, radiant, and healthy — while subtly contoured so that the architecture of her face was maximized. Nuanced subtly was always key,” he said in 2020,” adding that Meghan loves “a peachy, radiant glow on the cheeks.”

“Skin and brows are two of the most powerful things you can do to a face to make or break it’s harmonious balance,” Spencer continued.

He concluded: “With her eyes, she liked deep, rich earthy browns & plums — but also gold tones, bronzes, and soft peaches. Things that would give a little highlight. We never really got into bold color on her eyes. Meghan looks best in neutral tones to ensure her beautiful, brown eyes were defined with a bit of wow.”

What do you think of Meghan Markle’s no-makeup look? Please share this article on Facebook with friends and family and give us your opinion!

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Toby Keith could ‘barely sing’ and was ‘shaking’ in one of last ever performances – his wife couldn’t hold back her tears

The world of country music lost an icon in 2024 with the passing of Toby Keith after a battle with stomach cancer.

The 62-year-old was diagnosed in 2021, thereafter undergoing six months of treatment. Sadly, despite Keith’s undeniable bravery and assurances that he would doggedly fight the disease to the end, the How Do You Look Me Now? singer passed away on the evening of February 5, 2024.

His death naturally sent shockwaves throughout the music industry and beyond, not least among his legion of fans, many of whom were praying for his recovery.

It was in an Instagram post in June 2022 that Toby Keith revealed to the world that he had stomach cancer. The superstar said at the time that he was undergoing treatments including chemotherapy, radiation and surgery, and was looking to take time away from his career to be with his family.

“I’ve spent the last 6 months receiving chemo, radiation, and surgery,” he wrote in a tweet. “So far, so good. I need time to breathe, recover and relax.”

“I am looking forward to spending time with my family,” Keith added. “But I will see the fans sooner than later. I can’t wait.”

Yet his passion for playing music did not wane. In September 2023, Keith delivered one of his last ever performances, singing Don’t Let the Old Man In at the People’s Choice Country Awards held at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.

The considerable effort it took for Keith to deliver the performance was not lost on his fans. One wrote: “Yall see him shaking? He fought hell to sing that song. And he nailed it.”

Another stated their belief that his ‘shaking’ was down to, “Medication side effects or nerves…or both.”

Sitting in the audience at the event was Keith’s wife Tricia, who was visibly moved as she watched her husband.

After receiving the Country Icon Award at the same gala, Keith gave a light-hearted acceptance speech where he told the audience: “I bet you never thought y’all’d see me in skinny jeans.”

Towards the back end of last year, Keith had expressed optimism over his fight with cancer, noting that his tumor had shrunk by a third since his diagnosis. According to reports, he continued to make public appearances in 2023, performing shows in Las Vegas in December.

Days prior to his passing, the country music icon shared a video reminiscing about his early days in the industry. Since the announcement of his death, tributes have flooded in from all over the world.

Rest in peace, Toby Keith, and thank you for the memories.

Best Of

Whiten Your Teeth – Home Remedy with Ginger & Salt

Want instantly brighter teeth? This quick and natural ginger and salt remedy lifts stains, eliminates bacteria, and enhances your smile

Why Ginger & Salt Work for Whitening Teeth

✔ Removes Yellow Stains – Salt works as a natural exfoliant to cleanse and polish the enamel.
✔ K-ills Bacteria & Plaque – Ginger is packed with antibacterial properties to fight bad breath
✔ Strengthens Gums – Helps to reduce gum inflammation and sensitivity
✔ Fast & Effective – Works in just one use for a brighter smile

How to Make & Use the Ginger & Salt Whitening Treatment

Ingredients:

½ teaspoon fresh ginger (grated or powdered)
¼ teaspoon salt (fine sea salt or Himalayan salt)
A few drops of water (to form a paste)

Instructions:

– Step 1: Grate fresh ginger or use powdered ginger.
– Step 2: Mix it with salt in a small bowl.
– Step 3: Add a few drops of water to create a thick paste.
– Step 4; Apply the paste to your toothbrush and gently brush for 2 minutes.
– Step 5: Rinse well with warm water and enjoy your whiter teeth!

💡 Use this method only 2-3 times a week to avoid enamel damage.

Extra Tips for Brighter Teeth

✔ for extra whitening power, Brush with baking soda once a week
✔ Rinse with coconut oil (oil pulling) for deep cleaning and freshness
✔ Eat crunchy fruits like apples and carrots to naturally clean enamel
✔ Avoid tea, coffee, and smoking, which stain teeth over time

Best Of

Inside the hectic life of Australia’s biggest family

When Jeni first met her husband Ray, she was certain of one thing — she never wanted children.

“Ray wanted at least four kids. I thought that was crazy. Like, who has that many children?” Jeni told Mamamia.

Now, over three decades later, they are the proud parents of 16 children.

$600 every week on groceries

If you’re from Australia, you might have heard of them, but for me, it was a real shock when I first started reading about The Bonell Family.

Life for the Bonell family, who are raising 16 kids in Australia, is anything but ordinary. From feeding their large brood to coordinating the chaos of daily life, Jeni and Ray Bonell have mastered the art of juggling it all — and with a healthy dose of humor, too.

The Bonell family, from Queensland’s Toowoomba, is made up of nine boys and seven girls – Jesse, 35, Brooke, 34, Claire, 31, Natalie, 30, Karl, 28, Samuel, 26, Cameron, 25, Sabrina, 24, Tim, 22, Brandon, 20, Eve, 19, Nate, 17, Rachel, 16, Eric, 15, Damian, 14 and Katelyn, 10.

Comedian Jim Gaffigan once joked, “You know what it’s like having a fourth kid? Imagine you’re drowning, then someone hands you a baby.” So what’s it like to have sixteen kids?

Jeni, the mother at the helm, spends a staggering $600 every week on groceries just to keep their pantry stocked. With inflation hitting hard, that budget has crept up by $50. For a family of 18 (with 8 kids still living at home), it takes a lot to keep everyone well-fed.

The weekly grocery list is nothing short of impressive: 17 three-litre bottles of milk, 14 boxes of cereal, 45 tubs of yogurt, and a whopping four dozen eggs.

“We go through 50 litres of milk each week and one to two loaves of bread every day,” says Jeni.

Getting a good family photo is difficult

It’s a logistical nightmare for anyone, but for the Bonells, it’s all part of the rhythm of life. The Bonell family’s home life is a carefully choreographed routine.

“Getting a good family photo is difficult,” says Jeni, laughing. “You need an extra-wide lens, and there’s always someone looking away, pulling a funny face, or with their eyes closed. But we enjoy those little quirks in the photos. They’re not picture perfect, but that’s part of the fun.”

With 16 kids, it’s not just about taking photos — it’s about keeping up with the whirlwind of daily life.

Imagine having 16 kids, a full-time job, part-time jobs, and a household to run. That’s the reality for Jeni and Ray.

“I used to think life was busy with little kids,” says Jeni, “but I’m certainly busier these days with older children.” Between coordinating three different schools, sporting activities, part-time jobs, and the older kids’ studies, it’s a juggling act. And yet, Jeni wouldn’t have it any other way. “Life is very hectic – but it’s good.”

The evening routine in their home is a perfect reflection of the Bonell family dynamic. “Take an average-sized family and multiply it by eight, and that’s what our evening routine is like,” Jeni laughs.

Stretching every dollar

Some nights it’s total chaos; other nights, everything falls into place like a well-oiled machine. But regardless of how the evening unfolds, one thing is always consistent: dinner time. “Dinner is always great,” Jeni explains. “Some nights we have eight people at the table, other nights we have more than 20!”

The Bonells are pros at stretching every dollar. Jeni is known for her budget-friendly meals that cost between $2 and $10. She often shares her grocery trips on YouTube to help others manage their food costs.

“It’s a struggle for everyone at the moment,” says Jeni, “We’re all feeling that pinch with the budget.” To stay organized, Jeni uses a chore chart to divide household responsibilities, making sure everyone from age eight upwards pitches in. The kids are also taught to cook from a young age. “Our 12-year-old can put a roast dinner on for 20 people with almost no supervision,” Jeni says with pride.

The laundry load in a house like theirs is equally immense. Jeni does three full loads of laundry every day, which amounts to about six average-sized loads. And when it comes to grocery shopping, Jeni fills up two trolleys each week. “I always need one of the kids to help with the load,” she says.

The Bonell Family religion

When it comes to their finances, the Bonells have learned to make sacrifices. While they pay off their home mortgage, the financial pressures are still real. “It’s expensive and you definitely have to make sacrifices with your budget,” says Jeni. “But we all work, and our family doesn’t live off the taxpayer. However, we do get a lot of criticism for having so many kids.”

Although the Bonells are deeply religious and regularly attend church, Jeni insists that their large family isn’t solely the result of their strong faith.

“God has a funny sense of humour,” says Jeni. They have no regrets, though. ”It just feels right for us,” says Ray, who works as an electrician. ”People have to do what’s right for them. Having 16 kids is not for everyone, but it’s what works for us.”

Despite their busy lives, Jeni and Ray find moments for themselves. “Do I get alone time with my wife? Of course, I do. We make time for each other,” says Ray with a smile. “It’s important to look after each other.”

Their two older children have now left home and are married, adding to the family dynamic as Jeni and Ray become grandparents to two grandchildren. It’s proof that the Bonell family just keeps growing. But with each addition, the love, laughter, and sense of togetherness only deepen.

Inside their roster system

In a family where organization is key, the Bonells have developed a solid routine. From prepping school uniforms and lunches the night before to creating a rotation system for chores, the Bonells make it work.

“We have a roster system, so when a kid turns eight, they get put on the roster,” says Jeni. “They rotate through chores like sweeping, mopping the floor, packing up the table, and helping with meal prep.”

When it comes to snacks, Jeni has a few favorites she shares with fans on YouTube, including air fryer egg cups and air fryer pizza bites. Both snacks are simple to prepare, freeze well, and are perfect for school lunches.

For the Bonells, it’s all about creating a system that allows everyone to pitch in and contribute. And despite the chaos of managing a household of 16, it’s clear that love, teamwork, and humor keep the Bonell family thriving.

Whether it’s feeding the kids, running a household, or finding time for a quick coffee date, the Bonells make it all work — and they do it with a smile.

At the end of the day, the Bonell family proves that with a little creativity, a lot of organization, and plenty of love, you can make just about anything work. Sure, raising 16 kids isn’t easy, but for Jeni and Ray, it’s all part of the adventure.

Whether it’s sharing tips on how to feed a crowd on a budget, keeping up with the endless laundry, or just enjoying the chaos of family life, the Bonells know how to make it happen. And through it all, they’re creating a home full of memories, laughter, and endless love. If there’s one thing we can all take away from this, it’s that family, no matter how big, is always worth it.