Refried Neurons

Oh, the outrage Netflix’s With Love, Meghan has stirred up! Polish media don’t even bother discussing the show itself—they’re far more interested in the reactions from both sides of the Atlantic. The Brits and the Americans. Apparently, she’s equally loved and hated by both. But then again, that shouldn’t come as a surprise—she’s a woman. We’re always too thin, too fat, too dressed, not dressed enough, or in her case, too white, not white enough, too elegant, not elegant enough.

I’m neither a fan nor a hater, but I was genuinely surprised by how much noise a celebrity cooking/lifestyle show can create. Then again, as they say, there’s no such thing as bad publicity—just publicity. Well, maybe not for the Royals. Not that they’re Royals anymore.

Curious what all the fuss was about, I watched the first few episodes. Yes, she cooks in a white dress—but so do I in white T-shirts. The only difference is, I end up with stains all over mine and she doesn’t. People like that really exist. Believe me, I used to live in a student dorm with two of them. No matter what they did, they never stained anything, the kitchen was always sparkling, and dinner was ready on time. I am definitely not one of them.

Also—let’s not forget—it’s a TV show. She probably has four identical outfits on standby to swap out if needed. Although, judging by how she doesn’t pretend to know all the recipes by heart, I kind of doubt she’s that meticulous.

For Americans, this might be their attempt to fill the Martha Stewart void—a woman they loved, then hated, then loved again. I’ve honestly lost track. I’ve never watched a single episode of Martha’s shows, but I did watch her Netflix biography and I was impressed. Genuinely. I appreciated her story. Most importantly, I was grateful that, for once, someone put women’s work on a pedestal.

I know some feminists would roast me alive for praising the so-called traditional lifestyle, but let’s be honest—this “traditional” lifestyle is something women have done for centuries. Often with zero attention from the media, and zero appreciation from families or society. We praise football players and soldiers, but not the people who feed us, make sure our kids are ready for school, and keep our clothes clean. I’ve never seen a statue celebrating the heroism of wartime women who went to extraordinary lengths just to put food on the table.

If you’re a great footballer, we’ll pay you millions and name things after you when you die. If you’re great at “house stuff”? Nah, forget it. Some will argue that football requires more training, skill, and determination—but believe me, running a home like Martha did takes special skills too. Even just doing it at all does.

If it weren’t for the women working quietly in the background, many of the world’s so-called greats wouldn’t have achieved half as much. They’d have been hungry, exhausted, and up to their elbows in laundry. So big thanks to Martha for showing the world that this part of life matters. Maybe even more than the rest. That it can be elevated and celebrated.

Sometimes, I honestly feel like lifestyle shows are the female equivalent of football. We love watching them, love critiquing them, love buying the gadgets they recommend (or at least buying from the people behind them). The difference is, most of this stuff actually improves the whole family’s life—not just our own egos.

Back to Meghan—if Martha Stewart is watching, I’m sure she’s horrified that Meghan uses the same knife for everything. Real chefs would probably say it’s way too small. But you know what? I do the same. I’ve had my trusty Victorinox since I was 20. I use it for everything. I have other knives, but fuck them. I know a few more people like that too, and we’re damn happy with our one-knife setups.

I don’t know if Meghan will become my lifestyle guru, but hell yeah—I’d love to have a garden like hers. And the time to be in it. And the energy to make beautiful, healthy dinners for friends and family.

I’m also not planning to judge her. She’s producing the show—it’s her job. When she’s filming, she’s working, not looking after kids. And even if she weren’t producing it, even if she were just a stay-at-home mum—fine by me! Who am I to judge?

At the end of the day, feminism is about giving women the choice to do what they want and what they’re good at—not what’s expected of them. And if that means cooking and making pretty canapés—then why the hell not?