THE TIG ARCHIVES│BEAUTY│A NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION

“Run a marathon. Stop biting my nails. Stop swearing. Re-learn French. These make my New Year’s resolution list nearly (AKA actually every) single year. The marathon hasn’t happened. The swearing comes in lulls triggered by being overworked or feeling mighty cheeky after a couple drinks. Then there’s the French – a language I studied through high school and then lost as I immersed myself in speaking Spanish with the Argentinians during my stint in Buenos Aires. I have put my little Rosetta Stone headset in my eager ears every year, resolving to do interviews en français, but much to my chagrin, it hasn’t stuck. And when it comes to the biting of the nails – well, it still happens with a turbulent flight or a stressful day. It’s unladylike. But then again, so is the swearing. Dammit.

So here’s my question: what is the goal of a New Years resolution? I often find myself wallowing in disappointment when I set a goal I can’t achieve. Of measuring each day’s triumph or failure as a benchmark of how the year is going. And at 34 years old, I’m over that.

This year I resolve to not have a resolution. If I can’t run a marathon, that’s okay. (I’m getting older – my knees are bothering me.) If it takes me a couple more years to lock down that French tutor and nail the language j’adore oh so much, that’s cool too.

My nails will be fine, and if I toss out a four letter word once in a blue moon, well frankly I think it adds character.

For this new year, the only thing I aim to do is to approach life playfully. To laugh and enjoy, to keep my standards high but my level of self-acceptance higher.

My cast mate and friend, Gina, listened to me rattle on about my plans for the hiatus, bullet pointing the multitudinous events of my schedule and planned jaunts from one place to the next. She stopped me. ‘Meg, I will just say one thing. Make sure you leave room for magic.’

And that is my point. My New Year’s resolution is to leave room for magic. To make my plans, and be okay if they sometimes break. To set my goals, but to be open to change. To let the magic know that there is an open door policy with me in 2016 and that it is always welcome to join the party.

I invite you to do the same.

Have a beautiful, blissful, and incredibly magical 2016. So grateful to be with you on the ride.”

- Meghan Markle, January 1, 2016

THE TIG ARCHIVES│TRAVEL│INSIDER’S GUIDE TO TORONTO

“With the Toronto International Film Festival in full effect, it seemed only right to share some of my favorite finds from this new home of mine. We have been filming Suits in Toronto for 4 seasons now, which means four years of getting to know this city. Domaine was kind enough to ask for my favorite finds, and now I am sharing them with you along with a couple of new additions. Here is my Insider’s Guide to Toronto, where the people are friendly, the streets are clean, the food is damn good, and where I found my happiness. Sounds like a pretty good place, eh?”

EAT

The Harbord Room - “Hands-down my absolute favorite restaurant in Toronto and beyond. The food is just perfect, whether you’re craving a crudo plate, a seasonal pasta dish laced with ramps, pesto and a whole lotta love, or the absolute best burger you’ve ever had. My friend, Natalie, brought me here years ago for the burger (with fries and a bottle of pinot noir), and it remains my most-craved meal. Just go. This one’s a no-brainer.”

Bestellen - ”This is a comfortable space with a concise and absolutely delicious menu. I go for the côte de boeuf (all sourced by my favorite meat purveyor in the region, Cumbrae‘s), relaxed vibe, and great service. Also, they have an open kitchen, which I’m a sucker for, and a great table in the back that would be perfect for a small celebration.“

Bar Isabel - ”I used to live in Madrid, so my love for Spanish cuisine runs deep. Bar Isabel has a beautiful space with Andalucian tiles that reminds me of long weekends in Seville. Order the ceviche, and if you’re a fan of octopus, definitely go for that; it is served whole, with garlicky potatoes that will make you want to fall into a blissful carb coma.“

Terroni - ”A go-to and a standby. There are three locations in Toronto (go to the flagship on Queen Street where the service is relaxed but super accommodating) and the vibe is always chill. Their pastas have the perfect bite and the mains are great — order both with a bottle (or carafe) of wine. It’s a solid bet for an easy weeknight (or weekend) dinner.“

Fresh – ”All LA transplants who moved to Toronto for filming told me that Fresh would be my saving grace – the clean eats and yummy vegan fare would remind me of home. They were certainly correct.  Whether it’s a fresh juice, the green goddess bowl with extra broccoli, the quinoa onion rings or the all star salad, I could easily eat here every single day and my tastebuds would never get bored. Oh! And if you’re a fan of hot sauce, make sure you get some of their scotch bonnet based heat they put on the table. I am certifiably obsessed with it.“

Almond Butterfly – “A new gluten free bakery that has the most delicious bites and amazing espresso.  My favs are the banana bread (how is it so moist?!), the chocolate chip cookies, and the date squares. Cupcakes are plentiful, flavors change often, and it’s a solid spot to pop in for some yummy treats in a jewel box space.”

Cocktail Bar - “I’ve loved this teeny tiny space for a few years. They don’t serve any drinks with vodka, which I both love and hate all at the same time, but the fact of the matter is they don’t need it. The drinks are solid, and the mixologists are as friendly as they come. Ask for Travis.”

Rasa - “This place just opened, and I am head over heels for the space. It feels like New York City to me, with a warm feeling that hugs you when you walk in the door, inviting you to stay. Great vibe, adventurous menu, and a top-notch cocktail and wine list. Highly recommended for a nightcap.”

STAY

The Shangri La - “Oh, how I adore this hotel. The staff is top notch and the amenities are sublime – from the gym with infrared sauna to the awesome spa with private hammam. This will also be a hot spot for star sighting as it is next door to Soho House, the place to be for parties during TIFF.”

SHOP

Cabaret Vintage - “Head here for perfect vintage finds and a staff that makes you feel as precious as a Georgia peach. I go in weekly for inspiration and little additions to my closet.”

6 by Gee Beauty - “This is my favorite store for a curated selection of clothes, gifts, jewelry and fragrance. Think Assouline coffee table books, Aviator Nation frocks, and Le Labo, all within the shop that is likely smaller than your bedroom. I love that you don’t have to pilfer through racks, and I always find something I love either for myself or my girlfriends.”

The Room at Hudson’s Bay - “This shop features a bespoke mix of the best niche designers. Think Wes Gordon, Giambattista Valli, and Prabal Gurung. It’s cutting-edge and classic all at the same time.”

Holt Renfrew - “The ultimate luxury Canadian department store. Go for the shoe department and ready-to-wear collections, and take a mini hiatus to have a glass of bubbles and salad at the store’s lovely restaurant. You can find incredible Canadian designers within these walls; get a gift for everyone back home.”

FROLIC

Kensington Market - “A local mecca for all things food and fun is several blocks of fishmongers, meat purveyors, mom-and-pop veggie stands, juice bars, and fantastic hole-in-the-wall restaurants. Throughout the summer the market has pedestrian Sundays where no cars can pass through it, and it feels like one big block party: bands performing, the smells of every exotic cuisine wafting in the air, and a relaxed vibe that makes you feel that Sunday kinda love. You can see my favorite gems within Kensington on the feature I did with Holts Muse.”

Trinity Bellwoods Park- “I call this hipsters’ paradise. It’s a massive park with a huge dog run in the middle, which is ideal for my super active dog, Bogart. But beyond the normal park humdrum (tennis courts and softball field), you’ll see people set up stands for the likes of free hugs, yoga in the park, dance classes, and performance art. It’s really the mecca for meeting up with friends, throwing a frisbee until day turns to night, and listening to the ambient beat of bongo drums from another end of the park.”

- Meghan Markle, September 2014

The Harbord Room and Bestellen are now permanently closed. 

THE TIG ARCHIVES│BEAUTY│BEAUTY BY DANIEL: LADY IN RED

“Resident beauty expert Daniel Martin knows a thing or two about a thing or two, including the season’s hottest trend of cherry-picked, crimson-hued, and Merlot-stained puckers. Personally I had always been scared of a red lip, but as Daniel teaches us, when you find the right shade for your pout, you are well on your way to screen siren status with that endlessly chic je ne sais quoi. And color me happy – it’s just in time for Valentine’s Day. ‘Tis the season for smoochable red lips. Voila, et merci, Daniel!”

- Meghan Markle, February 2016

From Daniel:

“We all know that red lipstick has been trending for quite some time now, and lets face it, it’s here to stay. For some, it’s been a novel piece in a girls makeup collection, and for others, it’s turned into their everyday staple shade of choice. I’ve compiled my top six favorite red lipsticks that will look beautiful on anyone from everyday wear to a night out on the town!”

1. Rogue Dior Lipstick in 999

“This is Dior’s iconic red. Its a beautiful balance of blue red especially great on dark skin tones with a moisturizing finish.”

2. Bite Beauty Matte Creme Lip Crayon in Red Velvet

“For the eco-conscious fashionista, this natural lipstick line really packs a punch with its “good for you” ingredients. Red Velvet is a beautiful muted deep red especially great on fair skin tones.”

3. Surratt Beauty Prismatique Lips in Sang Bleu

“I love these lipsticks because they’re multidimensional, adding enough pigment without looking heavy on the lips. Sang Bleu is a gorgeous sparkly not shiny blue red. This is perfect paid with a dark smokey eye too!”

4. Kat Von D Everlast Lipstick in Underage Red

“These liquid lips don’t budge an inch. Perfect for someone who doesn’t want to touch up their lips and wants a full coverage. This is an iconic red that looks great on especially medium skinniness brightening up the skin.”

5. Laura Mercier ‘Velour Lovers’ Lip Colour in Addiction

“Chic, classic and comfortable red! The beautiful finish looks great on anyway and it photographs beautifully!”

6. Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso

“Another liquid lipstick but not as flat. This is gorgeous universal red that still gives life to the skin without looking “dead red” in pictures.”

THE TIG ARCHIVES│LIVING│HOLIDAY GIFTS THAT GIVE BACK

“The holiday season, more than ever, makes us remember all of those things in our lives for which we are endlessly grateful. And as we all know, there’s nothing that warms the heart more than being able to pass that generosity along to others. So in the spirit of giving, here are some gifts that will benefit not only your loved ones, but some amazing causes as well. With everything from animal adoption, to solar power, to disease prevention, these goodies are sure to hit every person (and cause) on your list. Happy giving!”

1. The LA Bliss Los Angeles Gift Box

“This adorable Los Angeles-based company has a line of curated gift boxes that are sure to delight any California dreamer. With all of their products made by hand in Los Angeles, you have the comfort of knowing your money will be going back to individual artisans and supporting the local economy.”

2. Found My Animal Adjustable Rope Leashes

“We first introduced you to this socially-minded pet goods company over the summer, and now it’s time to get your friends on the hook, too! Encouraging all of their customers to #adoptdontshop and supporting local animal shelters, Found My Animal makes you both feel good and look good with their line of stylishly colorful ombré leash designs.”

3. The Neshama Project Meraki Necklace + Soul Sister Earrings

“Founded by a fellow yogi, this boutique jewelry line donates a percentage of all proceeds to Innovation Africa, a non-profit that seeks to expand solar power, clean water, and agricultural technology to rural villages on the continent. We love the delicacy and uniqueness of their designs, and with many pieces handmade in California, you can be sure that you’re getting a quality product in addition to supporting a worthy cause.”

4. Thistle Farms Holiday Gift Set

“This company based out of Nashville, TN produces a remarkably wide range of bath and body products handmade by women who are the survivors of domestic abuse and human trafficking. Providing residential rehabilitative care and an education program, this remarkable company hires its own graduates who then make these premium, natural products. If that’s not karmic magic, we don’t know what is.”

5. Conscious Step Crew Socks

“These comfy socks make you feel like every step you’re taking is a stride in the right direction. Each sock design is aimed towards benefiting a particular cause (like HIV treatment or hunger prevention), so you can shop for your loved one in a way that matters most. They’re ethically made, cute as a button, and perfect for those cozy winter nights.”

6. Starling Vanilla + Hemlock & Juniper + Saffron Candles

“Aside from smelling heavenly and being hand-poured right in Brooklyn, NY, these chic candles are also looking to light up the world. So far their founder has raised over $100,000 for the development of solar power systems in Chad. (Not too shabby, huh?) Named after the small birds that can be found flying in huge flocks, this company inspires us to be a part of something greater this season, too.”

- Meghan Markle, December 2016

THE TIG ARCHIVES│FOOD│BAROLO BRAISED SHORT RIBS

“When it’s time to bring the romance, we turn to the kitchen to woo our beloved with a home cooked meal. Because let’s be honest – who wants to go out on Valentine’s Day when you can whip up a beautiful (and decadent) dish for your honey pie by way of the executive chef of Riviera Caterers, Sean Wilson? As NYC’s catering company to the stars (hey hey Keith Richards, Kobe Bryant, and Usher), CEO Andrew Cavitolo & President Bobby Stern are the bad boy geniuses behind serving up meals that are delicious, on trend, and dead sexy. Today on The Tig, these handsome fellas have shared a dish that’s sure to make you and your Valentine’s hearts go pitter pat and your bellies go to bed mighty happy. Braised short rib in Barolo sauce? Um, yes, please and thank you. Cheers to happy hearts and full bellies!”

- Meghan Markle, February 12, 2016

From Riviera Caterers

“Valentine’s Day is a day of celebration with your loved one. A time for sharing a meat and a glass of wine, not slaving over a hot stove trying to make a complicated entrée. The bulk of preparation for this dish occurs the day before, so it gives time for the flavors to develop and prevents chaos day-of. The red wine braise is perfect for the cold weather and a simple yet elegant presentation rounds it out. Enjoy with a Zinfandel or another full-bodied red, this dish has the backbone to pair exquisitely with silky tannins and berry aromas.”

Ingredients for the Barolo Braised Short Ribs

• 6 pounds of boneless short ribs (or boneless chuck flaps)
• 4 carrots
• 2 Spanish onions
• 1 head of celery
• 1 small can of tomato paste
• 3 liters of Barolo wine
• 3 quarts of beef stock + salt, pepper, and canola oil
• 4 bay leaves
• 5 sprigs of thyme
• 15 peppercorns
• 1 head of garlic
• 5 sprigs of rosemary

Ingredients for the Polenta

• 1 Spanish onion
• 2 sticks of butter + salt, pepper, and canola oil
• 4 sprigs of rosemary
• 4 sprigs of thyme
• 1 cup of white wine
• 2 quarts of chicken stock
• 2 cups of quick cook polenta
• ½ cup of heavy cream

Ingredients for the Vegetable Bundles

• 1 bunch of pencil asparagus
• 4 slices prosciutto + salt, pepper, and canola oil

Ingredients for the Garnish

• 8 ounces of reduced braising liquid
• 2 lemons, cut in half
• rosemary
• sugar

Directions:

1. Short Ribs

1. The day before (or up to one week before), braise the short ribs.Start by cleaning and peeling carrots, onion and celery. Chop into 1inch pieces.
2. Clean short ribs of exterior fat and silver skin if present and liberally season with salt and fresh cracked black pepper.
3. Sear in canola oil in a large rondeau. Once brown on all sides, remove from pot and add chopped vegetables.
4. Once brown, pincage vegetables with tomato paste and add Barolo wine to deglaze. Reduce wine by about half, which takes approximately 20-30minutes.
5. Add beef stock, aromatics, and seared short ribs to the pot andbring to a boil. Immediately reduce heat, cover with parchment paper and place in a 350 degree F oven and braise until tender, about 3-4 hours.
6. Once tender, remove from oven, place the pot in an ice water bath and cool to 70 degree F within two hours.
7. Remove from ice water bath and place in refrigerator to cool inbraising liquid overnight. The next day, remove any fat from top ofbraising liquid and discard. Remove short ribs from liquid, portion andput to the side.
8. Strain braising liquid (it may be easier to heat on stove top firstthen strain into a second pot) and reduce to sauce-like consistency.

2. Polenta

1. Peel and small dice onion. Brown in a 4 qt stockpot over medium high heat with salt, pepper, one stick of butter, and canola oil.
2. Pluck rosemary and thyme and add to onions. Cook briefly.
3. Deglaze with white wine and reduce until most of wine has evaporated. Add chicken stock and bring to a boil.
4. Once boiling, briskly whisk in polenta and continuously stir for 4-6 minutes.
5. Once cooked and thickened, adjust seasoning, stir in cream, cook for 1 additional minute and then mount with 1 stick of diced butter insmall additions.

3. Vegetable Bundles

1. Take one asparagus and snap the piece holding both ends. Where thispiece breaks, cut the remaining pieces to the same length, discardingthe bottoms.
2. Take seven pieces and wrap with a sheet of prosciutto folded in half lengthwise.
3. Season with salt + pepper and drizzle with canola oil. Roast under the broiler until crisp.
   

4. Garnish and Presentation

1. Take the desired number of short rib portions and warm in beef stock.
2. Dust the lemon halves with sugar and sear until well caramelized.
   
3. Place a scoop of polenta in the center of serving bowl, place short rib on top, lean vegetable bundle next to short rib, dress with hot reduced braising liquid and garnish with caramelized lemon and rosemary sprig.

THE TIG ARCHIVES│LIVING│A YEAR IN REVIEW

“Where did this year go? I know you’re probably like me and find yourself saying that at every year’s end, but seriously - where did 2014 go? It was just May and I was sitting with butterflies in my stomach, coercing my finger to press the send button on twitter. It was time for me to say that this website, this passion project, this thing called The Tig, was going live. And I was petrified. That may come as a surprise to you, but let’s be real for a moment. I’m an actor. I have made a career of saying other people’s words for a living and making them sound believable. Yes, we color them with nuance and add subtext to the writing, but at the end of the day I can hide behind the character. It’s their words, their choices. The writer puts them on paper and I give them a voice. Simply speaking, I am the vehicle. But this Tig thing…that was all me. My thoughts, my words, my likes, my ethos. If you didn’t like it, then you probably didn’t like me. And I (including the people-pleasing little girl in me) had to be okay with that.

Now eight months later, and because of your unrelenting support, here we are. “Best of the Web” in InStyle & Elle Magazine, letters from so many of you with content ideas, with thank yous, with best bites from the Philippines to Qatar, hidden gems found on your travels – we have become a community. This brainchild of mine – of inspired living and dreams coming true, of food and fashion, fancy friends, of role models that make the earth shake, and travel that leaves you absolutely breathless – it caught on. My “little engine that could” – did. And it’s because of you.

May this year bring you endless joy. I hope you take a risk, that you do something that gives you butterflies in the pit of your belly, that you live a life less stifled, and that you exceed your own expectations. You absolutely can and you absolutely must.

Without question this is the happiest I have ever been – personally, professionally, wholly. You are a very large part of that, and I thank you from the bottom of my beating heart. Thank you, my friend, and cheers to a most beautiful 2015!

xx

MM”

- Meghan Markle, December 2014

Meghan photographed by Jake Rosenberg

THE TIG ARCHIVES│FOOD│SUMMER WINES

“What grows together goes together. Words to live by from Master Sommelier, Laura Maniec, who would pair her basil flecked pizza with a nice Barolo, Frappato, or other glass of Italian red hued goodness. She is one of just 20 female Master Sommeliers in the world (which is so badass it’s crazy). She owns and operates Corkbuzz in Manhattan and Charlotte, North Carolina, where both wine novices and pros can gain vintner knowledge as well as imbibe under one roof. In Vino Veritas at its finest. The Wall Street Journal called Laura “The It Girl” of the NY wine scene, Food & Wine Mag sings her praises as one of the top sommeliers of 2013, and Crains NY and Wine Enthusiast keep her in the company of one of their lauded Top 40 under 40.  I mean….it is for very good reason that I am equal parts in awe of and obsessed with this chick. At just 25 years old, she was named both partner and wine and spirits director for BR Guest Restaurant Group, where she waxed poetic on tasting notes for 20+ restaurants. I say again, she was just 25.If she were a wine, Maniec says she would be a “Clouet Cuvée 1911 from the town of Bouzy in Champagne: fun yet serious, bubbly, unique and warm (as in welcoming, although Bouzy does also happen to be one of the warmest villages in Champagne).” But don’t let the vintage or the fancy pants quality of that bubbly bottle fool you.  She is young and as down to earth as they come – relishing camping trips with friends, and her cheese smothered in (oh no she didn’t!) butter. Makes me adore her even more. Laura shares with The TIG her choices for what you will enjoy pouring this summer. I, for one, can’t wait to indulge. Cheers!”

- Meghan Markle, August 2014

1. Pepiere Muscadet Sevre et Maine

Loire, France – 2012

Tastes like lemon, lime, refreshing and slightly briny finish. It pairs perfectly with oysters or drink on the beach during the day. ($12.99)

2. Wimmer Czerny Gruner Veltliner Fumberg

Wagram, Austria – 2012

This is one of my favorite medium bodied wines for summer that pairs perfectly with the bounty of produce available from tomatoes, to asparagus, to corn. It has flavors of orange zest, tangerines and white pepper and is one of the best pairings with vegetables. ($13.99)

3. Clos Cibonne Tibouren Rose

Cotes de Provence, France – 2012

Made from the local Tibouren grape, it is pale in color with hints of orange and chocolate. During the summer it is a little more serious than the average bottle of rose. It goes well with grilled burgers or chicken or with fish tacos. ($22.99)

4. Ameztoi Stimatum Txakolina Tinto

Getaría, Spain – 2013

Made from the Hondarribi Beltza grape in Pais Basco region of Spain, this slightly fizzy red wine is one of the few low alcohol reds that is perfect for sipping on during the day. It has fruity notes but finishes completely dry and almost looks like a dark rose in color. ($22.99)

THE TIG ARCHIVES│BEAUTY│UN WOMEN: HE FOR SHE

“I was eleven years old when the LA riots broke out in ’92 – littering my hometown with fires and looting, with curfews and recklessness. I happened to be at school when the mayhem began, keeping me and my classmates on lockdown until it was safe for our parents to pick us up. We didn’t fully understand what was going on, so to distract us from the soundtrack of sirens outside of our little red school house, they turned on the TV to “The Price is Right.” A smart choice, seeing as Bob Barker was just talking about microwaves and sofa sets. No real controversy there unless you happen to be offended by polyester paisley print. But during the commercial break an ad for the clear Ivory dishwashing liquid came on including a tagline that said “Women all over America are fighting greasy pots and pans.” The boys in my class (Michael & Joey to be specific) said “Yeah, that’s where women belong – in the kitchen.” I remember feeling confused – feeling angry and annoyed, knowing they were wrong – and yet knowing that I felt small – too small to say anything in that moment. When I got home, the lemon tree in my front yard charred from passing rioters, I decided to write some letters: to First Lady Hillary Clinton, to Linda Ellerbee (a TV commentator who hosted a kids news program on Nickelodeon), to powerhouse attorney Gloria Allred, and to Procter & Gamble. I put pen to paper, telling them what happened and that I thought the commercial should be changed. I didn’t realize it then, but it was on this day – this dramatic day clouded in smoke and confusion, where ashes fell like snowflakes in the Southern California sky – that I became a feminist.

Everyone responded to my letters except for Procter & Gamble. First Lady Clinton encouraged my taking a stand, Ms. Allred offered her help and commended my trying to effect change, and Linda Ellerbee sent a TV crew to feature me on her show. By the time the episode aired, and with this tremendous support, Procter & Gamble, in fact, changed the commercial to “People all over America.”

Last Saturday, I had the incredible honor of being a presenter at the United Nations Headquarters for the UN Women’s HeForShe launch event on gender equality. I spent some time last month shadowing Elizabeth Nyamayaro (Senior Advisor to Under Secretary-General & Executive Director at UN Women, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka). I traveled to DC and to NY, sitting in on meetings everywhere from The Clinton Foundation to the World Bank to the War Room for the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon. But it was here at the HeForShe campaign, the call to action for boys and men all over the world to support this gender solidarity movement, that I sat directly across from UN Women Global Goodwill Ambassador, Emma Watson, as she delivered an inimitable speech on feminism.

Emma, at just 24 years old, brought to the forefront the clear facts of how crippling it is for a society to have women undervalued and marginalized, and how that devastates not just the female population, but the entire population. The conversation about feminism in the past had always been a “women’s” issue, but this call to action reminds men that gender equality is everyone’s issue. The experience was surreal – seated in the inner circle with everyone from the UN Secretary General, to the first female president of Finland, Tarja Halonen, to the Executive Director of UN Women to Wolf Blitzer, Gary Barker, Kiefer Sutherland, and several other power players in this fortunate few. Plus, the palpable energy of a crowd with both men and women who believe in this cause – a crowd that understands that “feminism” is not a word that should be taboo – Feminism, in fact, is not the “F” word.

Emma said: ‘In my nervousness for this speech and in my moments of doubt I’ve told myself firmly—if not me, who, if not now, when. If you have similar doubts when opportunities are presented to you I hope those words might be helpful.’ These simple and poignant words would have made my eleven year old self feel less small, and made my present day 33 year old self proudly rise to give a standing ovation.

I challenge all of you to join the HeForShe movement - to stand up for the girls and women who need their voices to be heard. And to Joey and Michael, from my 6th grade class, if you happen to read this, I hope that you will sign your names to help spearhead this pivotal moment in gender equality. If not you, who? If not now, when?”

-  Meghan Markle, September 2014

THE TIG ARCHIVES│FOOD│FRENCH WINE & CHEESE PAIRINGS

“Well, well, well…bonjour Angie Niles – author, publicist, girl crush extraordinaire, and old soul with a penchant for all things chic and classy (à la sending handwritten thank you notes and bespoke spice blends from gay Pareeee). When this lovely lady and I connected, I was immediately struck by how refreshing she was – real and kind, polished but approachable. A class act in a world of people buried in their iPhones and often lacking social graces. And then, as though it couldn’t get better, you add her recent book to the mix, and you realize you are actually in love with Angie Niles. Like, proper, you are my stylish spirit animal, love. Her debut book, Bright Lights Paris shares all covetable gems in The City of Lights from taste makers and jet setters who know it inside out (oh, hey Blake Lively) — plus, it also includes a sampling of francophile tips to make you feel ever so in the know.

On that note (both contextual and oenophile), Angie is sharing the French wine and cheese pairings that she learned from the pros in Paris, so that at our next dinner party we can all say, “Mais, oui – zissssss pinot and zissssss cow’s milk cheese are simply zeeeeee best together.” Or maybe that’s just me. Bon apetit mon petit chou, and thanks Angie – Tig Team for life!”

- Meghan Markle, September 2015

From Angie

“If you ever attend a dinner party in Paris, you may notice that unlike in the U.S., other guests don’t arrive with wine for the hosts. The reason is that a French hostess takes special care and thought pairing her meal with the perfect selection of wine. Her local wine shop experts will even ask to know all of the ingredients in her meal to help her select the perfect pairings.

One of my favorite locations to wine and dine and improve my knowledge of French wine is O Chateau. Their wine list, comprised of forty selections, changes each week and varies in price to accommodate all budgets. It includes almost all French wines, with a couple from other countries thrown in the mix.

O Chateau isn’t just a restaurant and wine bar, but also a place where the wine brings people together. Here you may notice Parisian girlfriends meeting up after work, a couple on their weekly Friday-night date, and maybe some London ladies in town for a weekend bachelorette party, all with one thing in common—they enjoy and appreciate great wine.

For years, O Chateau has been hosting the best wine tastings in Paris, including lunch and dinner tastings and wine and cheese pairings. Located in a beautiful medieval wine cellar, it’s also a great location for private dinner parties and small special events. Parisian girls and visitors to Paris book O Chateau’s sunset champagne cruise on the river Seine to celebrate a special occasion or just enjoy some bubbly on a small private tour of the river.

Around the corner from the cave a vin is O Chateau’s newest venture, Les Caves du Louvre. This former residence of Trudon—who was Louis XV’s sommelier—is now a wine-making workshop where, with the help of O Chateau experts, you will learn to blend your own wine, design the label, and leave with a case of your own blend to bring home with you.

I think making wine in the former cellar of the king’s private wine collection is about as good as it gets! Soon I’ll be returning home with my very own Bright Lights Paris customized blend.

And what’s wine without cheese? Around the corner from my apartment in Brooklyn is an amazing cheese and gourmet food shop, Stinky Bklyn. I find myself there probably once a week picking up some Comté or Cambembert with slices of fresh prosciutto and gourmet crackers. They are the local experts on cheese and are always helpful when I need suggestions on wine pairings. When entertaining at home or at a picnic, Parisian girls make sure to have the perfect cheese to go with their wine selection.”

1. Pouilly-Fuissé + Cambembert

“This raw cow’s milk cheese from Normandy has a subtle salty taste with a fruity tang and pairs well with the sweet white wine from Burgundy.”

2. Chardonnay + Comté Rodolphe le Meunier

“Aged raw cow’s milk cheese from the Loire Valley, with notes of butter, dried apricots, nuts, and cream matches this full-bodied Burgundy white wine.”

3. Pinot Noir + Ossau-Iraty

“Raw sheep’s milk cheese from Basque Country that is sweet, nutty, and buttery, with notes of hazelnut is best enjoyed with this red.”

4. Châteauneuf-du-Pape + Pont l’Evêque

“Dating back to the twelfth century, this is a pasteurized cow’s milk cheese from Normandy. The oniony mushroom flavor is brought out by this full-bodied red wine.”

Images via: Keiko Lynn / Keiko Lynn.com, Facebook

THE TIG ARCHIVES│BEAUTY│FOR THE LOVE OF DOGS

“When Ellen Degeneres tells you to do something, you do it.  Much like if Oprah suggested a life choice for you.  You’d get on that as soon as humanly possible. As such, this is the story of how a sweet little rescue pup, came to be my Bogart. It was two years ago in LA, and as I sat there with this ten week old frisky puppy on my lap, Ellen Degeneres came in and said three simple words to me that changed my life: “Take him home.” I was at SPOT Rescue in West Hollywood, a family run small business that rescues dogs and also has in-house grooming, boarding, and puppy lovin. I had been on the search for a dog, my first dog ever, to keep me company while I filmed far away in Toronto, and to become my sidekick for a very long time. My home of Los Angeles County puts down more dogs per capita than any other city in the US, so rescuing was a no-brainer. And I didn’t need to go to an organization that specialized in specific breeds for adoption because I wasn’t in the market for a pure bred dog. My rationale: I’m a mutt, and I turned out just fine.

So there I am, this five pound ball of ombré fur squirming in my arms, when Ellen says “Is that your dog?” – I’m equal parts in shock at seeing Ellen Degeneres for the first time and hoping this puppy doesn’t pee on me during this I’m-meeting-Ellen-Degeneres-for-the-first-time time. I explain that I’d seen him the other day with his brother, that they were both found at just 5 weeks old in an alley and taken to the pound, and that his furry counterpart was adopted yesterday. Ellen asks, “Did you name him?”  

“Bogart,” I said, ” I think I would call him Bogart.” And then she looked at me with such assurance and simply said, “Take him home.” And I did. I didn’t know it then, but I know it now. This animal changed my life. Everyday he teaches me patience, boundaries, and how to share the bed. He comes with me to set, he’s a paw shakin’ fool, and he is more protective of me than any person I’ve ever known. Above all that, I think he preps me for the day I will have lots of wild kids running recklessly in the mud, scraping knees, chasing frogs, and scaring me to death while looking as happy as …well, my sweet Bogart.

If you are thinking of getting a pup – if you can afford it (the time, the responsibility) – then I urge you to go to your local pound or animal rescue, find yourself a new best friend, and listen to these simple words: Take him home. Your life (and his) will never be the same.”

- Meghan Markle, October 2014

Photos via: Meghan's own, Found My Animal, Henri Bendel  (brand is now out of business), Brika, Waggo, Serena & Lily, Cath Kidston