Made in Chelsea

When I was in middle school I became addicted to The Hills. We didn't have MTV at my place so I had to wait patiently until midnight every Monday for the latest episode to be posted online. I continued to watch the series throughout high school, growing more and more attached to the glamorous lifestyle of Lauren Conrad and her friends. After the series ended I miraculously found myself with a noticeable amount of free time (reruns can only keep you entertained for so long). However, a few years ago I stumbled across a British reality show almost identical to my teenage obsession. Safe to say that the extra spare time I had acquired began to disappear again, along with the remains of my social life. I can't even remember how I discovered the show in the first place, but my guess is that I typed in something along the lines of "shows like The Hills" on my Google search engine. Barely half an episode in and I was already hooked. Albeit it took me most of the season to differentiate most of the characters, the lifestyles of the British heirs and heiresses were enough to keep me entertained. I'm sure there are many people out there, especially in England, who would classify Made in Chelsea as trashy reality TV and I can't say I would be able to argue against that; however, this is one guilty pleasure of mine that I am happy to share with the world, especially ex-Hills lovers. Allow me to introduce you to one of my favourite British obsessions, Made in Chelsea.

 

Set in one of the most elite corners of London, Chelsea focuses on the lives and relationships between a group of wealthy young adults and their glamorous lives. As previously stated, I had trouble at first differentiating many of the characters and relationships from one another, but once I did I was able to appreciate their witty personas and trendy style. The pilot begins with Caggie Dunlop hopping into a white Rolls Royce, Gucci bag in hand and fur draped around her shoulders. "Take me to Chelsea, please" she directs the driver. Caggie's statement that Chelsea is filled with "gossip as shocking as the prices" prepares us for what proves to be a dramatic season. Love triangles, cheating, and exculsive parties prove to be even more appealing with a British twist. Before I introduce you to some of my favourite characters and highlights from the series, here is a little sneak peek into the first season of the show.

 

The Bromance

In the first season, Spencer and Hugo are the highlighted partners in crime, showing off their playboy personas. As Hugo begins to man up in the second season, Spencer joins forces with Jamie and Proudlock as they put their womanzing skills into full gear.

 

Spencer and Hugo discussing Spencer's relationship status.

Spencer, Jamie and Hugo

Spencer, Proudlock, Jamie and Hugo.

 

The Girls

Millie Macintosh, ladies and gentlemen.

Millie and Caggie were my favorite pair from the first season. Caggie's presence slowly fades after the first season, but the opposite goes for Millie and her drama. Without Millie Macintosh, grandaughter of the Macintosh candy empire (a serious statement, these kids really are loaded), there would be no drinks thrown on people and fewer bitch slaps, but also less extravagant style. Millie is who I would consider the true female fashion icon of the show, consistently sporting perfect outfits that I can't resist being slightly jealous of. Although I got over Caggie's initial exit, I can't imagine what the show would be like if Millie ever left. Right when you think things are going smooth, Millie is always there to shake things up for the viewers.

Caggie and Millie: a true friendship.

Never shying away from voicing her opinion.

Like I said, a true fashionista.

The Three Musketeers

With so much drama surrounding the show, Made in Chelsea would not be complete without some comedic relief. Enter Ollie, Binky and Cheska. Putting Ollie's personal relationship drama aside, these three are the true entertainment that the series provides. Sure most of my laughs come from their idiotic remarks (see below), but you are guaranteed a good laugh when these three are together.

Just kidding, this is a quad not a trio: Binky, Cheska, Ollie and Ollie's hair, a prime character in the series.

The Entrepreneur

 

With the exception of Francis it's rare that we see any of the characters working. Having said that, our insight into Francis' work life really only showcases him flirting with his assistant and having friends visit him in his office. We are informed that he is in the diamond business however, so I really didn't need to see much more after that to be won over.

How did I never think of this?!

Evidentely he has always had his entrepreneurial skills in him.

Francis is clearly another part of the show's comedic relief.

#winning

To call Mark Francis anything but fabulous would be slightly inappropriate. His presence on the show is moderated and I wish the producers featured him more often. There really needs to be a spin-off for him and his sass because it would be nearly impossible to get enough of it.

 

This is only the beginning of his witty tweets.

Finally, someone with a practical view on workouts.

 

Like, duh.

 

 

That concludes my little low down on Made in Chelsea. If I manage to get you hooked let me know, and I can definitely do another post on the lifestyles of the British elite.

With love,

Ciara

 

let life surprise you

 

 

When I was at Osheaga I was given another taste of the positive effect spontaneity holds over life. Among the hundreds of thousands of people at Jean-Drapeau Parc in Montreal, I ran into friends from high school (I went to school in BC!), friends who I knew would be there but didn't think I'd be able to meet up with, and even people who I had previously met at a bar in Toronto a few weeks before. Running into these different groups of people was so exciting and unexpected and ultimately added to my unforgettable weekend. Had I planned to actually meet up with any of these people then my days at the festival would have been spent texting on my phone, struggling to find reception and stressing over whether I would find them or not. Sure the vivacious musical atmosphere helped amp up the excitement of these run-ins, but I'd like to believe that the spontaneity also played a large part in making them special.

My random encounters at Osheaga got me thinking about other times in my life when I've had pleasant (and not so pleasant) run-ins when I've least expected it. A story I've told quite a few friends recently is something that happened to me about a month or two ago. I had been out with a friend at a bar downtown and we were close to calling it a night, however she ended up meeting a guy who I could tell she clearly wasn't ready to say goodbye to yet. Since I was getting a bit stuffy in the bar and didn't want to interrupt her conversation I told her I was going to go roam for a bit outside. Having barely been waiting a minute on the curb, I heard a distinct voice talking on a phone in front of me attempting to get ahold of a friend to come down and help her out. When she turned around it was no other than one of my good friends from second year. Throughout the past year we had both been so busy doing our own things, so any time I had previously run into her was always pleasant. This encounter, however, was about to top them all. She explained to me that all her friends had to go back home and that she was left at the bar by herself. When I told her what I was doing outside we both immediately suggested we go for drinks around the corner while I waited for my girlfriend to leave the bar. I've had similar situations occur while being on holiday, but it really is equally as exciting when an encounter like this occurs in your own town. Being able to catch up with old friends for even just an hour is sometimes all you need. Looking back on times in my life when I've spent time with friends I remember some of the nights when we've planned to go for dinner or to a bar, but when an occurrence is spontaneous it becomes an event that will always stay with me.

There are days when I'll go wandering down the street praying to run into someone--a friend, a guy, a stranger, anyone who might make my day memorable and exciting, but those are typically the days when those things never happen. Being open to the idea that anything could happen is a recipe for an amazing journey through life. The more open you are, the less you need to stress about the possibility of plans going wrong or ending up disappointed. Let life's tides to take you to the places they'd like you to go and you will end up in places you never thought possible.

Anything Could Happen by Ellie Gouding

Hang Loose by Alabama Shakes

"go with the tide and I'ma take care of you"

 

With love,

Ciara <3

 

10 Reasons Why Kids Have It Best

It's funny how age plays such a huge role in our lives. When we're young we wish to be old enough to do the things the adults around us are doing, but then once we grow up we begin to dread the birthdays that remind us that we are growing another year older, or at least that's what I hear. At this point in my life I'm perfectly content with my age--I'm old enough to live on my own and live my life the way I want to, but still young enough to feel like the world is my oyster. To be honest, if I had to choose between skipping forward ten years or going back another ten I would easily choose to live life as a child. When you're a child you don't realize how easy you have it, but at the same time I think that's part of what makes a childhood special in retrospect. Being old and being young both have their ups and downs, but today I've chosen to connect with my inner Peter Pan and focus on the perks of being a kid. As a child you don't tend to realize all the havoc you are lucky enough to get away with, or the fun parts of your life that you tend to take for granted. As I reflected back on my own childhood I came up with a couple things I may have taken for granted back in the day...

 

1. Kids look better in everything

 

Only a five year old could rock the same look as Beyonce with all the same swag.

 

2. It's completely acceptable to eat your food in fun shapes

 

 

 

If I had the time to make my food look like this even I might eat more veggies.

 

I used to have this pasta ALL the time at home. My mom even started sending it home with my friends since they loved it so much. Safe to say, my childhood friend group is forever hooked on Annie's.

 

The classic Barbie skirt cake. One of my few non-Dairy Queen birthday cakes as well as being one of my favourites. My mom made me one just like this when I was little.

 

If you think these look good, imagine them in a chocolate version. We used to put cocoa powder in ours. No wonder I'm such a fat kid at heart. I'm now beginning to realize why my mom got rid of our waffle iron...

 

3. The automatic cuteness factor is enough to let you get away with (almost) anything

 

 

How would you be able to get mad at your child for stealing your shoes if they looked like this?

4. You have a personal chauffeur at all times

 

 

The most driving I ever did as a kid.

When I was a little kid my mom had a keyboard for me to play in our back seat. I'd like to think that it was the coolest thing ever, but this back seat looks like a close second.

5. If you color on your walls you will not be evicted

 

 

 

 

When I have kids I can guarantee you there will be a room set up in our house for arts and crafts. The four walls=free for all.

6. The younger the child, the more impressive the talent

With what seems like a never ending supply of young YouTube sensations, Ellen constantly proves that if you are an adorable child with the slightlest talent the people will fawn over you. One of my favorite guests of hers is a little boy named Kai who is known for singing Bruno Mars on her show.

 

 

7. Everything is bigger and better when you're a kid

 

This one reminds me of the scene below from Love and Other Drugs. I tried to find the actual clip online, but since I had no luck you'll have to settle for my little play by play.

 

Josh: Listen, it’s not what it looks like- Okay, well, it kind of is but, okay, just chill.

Jamie: Yeah, chill… Oh, I’m sorry, I thought I just caught my brother masturbating while watching me have sex.

Josh: Well I was focusing on her.

Jamie: OH, HER! You mean, my girlfriend! I’m sorry!

Josh: No! Not on her! On her body parts.

 

 

Jamie: This is so twisted-

Josh: Do you think Dad’s big? I mean, he was when we were kids but then, everything’s bigger when you’re a kid…

Fine. Okay? Sorry! My self-esteem would prefer that you not having a bigger penis than me right now, that’s all…

 

8. You can eat whatever you want without feeling guilty

If my kids don't have chubby cheeks and love handles then I may begin to question their awesomeness.

 

 

 

9. You can take a nap at 3 pm without people automatically assuming you're hungover

 

 

In all seriousness, playing dress up is quite the workout.

 

 

 

10. No matter how hard you try, you will never have as much swagger as a child. Like, ever.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just writing this was enough to make me want to fleet to Never Never Land, but alas, I guess I can settle for my upcoming vacay back to BC next week.

Until next time lovers,

 

With love,

 

Ciara <3