Hiatus makes me think.

It's funny how I am an actor when there are so many things out there that fascinate me beyond belief.
Some things I feel really passionate about are, astronomy, psychology and archaeology. I am a stalker of yahoo news (if you haven't noticed) and other up-to-date sites for new information about these things that I am so far away from yet feel so close to.

Another thing I am really into is finding new causes and figuring out ways I can help contribute. Being in the industry I'm in, and being able to reach people around the world, I am searching now more than ever. So I am more actively promoting www.one.org and want you to take a minute to check it out and find a cause on their site you feel u want to help. You don't have to do much, but even checking it out and signing up helps a bit. We spend so much time reading gossip mags and sites and if we take 10 minutes out of that to do something like this, we would make a change.

After this blog I am going to post something a bit more upbeat cause I know I've been Debbie Downer lately. I guess on my hiatus I get inspired to look outside of this bubble.

Although it seems there are at least a few of you who feel what I'm saying, and that makes it worth it to me. So there.

XO Chels

“No object is so beautiful that, under certain conditions, it will not look ugly.”

I guess what's been stopping me from doing this project lately is the simple fact that I am overwhelmed by the magnitude of what I am taking on. All I want to do is contribute to the movement. The embrace yourself movement.

For decades we have listened to our mothers. We've been raised to love ourselves and yet we all emulate what we saw. Insecurities in the women who raised us or the need to keep up appearance. Even watching movie stars; looking flawless behind their vaseline-lensed cameras with flattering lighting and impeccable makeup. We've perused through magazines and the unattainable images they portray. We've been heartbroken, and rejected for a woman that represents something we're not. We as a whole put this incredible image of a woman on a pedestal held so high that no-one can touch it. We are all flawed. And even the few that seem unflawed are, themselves, flawed too.

The pressure to keep up. To keep up with what society tells us is perfect, is causing us to enter a time when women are no longer women, but plastic shells of what women used to be. Our children are going to grow up in a time when not having had plastic surgery is the rarity. When everyone starts to look the same because they are all trying to look special. Although the only thing that is moving us forward towards more plastic surgery is more technology. There has always been something that women have done to "enhance" their looks. Their outer shell. If we spent so much time enhancing our inner shell, we would be a much better society.

Still, things will not change and nor do I expect them to. Men and women are sexually fueled by what they see on the outside (initially, at least) and this helps the obsession. Of course, it's not just getting the life partner we want it is also getting the job we want and life we want. All of this seems to be hinged somehow on being physically attractive. All I hope is that I can encourage young women and men to work towards being the best that they can be. Many try to look like their favorite model, singer or movie star and in the process lose themselves and their true beauty. We are all flawed, we all have our self-esteem issues and when we can learn to love who we are and feel good about ourselves we will find a sense of self. The sad thing is that for many, this doesn't come until later in life. If somehow self love and acceptance can come at a younger age the focus will be on more important things, teens will grow up to be more successful happier adults, and suicide rates will come down.

If only the rest of the world would take action and stop putting images of unattainable males and females into the world and maybe more realistic instead.

So I'll continue on thinking of things big or small, to do my part in finding beauty in the unlit, untouched bodies of the world...

10 of my favorite things...

So I have been bothered by the fact that I haven't done a blog since October. I'm going to be better about that now, and appreciate you all checking back for updates even when I'm gone for months. Let's start new and to start of my blogging again I'm just going to post a few of my favorite things... So here you go:

1. www.shoedazzle.com - Awesome if you have a shoe fetish (like most women do) but your bank account doesn't appreciate your fetish as much as you do. You get a new pair of shoes every month and a stylist makes monthly suggestions for you to choose from! All for about $39 a month! Yup guilty pleasure right here...

2. http://www.eatingwell.com/ - I love this magazine and their website. It inspires and encourages me to eat healthy and cook healthy. Also very informative about what to buy and what's going into the food we are eating, and how to eat to lose weight or feel your best!

3. http://www.sourcenaturals.com/products/GP1345/ - This stuff has gotten me through colds in a day. I can't recommend it enough. Take it at the beginning of your cold and you will be thanking me. Also take less capsules daily as a homeopathic health maintenance for your immune system. They even make it for kids!

4. http://www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/p90x.do?code=P90XDOTCOM - Okay, you wanna get into shape.. you asked for it. This is a 12 DVD workout plan that will WHIP you into shape in 12 weeks. Based on muscle confusion, this has a different type of workout all the time so you don't plateau but instead keep getting more cut and closer to your goal faster! And you don't get BORED!!!

5. http://www.garnier.com/fructis/ - By FAR the most underrated shampoo and conditioner. This stuff is huge in other countries, but North America is very obsessed with label and price. "If it's more expensive it must work better" not true. I've been given every expensive brand under the sun and why I love this stuff is it's under $5 a bottle and they have so many different products. Dry hair, hard to grow long hair, limp hair, colored hair... you name it. It is really good stuff and why spend $50 on a bottle when it's all made in the same factory?

6. http://www.doctoroz.com/ - I love watching this show and learning. Simple as that. He's kinda cool and I learn a lot about health and good tips, etc.

7. http://zara.com This is my favorite store to shop. So I couldn't leave it out. They have Womens, Mens and Kids. LOVE their stuff. I've also heard that they might be doing online shopping soon... hmmm.

8. http://www.avaaz.org/ and http://one.org/us/ - These are two sites that are amazing in helping people and causes around the world. If you feel helpless and don't know how to contribute all you have to do is signup and/or sign a petition for a cause and you will get sent different emails with options to do your part. Signing a petition is a good place to start and a great way to do your part. There are options to donate as well, or buy their cool apparel.

9. http://www.nouvellesvagues.com/ - I love their sound and the covers they do. Beautiful, and takes me to a place. I listen to these guys on my way to work.

10. http://paulyboy.tumblr.com/ - My new favorite artist. His voice is classic yet so unique, and his music really is beautiful. I listen to him on my way to work too, and think he's going to blow up once everyone hears what he has to offer.

There you go! 10 of my favorite things... hope you enjoy, can't wait to hear what you think. Maybe they will become your favorites too.

XO Chelsea

Photo project update

I just wanted to do a quick update about my photo project... since I am back at work on MIOBI I am putting it on hold for now. I want to make sure I can give this the time and love it deserves and right now I can't. This is still something I feel very passionate about and your photos have inspired me and moved me. So please bear with me while I focus on the show and know that I am planning on diving back into this around Feb.

In the meantime I will be trying to update my blog as much as possible ;)

Xo Chels

Ok...

So I commented on your comments (which were both touching and overall so awesome to read) and as I mentioned, the videos I posted really got me thinking today and sparked some ideas. I can't really get into them all yet because I am still working out the details... but basically I am going to start rolling the ball by posting two pictures of myself taken in the last 2 months. They are both me with NO makeup, NO retouching and NO fancy lighting. Just me.

I have blemishes. I have scars. I have freckles. They make me, me.

And to begin this I ask that if you feel so inspired, as I do, send me a photo of you the same way. Beautiful in your flaws, hiding nothing, just you. I will also post more photos sans makeup, as I know these are small so it's hard to see the full effect of what I'm trying to do.
The first 50 photos I receive will be part of my small project.

Email photos to: chelseasbeautyproject@gmail.com

Love. Chelsea.

Perfect ?

Okay, so first off all THANK YOU for all the amazing responses to my last blog. I was so happy to get them and can't wait to do more research on the suggestions. You guys have apparently been to some amaaaazing places (that I've never even come close to visiting) and I can't wait to visit one. I will let you know where I end up:)

So on a more serious note.. I came across a suggestion on my youtube account. It is a video on photoshopping, a subject many people feel very passionate about. As an actress, I would be lying if I said that I've never been photoshopped. My guy is a photographer and I've seen him work magic to some of the actors and musicians he's shot. About 99.9999% of the photos of models and actresses you see in magazines are photoshopped, and what this is doing to young women is pretty serious.
When I was 14 I weighed 95 lbs and still felt like I was too curvy (something we aren't told as young women, is that when we start to take on a womanly shape it is simply that. Not excess weight. So I looked down and saw hips and freaked out). I like many teen girls had pictures of my favorite actresses and models on my wall and wanted to be as beautiful as them. I had no idea that even they don't really look like that.
So this video brings up a very unique and interesting idea and I thought I'd re-post to see what all of your thoughts were on the matter. Maybe it's not the answer but it at least kind of educates people on the matter.

I am also posting another favorite (I called it video two, below) that I'm sure a lot of you have seen. It takes you from beginning to end of a photoshopped image.

K. That's all.
Can't wait to hear your thoughts.

Peace. Love.

Chels

Video One

Video Two


Dictionary definition of the word Perfect:

Entirely without any flaws, defects, or shortcomings.
OR...Conforming absolutely to the description or definition of an ideal type.

OR

Boring.

Okay, that was mine.

Interactive blog ;0

Okay, so maybe it's my brain wandering again and fantasizing about a tropical vacation that drove me to do this.. but I am going to probably run out of time this hiatus (break from shooting) to actually take another vacation. Either way, I will be doing a much needed trip between now and March. I'm thinking sand, tropical fish, clear blue/green water and sun. Somewhere I can have a hut and a massage and a drink and maybe even a bit of seclusion. Or forget all of that and let's just say anywhere beautiful and exotic and relaxing.
Not sure what part of the world I'm thinking of here... I just have a make-believe place in my head and wish I had the "I dream of Genie" syndrome to get there really fast.

So.
Any ideas? Links to places or pictures? Where have you been or what have you heard of that sounds spiritual, dreamlike and relaxing? Secret spots, even?

Let's get some posts going on here. This should be fun. I'm gonna see what I can find too:)

Pauly Boy

So...
my next blog on the artistic side of things is about a musician called Pauly Boy.

The first time I heard him play was live in Hollywood. "Till we meet again" made me cry; and after hearing it was about a couple in a terrible car accident, I feel just as touched every time I hear it. That doesn't take away from every single song of his, all of which have a haunting quality to them. He is a unique hybrid of, (and I hate comparing anyone to anyone) Jeff Buckley, NIck Drake, Elvis in his good looks, The Beatles for their song writing, and Johnny Cash when he hits those smooth low notes. There are so many processed, over synthesized musicians out now; and when I find someone who moves me like this, I feel like it's worth taking note and spreading the word. Oh and this is recorded in a home studio, word is; he is recording in Nashville soon. I'm not joking either.

Check out his myspace and/or facebook for his songs:


http://www.myspace.com/paulyboymusic

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pauly-Boy/45215527664

Also...

A sweet fan named Mary has taken over the fan site realm and created http://www.completelychelsea.net/

Check it out, she did an awesome job and will have all the up to date info and news on miobi, etc. :)

xoxo

Here is also some other fan art I thought should be shared:) Such great creative people out there!

ABC Family announces MIOBI renewal!!

Yay!! We couldn't be more thrilled to get the news that we will be making 10 more episodes of Make It Or Break it in October! Thanks to all of the fans support, the story will go on:)
Here are a couple press releases with the pickup details.

I'm off to NY, so might not blog for a couple of weeks... will surely be tweeting though. That seems to always follow me around ;)
Xoxoxo

Again.... yaaaaaay!!!

http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2009/07/make-it-or-break-it-scores-10-greek-premieres-aug-31.html

http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/07/27/abc-family-orders-10-more-episodes-of-make-it-or-break-it/23674

I feel like the worst blogger in the history of bloggers!! All these social networking sites are more like anti-social networking sites. So enough blabbering on my part. We wrapped the first 10 episodes of the show, and our ratings and reviews have been great. It's crazy to see fan-base be born and grow, it's really so cool to see people enjoying what you've worked hard at.

So here's an artist for you guys. His name is CHASE. Started out as a graffiti artist and is now world famous. Chase has been published in countless books and magazines, hired by Nike, Western Union and way too many other ones for me to even list. There is probably not a country in the world that hasn't been graced with his murals. Chase's artwork displays strong messages that aim toward light and life and one of his most famous quotes "remember who you are". I am lucky to call him a dear friend, and his big personality is just as touching as his larger than life art. I can't even begin to explain so just check it out on his site.

www.theartofchase.com

Set your DVR's!

Okay, so I swear I will slow down the amount I talk about MIOBI. I just have to do this post cause we are airing on Monday!

So everyone please set your DVR's or just tune in and check out or series premiere! I'm so excited I can't handle it... it's been so long since we filmed the first episode and I can't wait for you all to see it:) The plot only thickens too, so make sure to stay tuned in ;)

For info on the cast, interviews, video clips, photos and more go to:

http://abcfamily.go.com/abcfamily/path/section_Shows+Make-It-Or-Break-It/page_Detail

Have a great weekend and Happy Father's Day!

Disney/ABC Upfront presentation!

Last night we went to a party and presentation of all ABC's new shows, to promote for international distribution. Around 600 people showed up from around the world and they showed a clip of our show to them before bringing us on stage. Here are some pictures of the party after and us just before, as well!

Also check out this months issue of  "M Magazine", we are featured on their 'it list'. Such exciting changes, and we're still sooooo excited for everyone to see it all : ) 

Happy Memorial day everyone!

Xoxo Chels

Behind the scenes photos, the cast meets Nastia Liukin!

So we were on set yesterday and got a surprise visit from Olympic gold medal gymnast, Nastia Liukin! You've never seen such giddy girls. Living and breathing gymnastics for 6 months, we have come to idolize her and all the other "greats". 

I posted a photo of it, and below are some more behind the scenes; including my gymnastics double and I. 

Inspiration at it's finest

I think it's about time I suggest everyone check out this photographer.

His name is Teren Oddo, and I happen to know him very well. He shoots musicians, fashion and entertainers/actors.

I am posting only a couple of his most recent photos that I LOVE so much they inspired me to post this blog, but his site has some equally inspirational stuff that I'm not posting here; so check it out.

www.terenoddo.com

Love always;

Chels

Quick update

So I know I  haven't blogged for a while. I swear I'm going to get better about this. 

We've been shooting Make it or Break it (our new, and official title!) and now are on episode 3. It's going very well and I can't WAIT to see what you all think about the show; it's so different from anything else on tv right now.

So, abc family has our site up and running... here's the link (it's minimal right now but will be added to more and more)

http://abcfamily.go.com/abcfamily/path/section_Shows+Make-It-Or-Break-It/page_Detail

There is also a little teaser video on there too...

Okay so enough about that: )

I will be posting cool stuff I come across to share with you all this week.

Xoxo

Chels

Bob's Backyard

So in doing all of this conditioning, etc for Perfect 10, my gymnastics trainer Carolyn decided to spice it up for me so I wouldn't get bored. We went to a place called 'Bob's Backyard'. And it's literally stunt legend Bob Yerkes’ backyard. This guy is in his 70's and has been around since Elvis was doing stunts. He has worked with everyone on everything (including Circus with the Stars) and decided to turn his backyard into a place for stunt wannabes from around the world to come and train (without any trainers). There are old trailers everywhere and people living in them. Crazy.

So, here are some pics and you can see that people started to file in and train. Pros and beginners.

This is the inside of one of the trailers someone would stay in.

Practicing on silks.



Here is the craziest; you know when you see someone in a movie go flying through the air after an explosion or something? Ever wonder how they do it? Nitro.

Without the nitro:




With the nitro:





All they do is run up to a small board/platform and then it sends them flying through the air. It's apparently the most dangerous thing in the stunt world. I can imagine why.

Here's  a video about Bob.

Chels: )

Rudy Fig

So I have been made aware of an amazing artist based from minneapolis called Rudy Fig. She is only 20 years old, and her art is a mix of doll-like women/girls and candy. It's really very visually satisfying and I thought I'd share it with you all!

Check out her myspace for more paintings.

http://www.myspace.com/bigdeadvanillafish

Here we go...

So here I am starting my first blog... 

I love writing, always have. So I figured this would be the best way for me to keep in touch with the world and satisfy my craving to write. 

So...my life, my life... I'm entering a new chapter that I'm very excited and naturally a little nervous about. The pilot I filmed in December has been picked up for series! ABC Family has given us a 10 episode order, and we (meaning the cast and I) are all soooo excited to get going!!! The picture is the three other leads and me, by the way.

Now here comes the tricky part. I'm in 5 day a week training to build muscle mass (I'm naturally slight in frame and need to be more muscly like a gymnast), for 3 of those days I'm training twice a day. After going to a nutritionist I've been put on a 110g of protein/day "diet" and that includes 2 shakes a day; one whey the other egg-white based! 

Whew! Writing it down makes me realize how much all that is! It's amazing the difference I've seen in 3 weeks.. now we have about 6 more to go till we start filming. Crrraaaazzzzyyy!!!

I have to say the thing I'm probably most excited about in all of this is how fresh this show is. Here you have a plethora of shows showcasing girls who are shockingly thin. Ours is showing young girls that healthy young women who take care of themselves and kick a$$ in the gym, are beautiful! Our cast is stunning and athletic. All of the four girl leads take care of ourselves and all four of us are different shapes and sizes. 

I can't tell you how refreshing this is to me... and I'm sure it will be to thousands of other people. I'm so sick of the pressures young woman (and hey, even men) feel to be small or look a certain way. Let's motivate our youth to take care of themselves and give them healthy role models. And listen, I'm not sitting here preaching from my keyboard. Teen years are teen years and that comes with drama. It's just nice to know that the world is about to see a show on air that resembles all of our favorites but one which is based upon athletic, driven teens. It excites me immensely.

And on that note... I'm gonna watch a few of my guilty pleasures before bed. 

Kinda a crazy first blog, but hang in there and check back for some updates. 

I'll try to make it more often than not... depending on how much I have to say ; )

Love and peace

Chels