MY FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS YOUTUBE VIDEOS
by
Chantelle
- 5:02 PM
1. This viral video was released just recently. Have you seen it? #sharethegift
3. This flashmob in Montreal gave me goosebumps!
4. "That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown!"
5. *Sobs*
2. I know it's a commercial for a clock, but the animation is stunning. (BONUS: The soundtrack is one of my all-time favourite songs!)
3. This flashmob in Montreal gave me goosebumps!
4. "That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown!"
6. And finally, the world's largest nativity! And the Piano Guys! And like a million beautiful voices!
HOW TO TALK TO A 20-SOMETHING
by
Chantelle
- 10:43 PM
I love my relatives and family friends, but in recent years I've grown to dread seeing them at holidays. Why? Because literally without fail, every conversation goes something like this:
Can I be real with you for a minute? I HATE when people ask me about school just to make conversation. I'm on a break. I'm still on edge from writing finals two weeks ago. I don't even want to acknowledge that post-secondary institutions exist. Also, I know fully well that the only reason you're asking is because you feel obligated to speak to everyone in the room at least once. Don't get me wrong, I'm flattered that you want to talk to me! However, it's one thing if you're genuinely curious about my academic career, and another when every. single. person. is asking me about school. Want to know a secret? Most people my age actually have a life outside of textbooks. Dude, I know you have no idea how to talk to me anymore. It's okay! I know that you've graduated to a world of babies and mortgages, and might be a little rusty on your Youngadult-ese. No worries! I've got your back!
As an early Christmas present to all my older cousins, extended family, well-meaning adults, etc. I have put together a handy guide to talking with your favourite 20-something.
Loved One: Hey Chantelle!
Me: Oh hey!
L.O: How's it going?
Me: Pretty good! How are you?
L.O: Great! How's school?
Me: School's fine!
L.O: Well that's good. *Politely nods then leaves to go get more chips*
Can I be real with you for a minute? I HATE when people ask me about school just to make conversation. I'm on a break. I'm still on edge from writing finals two weeks ago. I don't even want to acknowledge that post-secondary institutions exist. Also, I know fully well that the only reason you're asking is because you feel obligated to speak to everyone in the room at least once. Don't get me wrong, I'm flattered that you want to talk to me! However, it's one thing if you're genuinely curious about my academic career, and another when every. single. person. is asking me about school. Want to know a secret? Most people my age actually have a life outside of textbooks. Dude, I know you have no idea how to talk to me anymore. It's okay! I know that you've graduated to a world of babies and mortgages, and might be a little rusty on your Youngadult-ese. No worries! I've got your back!
As an early Christmas present to all my older cousins, extended family, well-meaning adults, etc. I have put together a handy guide to talking with your favourite 20-something.
Good luck, friends. Pass this along to whomever you see fit.
Together, we can create a world without small talk.
(Oh man. How great would THAT be?!)
CHRISTMAS MIRACLES
by
Chantelle
- 8:27 AM
You want to know a secret? Every year around November 25th, I morph into this creature that's part Buddy the Elf, part Martha Stewart, and part sparkly EVERYTHING.
My name is Chantelle, and I am a Christmas junkie.
I love decking the halls! I love baking! I love staying up until all hours of the night building marquee lights and painting wooden toy castles and tying perfect bows on presents! I love having the same four Christmas albums on repeat! I love that my basement looks like Santa's workshop! I love that Michaels smells like cinnamon potpourri and empty wallets! (Mostly mine)
I blame my dry, cracked lips less on the dry, cold winter air and more on the fact that I literally smile all. the. time.
(Me.)
I love those parts of Christmas, but it's really easy to get wrapped up in them (pun intended) and forget that they're just fluff. Every year when I decorate my house for the holidays, the first thing to go up are my Nativity scenes.
Growing up, we had a Nativity scene in almost every room in our home. Our advent calendar wasn't daily chocolate, but an interactive felt wall hanging that moved Mary and Joseph closer to Bethlehem each day. One of the challenges I faced when leaving home was figuring out how to keep the tradition of making Christ the center of Christmas. One thing that I have found helpful is making time to just be still at the end of each day. I love to sit and reflect when the house is quiet and only the Christmas tree lights are on.
This Christmas, I've found it a little easier to focus because our family has been blessed with many miracles. SO many. The latest one happened just yesterday. Last week, my sister came home with really bad back pain. When a kid with spina bifida says their back hurts, you don't mess around, so they trucked her off to the hospital pretty quickly. We were told that she had fractured one of her vertebrae, but weren't told how severe it was. Worst case scenario, a fractured vertebrae meant back surgery, or at very least, a stiff plastic brace. The family had been planning to travel to Alberta to spend Christmas with my grandparents, but this threw a major wrench into their plans. Yesterday, they took Sarah to see one of her specialists in the city, and a miracle happened.
The doctors in Melfort had misread the x-ray. There was no fracture.
We were ecstatic and very, VERY grateful.
God has always given the best Christmas gifts.
P.S.
(This year's rejected Christmas card.)
Stress Acne
by
Chantelle
- 3:19 PM
Exams got me like:
I will be taking a leave of absence until next week. But! I'm leaving you with some internet goodies to enjoy in my absence. Enjoy, and may the odds (or the grade curve) be ever in my favour.
-How to pluralize your last name (Just in time for your Christmas cards to go out!)
-Have you seen this commercial yet?
-Turn your instagrams into wearable art
-A to X Writing Advice (May reference this during the onslaught of end of term papers!)
-My favourite Christmastime breakfast
-Pipe cleaner ninjas
-I love this speech. So many good things in it.
Welcome to HELL the end of semester. Wanna know how I can tell? I'm listening to depressing music. And I have stress acne. I counted four whole zits this morning. Maybe that doesn't sound like much, but for me it's a BIG. DEAL. OKAY?!
Anyways...
I will be taking a leave of absence until next week. But! I'm leaving you with some internet goodies to enjoy in my absence. Enjoy, and may the odds (or the grade curve) be ever in my favour.
* * *
-Have you seen this commercial yet?
-Turn your instagrams into wearable art
-A to X Writing Advice (May reference this during the onslaught of end of term papers!)
-My favourite Christmastime breakfast
-Pipe cleaner ninjas
-I love this speech. So many good things in it.
1. Pantone postcards because email is so passé
2. An Instax camera
3. Classic Movie Trivia. (Because Gene Kelly is a classier piece of meat than Brad Pitt ever will be. I mean...)
4. A Beyoncé shirt to help them feel fierce
5. Pillows for their world travels
6. And, if all else fails, gift them a Scottish title
GIFTS FOR MUSIC LOVERS
by
Chantelle
- 11:00 AM
Since most of family and most of my friends are musical, in a music program, or really, really enjoy music, today's guide was a no-brainer. Hopefully some of these CLEF-ER gifts make it onto your LISZT this year!
Sorry...
I know puns aren't really my FORTE...
They always seem to fall FLAT...
I'll stop now.
2. A good old-fashioned hand-crank music box
3. I have one of these record players, and I love being able to tote it with me when I visit the homeland. (I've found the cheapest place to get them in Canada is from Sears.)
4. A modern mixtape with all your favourite songs
5. Soundwave art print of your favourite quote, song lyric, or loved one's voice (BONUS: You could also just make your own!)
GIFTS FOR KIDS
by
Chantelle
- 10:52 AM
I don't have any kids, but I sure do know a lot, and I'll be danged if any of them get another Frozen doll on my watch. (Plus, if I'm being totally honest, I wouldn't mind receiving some of these myself!) I sort of cheated today, and divided the list into three parts. I just had too many things I wanted to include!
(Disclaimer: Just because an item is listed as being for a boy or a girl does NOT mean that only that specific gender can use it. It simply means that's what the kids I personally know would enjoy the most. There. Now hopefully no hyper-feminists will shoot me.)
(Disclaimer: Just because an item is listed as being for a boy or a girl does NOT mean that only that specific gender can use it. It simply means that's what the kids I personally know would enjoy the most. There. Now hopefully no hyper-feminists will shoot me.)
1. Madeline book and jammie set. I want it in my size.
2. Have you heard of Goldie Blox? It's mechanics for girls!
3. Beautifully designed Paper dolls
4. Topsy turvy Dorothy and Toto
5. Melissa and Doug make some awesome giant sticker pads
6. Toy cupcakes
1. Volkswagon bus pop-up tent
2. Road tape for your littlest civil engineer
3. A wind-up robot
4. Even if they're too small to put it together, everyone loves a good Rube Goldberg machine
5. I've seen a lot of train sets, but this is by far the cutest.
6. It's a plant that eats bugs. Need I say more?
1. Super Moose, which actually looks really fun!
3. The Roald Dahl treasury
4. A classic toy camera
6. Eternal bubble wrap keychain
GIFTS FOR YOUR LOVED ONES WHO LOVE TO LAUGH
by
Chantelle
- 10:22 AM
My siblings are legitimately some of my favourite people. When we're all at home hanging out, any ounce of shame we have goes out the window. We unabashedly think dumb things are funny, whether it be cat memes on the internet, ridiculous youtube videos, or seeing how many annoying sounds we can make before Mom threatens to cut off our inheritance. This gift guide is in honour of them!
1. The super fun board game that makes everyone look ridiculous
2. A movie that you can quote every great one-liner from
3. An instant toilet paper dispenser (You chuckled! Don't deny it!)
4. Seasons 1 & 2 of Studio C
5. A t-shirt with their favourite meme (We love Grumpy Cat at our house!)
GIFTS FOR YOUR MAMA
by
Chantelle
- 12:40 PM
Moms can be hard to shop for too, mostly because (if they're anything like mine) they'll insist they don't need anything. Which is super helpful, especially at Christmas time...
*makes shifty eyes at Momma Froc*
1. Earrings that will make her eyes look incredible
2. A pillow to remind her she's doing a good job
3. A collection of terrible puns to make her giggle (and also because Gemma Correll is a genius)
4. Because moms love fancy body wash
5. A chart to celebrate her heritage
6. A pretty charging kit for her iPad because she forgets her cords
GIFTS FOR YOUR DAD
by
Chantelle
- 11:32 PM
The curse and blessing of university is that it makes you acutely aware of your financial circumstances. Now, I love giving gifts. LOVE. But since I don't have the means to purchase something for everyone I care about, I usually end up making my Christmas presents.
That doesn't stop me from online window shopping though! To help you out this holiday season with your present procurement, every day this week I will feature a different gift guide, each with the Frazzles and Co. official stamp of approval. We'll kick things off with Dad, because they're the hardest to shop for.
1. A fancy scarf to wear to church in the winter
2. A baseball glove, to remind him to play
3. A radio that will always work
Family History Friday: Conversations
by
Chantelle
- 5:13 PM
Remember that time when I needed to move out, but then it turned out I didn't need to move, but my parents still thought I needed to, and basically I just jumped from house to house for three weeks?
It's a long story.
Welllll... I spent a good chunk of those three weeks hanging out at my grandparents' house about half an hour away. I love staying there. Old age has made them hilarious, and their banter is so great that sometimes I just sit on the couch with a bowl of popcorn and watch. For real.
Eventually I realized I was sitting on a gold mine, so I started taking my laptop and typing up their conversations. Cousins, you may thank me later. Enjoy!
* * *
Verla: When we were first married, we lived in a little two-room
house on a farm out near Chin. No electricity, no heat- we got our water from a
well in the yard… What else?
Ray: We heated it with coal.
V: Yes, we heated the house with coal. There was this big old
stove in the main room and it had a space behind it. Your grandpa had it in his
mind that he was going to be a farmer, and he’d bring me all these animals. We
had baby lambs back there, and baby pigs… some chickens one time!
R: (chuckles)
V: There was no fridge, so if we wanted to keep anything
cool, we’d have to put it down the well…
R: Kept things pretty cool. Worked really well hmm?
V: It did. Our first Christmas there we had a Christmas tree
with no lights because we didn’t have electricity. Do you remember that Ray? We
had to have it in the bedroom! (laughs)
R: Well there was no room anywhere else. The other room was
filled with all your little pets!
V: Ha! MY little pets…
R: We should try it again sometime.
V: Try what? Farming? I don’t think so! Why on earth would
you want to do that? Don’t you like flipping a switch and having light?
R: Well then I could have a moustache!
V: You’re sure full of it tonight, aren’t you?
Me: Better watch out grandpa, or grandma will spank you.
V: Oh we don’t do spankings in this house.
R: Yeah, we only do kisses and hope for something better!
R: Better eat your ice cream before it melts.
V: It’s not going to melt. It’s not that hot and I’m
certainly not that hot.
R: Dunno… You look pretty hot to me!
V: You also can’t see well...
R: *coughs*
V: Honey!
R: Yes honey?
V: Don’t choke!
R: Why not? Then you
could give me mouth to mouth!
* * *
So great. Also, this past week they celebrated their 60th Anniversary on November 11!
CONTEST TIME!
by
Chantelle
- 10:28 PM
Hey friends!
I hope you all had a marvellous Sabbath Day! Besides that whole snowpocalypse thing, it's been pretty good on this end! Sundays are my faaaaaavourite day of the week. There's nothing better than spending three hours with your church family worshipping and learning and laughing.
I have a fun announcement to make! Using my limited artsy-person math skills, I have projected that this week Frazzles and Co will reach 20 000 pageviews! Not bad, considering this is the result of a highschool dare...
As a celebration, and a thanks to my homies, every person that likes a Frazzles post on Facebook this week will get their name thrown into a hat. (Note to self: dig out box of hats...) Whoever gets their name pulled out of said hat, will receive a package of honest-to-goodness, Chantelle-certified goodies!
This may or may not include the following:
-a mix CD of rad tunes
-half a dozen homemade pizza buns (depending on how far away you live. I don't trust many with my baked goods, let alone Canada Post.)
-SOMETHING LLAMA RELATED BECAUSE LLAMAS ARE THE SHIZ
-cool things I find while cleaning up my room (Seriously, you should like it just for this.)
-a happy note of epic proportions
Good luck!
I hope you all had a marvellous Sabbath Day! Besides that whole snowpocalypse thing, it's been pretty good on this end! Sundays are my faaaaaavourite day of the week. There's nothing better than spending three hours with your church family worshipping and learning and laughing.
I have a fun announcement to make! Using my limited artsy-person math skills, I have projected that this week Frazzles and Co will reach 20 000 pageviews! Not bad, considering this is the result of a highschool dare...
As a celebration, and a thanks to my homies, every person that likes a Frazzles post on Facebook this week will get their name thrown into a hat. (Note to self: dig out box of hats...) Whoever gets their name pulled out of said hat, will receive a package of honest-to-goodness, Chantelle-certified goodies!
This may or may not include the following:
-a mix CD of rad tunes
-half a dozen homemade pizza buns (depending on how far away you live. I don't trust many with my baked goods, let alone Canada Post.)
-SOMETHING LLAMA RELATED BECAUSE LLAMAS ARE THE SHIZ
-cool things I find while cleaning up my room (Seriously, you should like it just for this.)
-a happy note of epic proportions
Good luck!
P.S. Listened to this non-stop while getting ready for church. Best. cover. ever.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN
by
Chantelle
- 12:13 AM
Happy Halloween you poor, unfortunate souls.
May I never construct another tentacle as long as I live.
PRAIRIE EXPLORERS
by
Chantelle
- 10:08 AM
My homegirl Aislinn and I roadtripped to Saskatchewan for Logan's farewell and we made a few pitstops along way...
I award us 50 bonus points for zero injuries, wild beast encounters, or lawsuits while exploring the old abandoned buildings!
 |
Our sidekick. We never got sick of asking "Where's Perry?"  |
I award us 50 bonus points for zero injuries, wild beast encounters, or lawsuits while exploring the old abandoned buildings!
OUR MISSIONARIES
by
Chantelle
- 10:23 PM
In popular culture, Mormon missionaries are often the brunt of satire and parodies. You've probably seen depictions of eager young men, wearing dress clothes, a nametag, and a backpack. You've probably seen these men sporting hair your grandpa had as a teen and smiles that no person has ever had without the help of massive doses of caffeine. They're the ones you've seen knocking door to door and shoving little blue books into people's faces. Those perceptions are inaccurate.
Let me tell you something about our missionaries-
Serving an LDS mission is a HUGE sacrifice.
When my brother Logan was little, he always proudly told people that he wanted to serve a mission for our church. As he got older, he still did, but I think he started to realize the enormity of what that meant, because he didn't broadcast his plans like he had as a boy.
While all of his friends left for university, exchanges, or adventures, Logan stayed home to work excruciating hours on the farm. Why? Missionaries voluntarily PAY for their entire mission.
While the majority of his friends had support from everyone in regards to their future plans, my little brother didn't. There are not a lot of Mormons in Melfort, and Logan didn't tell many people for fear that they would treat something so precious to him as you would treat a used kleenex. He also had to endure the disapproval of my dad's family. They had zero problem telling him that he was wasting his time and that he needed to rethink his priorities.
While his friends will spend time watching the latest movies, listening to the latest music, reading the latest books, and keeping constant tabs on the world around them, Logan won't be. He is taking two years out of his life and dedicating them to the service of God. That means no social media and no secular movies, music, or books. He will spend his time serving others.
While all of his friends were out partying, expanding their social circles, or generating likes on Facebook, Logan was usually at home studying. You might not know this, but there is a hefty list of requirements for members of our church to serve missions. Logan not only read his brains out, but also took an extra year to make sure he was absolutely ready.
While his friends will have the benefit of visiting their families and calling or texting whenever they want to talk, Logan won't. We will not see him for two years. We will only get to talk to him twice a year (Christmas and Mother's Day), and email once every week or two.
This past weekend was his last few days with us before he left. We held a special luncheon in his honour. He left two days later. Below are some pictures from his Farewell dinner and as he entered the Missionary Training Center (Thanks Jill!).
So the next time you laugh at how "weird" LDS missionaries are, or listen to a certain satirical musical, please think twice. Our missionaries are not out to baptize the world. They represent Jesus, and try to emulate His ministry by teaching gospel topics and serving those around them. You may not agree with them, but you can show them kindness. I would hope someone would do the same for my little brother.
We love you Elder Froc!
P.S. Have more questions about what missionaries are really like? Check this out!
WEEKEND MUSIC: OCTOBER
by
Chantelle
- 6:47 PM
A playlist for all your Halloween celebrations, because one can only listen to "Monster Mash" and "Ghostbusters" so many times...
I Put a Spell on You- Raney Shockne ft. Eddie Wakes
Little Ghost- White Stripes
Skeleton Song- Kate Nash
Creep- Postmodern Jukebox
Superstition (C2C Remix)- Stevie Wonder
Every Little Thing She Does is Magic- Sleeping at Last
ROOMMATE WOES
by
Chantelle
- 3:39 PM
To make a long (and much too dramatic for my liking) story short, I have to leave my house. Roommates can be your best friends, or they can be your worst enemies. The girls I live with are neither, but I no longer feel comfortable or welcome in my home. And I refuse to live where I can't feel the Spirit. So out I go onto a new adventure! I don't have a place yet, but I have a feeling something will come together. It somehow always does.
Oh, and in case you've been keeping score over the past 4 years...
Houses: 5
Roommates: 31
I know. Unreal, right? I should seriously write a book.
But! Living in close quarters with girls doesn't always suck. Okay, so these girls weren't technically my roommates, but when we were in Ireland we pretty much did everything together. Including all manner of shenanigans...
HAVE AN GREAT WEEKEND
by
Chantelle
- 5:50 PM
I am hereby signing off for the weekend. If you need me, you can find me and 14 million+ of my friends tuned into the semiannual LDS General Conference. General Conference is like 2 days of Ted Talks given by LDS leaders from all over the world. Many watch the broadcast via satellite at a chapel, but IIIIIII prefer to snuggle up at home in my jammies with tasty snacks and a new notebook.
-THIS is the true way to my heart. Boys, take note. Or anyone for that matter...
-Bring on the late night pickle cravings!!
-Best friends are great for lots of things. Like sending you awesome videos like this.
-a song for your weekend
Mmmm.
Oh right, blog. ANYWAYS...
Here are some internet goodies to enjoy in my absence!
-How I'm feeling today
-Hipster Halloween costumes that your children won't get (Or your neighbours for that matter.)
-How to actually gird up your loins (Thanks Emily!)
-This jam session looks like so much fun. The magic begins at 2:00.
-A cactus garden that not even Momma Froc could kill. (I love her, but our house is basically where plants go to die.)
-Bring on the late night pickle cravings!!
-Best friends are great for lots of things. Like sending you awesome videos like this.
And finally...
-a song for your weekend
(photo via)
No, the title is not a typo. Between sifting through French genealogical records for the past few weeks and having a best friend out in Quebec, I've been accidentally and randomly using French lingo all over the place! I did mean to type "September", but whatevs.
-Started school. Again.
-Got my braces off! And then the next day, got my ears pierced! (Thanks Hallie!)
-took engagement pictures for ma homies
-Had bestie hangz with Rachel, who's been my bff since we were 12. (P.S. While thrifting, we found this "chastity poncho". I really wanted to get it for her, but she wouldn't let me.)
-Finished up my internship with Autism Speaks Canada
-taught myself to make origami llamas.
-decorated my house for fall
-took myself on a phò date
-made this super delicious chocolate pudding out of vegetables!
-Helped my exchange student friend Angela dress up for a Thrift Shop themed dance
-Decided on this year's Halloween costume! Hint: I just bought a can of white hairspray!
This month I...
-Started school. Again.
-Got my braces off! And then the next day, got my ears pierced! (Thanks Hallie!)
-took engagement pictures for ma homies
-Had bestie hangz with Rachel, who's been my bff since we were 12. (P.S. While thrifting, we found this "chastity poncho". I really wanted to get it for her, but she wouldn't let me.)
-taught myself to make origami llamas.
