Special Christmas Postmark from Santa Claus, Indiana

Here's something really neat that I think I've shared on the blog before but wanted to mention again. Did you know that you can get a special Christmas postmark for your holiday cards through the Santa Claus, Indiana post office?

Each season, the Santa Claus, Indiana post office offers a whimsical little "picture postmark" to cancel the postage stamps on holiday mail in December. The special postmark is designed each year by a local high school art student as part of an annual contest.

image via www.santaclausind.org

What a fun way to spread Christmas cheer as you send out cards or letters to your family and friends!

Here are some guidelines you should know if you would like to receive the special postmark on your cards:

• Allow at least a 2-in x 4-in space in the stamp area for the postmark
• Apply postage to cards/letters before sending them to post office
• Picture postmark available on working days between Dec. 1 and Dec. 24
• Picture postmark must be requested
• To ensure good imprint, do not enclose bulky or large items in your holiday mail
• There is no charge for postmarking; however there is a limit of 50 per person per day
• Package your cards, with postage stamps already applied, in a sturdy box/envelope and mail to:

Postmaster, Santa Claus Station

Santa Claus, IN 47579-9998



Hanes: A Leg-Up On Fashion

Hanes has been around for a long time, providing quality and fashionable legwear. They offer a great selection of stylish tights and hosiery that fit in perfectly with the latest fashion trends.

One of this fall's hot trends is Blackout Opagues - the blacker the better. Hanes Silk Reflections offers opaque legwear that is thick in black color but light and soft in texture and feel.

-Hanes Blackout Opaques are available in tights and thigh highs
-Control stretch panty
-Available in sizes: AB, CD, EF
-SRP: $12.00

I was able to try out a pair of these Hanes Blackout Opaque tights and loved them! They feel so soft and thick and were really comfortable to wear. And, they do truly provide a nice, sleek "blackout" look.

Another popular fall fashion legwear trend is textured tights. Hanes Silk Reflections offers a nice variety of patterns such as Houndstooth, Chevron, Silky Lace, Sily Melange, and more.

-Modern control top panty
-Available in sizes: AB, CD, EF
-SRP: $10

Also, check out Hanes Silk Reflections Sheer Tights in solid colors. They are perfect for transitioning from fall to winter and provide a wonderful balance of sheerness and opacity. These shades also feature Run-Resistant Technology.

-Non-binding comfort waistband
-Classic boxer control top panty
-Graduated compression gently sculpts and invigorates the leg
-Colors: Grape, Brick, and Brown
-Extended Sizes: AB, CD, EF, GH, IJ
-SRP: $10

I was able to try out both the textured and sheer tights from Hanes. I was impressed with the wearability and really appreciate the Run-Resistant technology. After several occasions of wearing the tights, not a run or tear was found. The patterns of the textured tights were fun and let me dress up some simple outfits of mine. In the sheers, I especially like the Grape color - something a little funky and different for me to wear.

For more information, visit http://www.haneshosiery.com/


Disclosure:
Cindy Riccio Communications provided me with free samples of products mentioned above. All opinions expressed are my own.

30 Days of Giving Thanks - Day 30

I'm going to borrow this idea from our 30 Days of Giving Thanks Host, but it's something that I am truly thankful for...our military troops! All of the opportunities and freedoms that we enjoy would not be possible without those troops who fight for us and protect us each and every day. I can't even imagine the sacrifice that our military families make. I am very grateful for them and for their service to our country.

30 Days of Giving Thanks is hosted by Blessed Beyond Words.

30 Days of Giving Thanks - Day 29

I am thankful for my marriage. I know I've previously given thanks for my husband, but today I'm talking specifically about our marriage. We just celebrated our 20th anniversary this year. I'm proud that we have remained committed to one another and been able to get through the good and bad times together. I'm thankful that we are able to show our kids how much we value the sanctity of marriage.

30 Days of Giving Thanks is hosted by Blessed Beyond Words.

Movie Trailer Tuesday - The Secret of Moonacre

When young Maria's father dies, she becomes the ward of an uncle she does not know and must travel deep into the countryside to live at his estate called Moonacre. Once there, Maria begins to discover some mysterious secrets and finds herself involved in an ancient feud between two rival families. She soon learns that she may be the only person who can solve this feud and ultimately save Moonacre. This is a cute family film full of fantasy and magic - unicorns, a black lion, magic pearls and more!

Rated PG for some mild peril and language

30 Days of Giving Thanks - Day 28

I am thankful for my mom! I can always count on her to be there for me no matter what. She and I are alike in many ways and I truly enjoy spending time with her. She adores and treasures my children and is such an important person in their lives.

30 Days of Giving Thanks is hosted by Blessed Beyond Words.

30 Days of Giving Thanks - Day 27

I am thankful for the technology that adds to and improves our daily lives. Yes, sometimes (many times) you can find me complaining about the fact that my teenage daughter constantly has a cell phone in her hand. But, it's that very cell phone that allows me to keep in constant contact with my kids. It gives me peace of mind to know that we can check in with one another at any time. Another aspect of technology that we utilize everyday...the internet. Whether it's for my children's homework, or online shopping, or blogging, or a gazillion other reasons, the internet has surely helped to make many aspects of our lives better. There are just so many things in regards to technology that we count on every single day.

30 Days of Giving Thanks is hosted by Blessed Beyond Words.

30 Days of Giving Thanks - Day 26

I am thankful for all the creative folks who are able to entertain us with books, movies, and music. These all play such an important part in my life. I love getting into a good book or movie - it can take me to far-away places, teach me or make me think, or even help me escape my daily stresses for a bit. A beautiful song can brighten my mood instantly or bring back memories.

30 Days of Giving Thanks is hosted by Blessed Beyond Words

One Of My Favorite Things - The Sound of Music

My Favorite Things

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens

Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens

Brown paper packages tied up with strings

These are a few of my favorite things

Cream colored ponies and crisp apple strudels

Door bells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles

Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings

These are a few of my favorite things

Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes

Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes

Silver white winters that melt into Springs

These are a few of my favorite things

When the dog bites

When the bee stings

When I'm feeling sad

I simply remember my favorite things

And then I don't feel so bad.

One of my favorite things is The Sound of Music. Great songs, beautiful scenery, romance, humor, and suspense - it's got it all. And, Captain von Trapp is just so handsome and dreamy, isn't he?

photos via Pinterest

What about you? Are you a fan of The Sound of Music? What other classic musicals do you enjoy?

30 Days of Giving Thanks - Day 25

I am so thankful that we are blessed with an abundance of food. Our Thanksgiving table was full of delicious dishes and desserts and we definitely all stuffed ourselves. After our meal was over, there was so much food left that we were able to share it with some less fortunate members of our community. My nephew took a bunch of leftover food to some ladies living in a half-way house for recovering drug users. I'm glad that my kids were able to be involved in this simple act of giving to others.

30 Days of Giving Thanks is hosted by Blessed Beyond Words.

30 Days of Giving Thanks - Day 24

Today, I am thankful for the opportunity to spend the day with our extended family. It will be a busy day with get-togethers at both sides of our family - which means two back-to-back Thanksgiving meals! But, it's so nice to visit with those members of our families that we may not see very often.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I'm participating in 30 Days of Giving Thanks - hosted by Blessed Beyond Words.

30 Days of Giving Thanks - Day 23

I am thankful that the kids have a nice little break from school. We are going to sleep in and just enjoy hanging out around the house. They work hard at school and it's nice for them to get some time off.

I'm participating in 30 Days of Giving Thanks which is hosted by Blessed Beyond Words.

30 Days of Giving Thanks - Day 22

I am thankful that my daughter was blessed with such a bright mind and gift of intellect. She is in the 10th grade and has always excelled in school. I'm constantly amazed at her ability to grasp new things and also at her ability to retain what she learns. I swear, sometimes I think she has a photographic memory. When it comes to homework and school projects, she is always so responsible and organized. We've never had to stay on her and remind her to take care of her schoolwork - she is on top of it and gets it done on her own. I'm so proud of her and look forward to seeing the wonderful future ahead of her.

Thanks to Blessed Beyond Words for hosting 30 Days of Giving Thanks.

Movie Trailer Tuesday - Inhale

When his little girl needs a lung transplant to stay alive, this affluent district attorney (played by Dermot Mulroney) must decide if he is willing to break the law in order to save her. He faces some very dangerous situations and difficult decisions as he delves into the world of illegal organ harvesting.

I guess I'm naive but I had no idea of the horrible realities of illegal organ harvesting. The details exposed in this film are deplorable, scary, and heartbreaking. It's a powerful story with great acting - definitely worth watching.

This film is Not Rated (NR). There were many scenes of violence, sexual content, and mature adult situations.

Christmas Shopping Woes

I always like to get an early start on my Christmas shopping. My true goal every year is to be completely finished by early December - but, that never happens. This year, I'm off to a pretty good start. I've bought several gifts and come up with ideas for most of the people on my list. I have typed up my shopping list chart so that I can record my purchases and keep track of my spending. But, there's one person on my list who has me completely stumped this year. Word on the street is that Santa doesn't even know what to bring this person...It's our youngest, our 11 year old son.

He has reached that age where he has outgrown most toys. (Which is very sad to me - I will miss perusing the toy aisles and picking out Legos and HotWheels and action figures). He's very much into playing XBox 360 and if it were up to him, he would spend hours doing so. But, we try to keep limits on his playing time and since he got quite a lot of XBox items last Christmas, I refuse to buy more of it this year. The main item he requested on his Christmas list is a set of drums. Oh boy! I love that he wants to learn to play drums, but, will I regret that once he starts banging on them? Other than the drums, I just really don't know what to get for him this year.

What about you? Have you started Christmas shopping yet? Is there someone on your list that's difficult to choose a gift for?

30 Days of Giving Thanks - Day 21

For fun, today I am thankful for the person(s) that invented Reese's Peanut Butter Cups! Ever since I was a little girl, Reese's has been my very favorite candy and I still have a big weakness for it today. When I was little, my sister worked at a small neighborhood grocery store (she is 12 years older than me). She would often surprise me by bringing Reese's Peanut Butter Cups to me when she got off work. I can even remember a few times that she brought me a whole entire box of the candy bars! That always made my day. So, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are not only delicious but they bring back happy memories of my childhood.

Thanks to Blessed Beyond Words for hosting 30 Days of Giving Thanks.

30 Days of Giving Thanks - Day 20

I am so thankful for the kind and caring heart of our 13 year old son. Connor constantly shows concern and compassion for others. He truly goes out of his way to be helpful. If I'm feeling under the weather he is right there to ask what he can to for me. If he sees me working hard at something, he jumps in to help without being asked. He is just such a sweet kid and I'm blessed to be his mom!

Visit Blessed Beyond Words for more 30 Days of Giving Thanks.

30 Days of Giving Thanks - Day 19

Today I am giving thanks for my neighbors. I feel so very fortunate that the families living next to me and across from me are such nice people. I know that if I ever need help I can call on them at any time, day or night. Most of us have kids and we all tend to look out for one another. If something out of the ordinary is going on, we can count on each other to check in and make sure everything is okay. I'm lucky to have neighbors who are also friends.

Thanks to Blessed Beyond Words for hosting 30 Days of Giving Thanks.

30 Days of Giving Thanks - Day 18

Today, I am thankful for my cozy and comfy bedroom. I know that may sound silly, but, my bedroom is truly a refuge for me. It's calm and quiet. We have heavy curtains that, when closed, black-out most of the light. When I need to get some sleep or just get away to relax, I have the perfect place to go.


30 Day of Giving Thanks is being hosted by Blessed Beyond Words.

Aloha Friday - Sleep Numbers

Welcome to this week’s edition of Aloha Friday, hosted by Kailani over at An Island Life. In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day to take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So, on Fridays we can take it easy on blog posting, too.

I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer - nothing that requires a lengthy response. If you’d like to participate, visit An Island Life where you can link up with your own question and also visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends!

Last night, my daughter and I went with some friends to the midnight premiere of Breaking Dawn. It's something we've done together for each of the Twilight movies. By the time we got home and into bed it was 3 a.m. My daughter had to be up and ready to catch the bus at 6:20 a.m. so needless to say, we did not get much sleep. But, it's only a rare occasion that we do something like this and it's such a fun experience and memory for us to share.

My question for you is: On average, about how many hours of sleep do you get each night? Do you feel like you get enough sleep, or are you often feeling like you need more?

I probably average about 6 hours of sleep per night. When the alarm goes off, I'm never ready to get up and feel like I could always sleep more.

Chicken Soup For The Soul - Recent Releases (Giveaway)

I'm a longtime fan of the Chicken Soup for the Soul books and have blogged about them many times. These books always prove to be wonderful reads and are also a thoughtful option for gift-giving. I wanted to let you know about a few of their recent releases...

Inspiration for the Young at Heart

In this book, you'll find 101 stories all about enjoying life after 60. From finding love, to seeking new adventures, to handling retirement, these stories are sure to amuse and entertain.

Devotional Stories for Tough Times

In this edition, read 101 daily Christian devotionals that will comfort and support you in times of need. With a foreword by Mary Beth Chapman, you will find scriptures and prayers to help you deal with everything from illness and grief to financial and family problems.

Grieving and Recovery

These 101 stories are all about dealing with the loss of a loved one. Find comfort and support as you read personal stories of how others have coped with loss. Learn how they worked to find happiness and meaning in their lives after loss.


Giveaway:
I have one copy of each of the above mentioned books for giveaway. Simply let me know which book you are interested in by commenting on this post. Entries accepted until Sunday 11-20-11 at 10:00 pm EST. At that time, I will randomly select winners. U.S. residents only.

Chicken Soup for the Soul provided me with a free copy of each of the three books mentioned above. I was not obligated to post and no monetary compensation was exchanged. Any opinions expressed are my own.