.

We wanted to try to do our annual family photo by the tree or wearing Christmas sweaters, but time got away from us. So instead I opted to toss a Santa hat onto one of the photos from our recent photo session and have a little fun with it

Now, being gluten free around the holidays is tough. Especially when you’re five and can easily arrive at the decision of “that’s not fair” at the drop of a hat. Unfortunately, life isn’t always fair and we have had to watch Lilly tear up at the grocery store several times because she can’t make a gingerbread house like all of her friends.

Luckily, there is an incredible bakery in Barrie, Ontario, who was able to add a little extra Christmas magic into our household with their gluten free Christmas tree. Having heard my tale of woe, Warwick Hughes Food Market offered to make one of their trees and leave it in the plain pieces for Lilly to decorate on her own.

She was thrilled!

Deliciously decorating each piece. I think she ate more candy than she added…

Our Christmas Masterpiece :)

A very big Merry Christmas from the Wiltshire crew. May your holidays be ever idealistically cheery and bright.

The post Our 2015 Christmas Card & A Gluten Free Gingerbread Tree! appeared first on Ideally speaking....

Each year I am notorious for rushing to get our Christmas cards out on time. Often it results in some family members receiving them when I see them…on Christmas Day! This year I am determined to change my track record and get our cards done nice and early. Hence, I am already doing some research around where to go for cards this year.

One site that has caught my eye for beautiful printed products is Minted. They have many products that peaked my interested, including their custom journals. Some women collect shoes. I have shelves filled with journals…

I have been equally wooed with their beautiful collection of Christmas cards. With hundreds of gorgeous holiday designs, it can be tough to select just one. There are many different options available, including the format of the card, number of photos and finishing choices.

Each card includes 4 options for shape and comes complete with perfectly matched holiday themed envelopes. It really takes some of the multiple steps out of getting your Christmas cards ready.

This year, we will be doing a single photo card. Something very cute to help show off our little family, including my fast growing baby bump! Minted has so many beautiful styles that can really help a single photo card shine this holiday season. Using the handy selection filters, I think I have our choices narrowed down to 4 simple, yet elegant card designs.

What are your thoughts? Weigh in with a comment below as to which one is you favourite.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post for Minted. I have received compensation to review their Christmas card selection for this year and give my honest opinion of the designs and options. The thoughts in this post are my own.

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