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DiSCOVER | Mermaids & Martinis by Hilary Pereira

Monday, June 25

The FREE art print I shared on Friday was inspired by the unlikeliest of places...
A party planning book I was asked to review...

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Hilary is a New York based celebrity party planner who has decided to share 
all of her fabulous party planning secrets with us.
 Her goal?
To help anyone "Throw a FiNtastic party" by "Turning Your Party Into a Memory"

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As I read through the pages...
 I was unexpectedly inspired in ways I didn't see coming.
Among the treasure trove of priceless party planning advice...
I also uncovered inspirational gems buried within the text itself.

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Not only do these jewels of passages from Hilary apply to party planning...
they beautifully spillover into applying them to everyday life.
Here are a few more of my favorites:

"...being fully present is the best present you can give your guests [family]."
"It's really all about living in the moment and making people feel special."
"...it's the small things that make life big."
"Keep your energy aligned with all the greatness that is headed your way."
and lastly...

"...the people, places, and things we are inspired by are lighthouses leading the way to the bigger destination of
whatever we are working towards at that time".

In addition to all of THAT wonderful inspiration...
the book is filled to the hilt with valuable information related to every aspect of the party planning process.

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Some of my favorite topics included are:
Suggested shopping sites
Favor/gift ideas
The three F's of entertaining
Invitation Etiquette
Photography Tips
Downloadable Planning Worksheets
28 Party Themes Ideas
Flowers/Centerpieces
Packing your Mini Treasure Chest - Tool Box
Appropriate Tipping Etiquette

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You'll also find recipes, ways to keeping your budget trim, party game ideas and so much more. 


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Giveaway starts today...(Monday)
                                                                      Giveaway closes at 12:01a.m. Friday. 
Winner announced Friday,  June 29th. 
Open to U.S. Residents Only.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
GIVEAWAY CLOSED...
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNER!!
ENTRY #240 - Amy Kenyon



I was excited and honored to have been asked to review Mermaids & Martinis.
Now I'm even more excited to give you the opportunity to
win your own copy...
(I promise the book the winner receives won't be written in or highlighted - I'll let you do that on your own). *wink*


Good luck to everyone...
and THANK YOU in advance for participating!


Sending a HUGE "Thank You" to Hilary Pereira for the tremendous inspiration in this fabulous book...
as well as for the opportunity to share a copy of Mermaids & Martinis with my readers!!

If you aren't the patient sort...
GO HERE TO ORDER YOUR COPY OF MERMAIDS & MARTINIS!

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Don't be surprised...
You may see more FREE art prints created using some of the text from Hilary's book...LOVE the inspiration.

Ever heard of "Hostess Slippers"?
I hadn't until I read the book.

Oh...
and I'm SO stealing the "Rose Water" recipe idea in this book. Can't wait to try it!
I promise to share!!! *wink*

LiFT | Art Print • Beautiful Life

Friday, June 22

I'm REALLY enjoying the summer with my girls.
Just last night we were climbing trees together...
(following an after-dinner bike ride and a stop to feed some cows).

As we head into the weekend...
I thought I'd leave you with another FREE downloadable Art Print I designed...
A beautiful reminder about how to live a beautiful life...

ART PRiNT | Beautiful Life (Seaweed Edition)
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The "Beautiful Life" Art Print Collection
also available in Saltwater, Sunscreen, Seashell, Sandcastle, Seawall and Surf
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Download any/all of the 8x10 prints RiGHT HERE!
I'll be back on Monday with details about the unlikely source that inspired this art print.
(pssst....it COULD be a giveaway) *wink*

PRiNTiNG OPTiONS/iDEAS
• Print from home computer.
• Have a photo print made by your favorite photo developer.
• Don't like your printer? Have FedEx Kinko's, Office Depot, or Staples print it for you onto cardstock.
• Have a canvas print made.
• Frame it to hang in your home.
• Frame it and give as a gift.
• Email it to a friend

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I've got a couple of exciting giveaways I'll be announcing next week.
Now I just need to find the time to get the features ready to share with you. *wink*

Seriously though...
I hope we'll all think of ways to make this summer beautiful...(as well as our life)
by "Taking the time to create it..." *wink* Hugs!!

BAKiNG | Buckeye Brownies

Wednesday, June 20

My stepdad is a huge Ohio State Buckeye Fan...
He's also a lover of sweets...
especially anything he can consume with several large, cold glasses of milk.

I knew when I found this recipe from Cookies and Cups...
It'd be the perfect thing to make for him for Father's Day...

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These. are. rich.
Seriously rich.
The kind of rich that makes you WANT to share with others...
knowing you'll never be able to eat the whole pan yourself.
If you like peanut butter and chocolate...
these are for you.


KEEP iT SiMPLE
Slice and serve straight from the pan.

MAKE iT SPECiAL
After cutting individual brownie squares...
Wrap with 2" strips of wax paper. (trimmed to size with a decorative rotary blade to create a cute edge).
Cut a smaller strip of kraft wrapping paper to add an accent and secure with some string.
LOVE!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL
These were a complete FAiL on my first attempt.
I bought a box of brownie mix that was too small for what the recipe called for.
I then attempted to adapt the recipe to accommodate my error.
Let's just say it didn't work out. *wink*

DiY | HANDmade Keepsake Cards

Monday, June 18

I hope you all enjoyed celebrating Father's Day yesterday.

Our day was filled with making breakfast in bed...
baking chocolate chip cookies...
a spa pedicure for J...
and cooking up his Father's Day dinner pick: Jambalaya.

In addition to all of that...
Ella and I created a...

HANDmade Keepsake Father's Day Card
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I LOVE making handmade cards when I have time...
and this one is actually one of my favorites since it incorporates a sentimental element to it...
Ella's handprint.

I had actually made the same type of card a few years ago...
making it SO sweet to compare the two cards and visually see how much Ella has grown.
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Just LOOK at that precious 7 month old handprint...*sigh*

Creating cards like these aren't just for Father's Day...
These make wonderful keepsakes for grandparents too!


SUPPLiES NEEDED:
• Decorative Cardstock/Scrapbooking Paper (three coordinating designs)
    - 1 for the actual card
    - 1 for the center of the front of the card
    - 1 smaller piece for the handprint on the front of the card
• ink pad or acrylic paint
• pen (for writing is details and the message on the inside)
• Paper Trimmer or Scissors 
• Adhesive (tape or glue)

TiPS/TRiCKS:
• Do some practice handprints on some scrap paper before doing your final print onto your cardstock.
• Create the card size based on your child's hand size.
• Stamp the handprint onto cardstock and THEN trim to size. (attempting to stamp a toddler or infant's handprint perfectly centered on an already-finished card will prove to be frustrating and you may end up ruining your card altogether).
• Don't worry about trying to make the card fit into an envelope. Make it whatever size you want.

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I'd love to be able to say that I've been doing this every year for Father's Day...
Unfortunately... I only WiSH I had been that smart. *wink*

I used Crate Paper from my stash of scrapbooking paper. (shhhh...these designs must be at least 7+ years old!) *grin*
Go check out their NEW lines of GORGEOUS papers HERE.
It's one of my absolute favorite papers to create things with.
It's beautiful...
thick...
high quality...
with fabulous designs!!

To be honest...
This project is probably more for ME than it is for J.
I think he thinks it's cute...
but I don't think he cherishes it as much as I do. (a guy thing, I think?) *wink*

LiFT | Art Print • Today

Friday, June 15

Wanted to send you off into the weekend with a FREE Downloadable 5x7 Art Print I created...

Art Print | Today (Summer Night Edition)
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Download the 5x7 Summer Night .pdf file here


The "Today" Art Print Collection
also available in Morning Light, Midnight, Daylight and Dusk
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Download any/all of the 5x7 Art Prints HERE

Once again, this creation was inspired by the Daily Truth Emails I receive from Brave Girls Club...
I hope you are inspired...

Have a great weekend everyone!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL
The post today is somewhat ironic...
in the sense that as I'm finishing it up...
I can't keep from staring at the undone "Number Wall" staring back at me.
I finally started on this project earlier this week.
(The project I've been talking about doing for two years).
I'm just going to focus on TODAY...
and choose to do all I can do...
and I'll be okay with that...
Let's just hope it doesn't take another two years to finalize it! *wink*

Here's to getting some projects done this weekend!!

iNSPiRE | Real Party: Baby Shower hosted by Leslie Marshall

Wednesday, June 13

iNSPiRiNG others is one of the most beautiful gifts we can give each other.
It's something I'm passionate about...
and one of the very reasons I have this blog.

iNSPiRATiON comes in many different forms...
and today...
I'm honored to share with you...
one of it's most powerful manifestations.

Yes...
the beautiful imagery included in this post is iNSPiRATiON in and of itself.

However...
This is also a story...
Misty Rae Porter's story.

You'll be touched by her incredible journey into motherhood...
A journey marked with...
• joy
• courage
• strength
• friendship
• hope
• love
• laughter

as well as tears from the raw emotion that comes when two life changing events come crashing together...
Two diametrically opposed words now conflictingly connected...
"Congratulations!" + "Cancer"
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Misty celebrated her 30th birthday in February and was 20 weeks pregnant at the time.
 She was diagnosed with Stage 2 Breast Cancer on March 15th...
and began the 8 rounds of chemotherapy she'd be receiving over a 16 week period on March 28th.

Not only would she be experiencing the naturally occuring changes to her body as it prepares for the birth of her son, Lansing...
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She would now be forced to undergo the added side effects chemotherapy brings with fighting this ugly disease.
Her best friend, Leslie, from Jar of Vintage Buttons reached out to me to share Misty's story...

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As told by Leslie...
"My best, best, best friend in the whole world is having a baby!  I met this wonderful, lovely woman 17 years ago during our first day of school at our brand new middle school.  It wasn't before the end of the day that we had become basically attached at the hip.  We went to college together, were roommates, maids of honor in each others' weddings, and she was there the day my Kate was born.  There really isn't a lot of things in my life that haven't included her!

Only a few months ago, Misty turned 30, found out she was having a boy, but also found out she has breast cancer.  It was a day I will never, ever forget as I sat in total shock on the phone with her while she very calmly told me what her doctors had just told her.  The past few months have been a whirlwind for her as she has already begun chemotherapy treatments.  She will continue chemo after the baby is born for several weeks and then undergo a double mastectomy.  Her strength and courage during this process has been a testimony to the person that she is.   Strong doesn't even begin to to describe her.  I admire her more than ever and I am so thankful for her friendship.

On Saturday, I had the honor of hosting her baby shower.  She was surrounded by her closest girlfriends.  We ate and laughed and even cried a little.  It was such a special evening for everyone, but especially for my friend.  Seeing the transformation of her not only physically as she undergoes treatments while watching her growing belly, but the transformation of her preparing for motherhood is just beautiful.  I can't wait to see her finally holding her baby boy in her arms.  He is truly a miracle and a blessing."

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Aside from the obvious...(Misty)
Here are a few of the things I've been iNSPiRED by from this super sweet baby shower...


FAVORiTE PARTY DETAiLS:
• Mac N' Cheese Bar (with lots of yummy toppings)
• Paper Maché "LANSING" letters used as decor. (incorporated into the nursery decor afterwards) - DIY to come
• Homemade Lemon Sugar Scrub (recipe linked below)
• Cupcake Liner accents on the brown paper bag party favors
• The party items that were so generously donated by super sweet Vendors. (see Vendor Credits below)
• The photos of Misty surrounded by an entourage of friends, family and people who absolutely love and support her.

I know you've been iNSPiRED today...how could you not be?

In an attempt to share her story, document the details and ultimately connect with others...
Misty has been blogging all about her journey.
I encourage all of you to reach out to Misty...
Visit her blog...where she provides insight and updates during this emotional journey.
You may know someone who needs some of the light Misty is sharing with the world - share it.

Thank you Leslie...
for being iNSPiRED to share Misty's story with me.

Thank you Misty...
for allowing your story to be told.
My heart has been touched - as I'm sure so many others have been.
You are a true example of strength.
I hope you recognize how incredible you are...
We can't wait for you to introduce us to Lansing!


VENDOR SOURCES/CREDITS:
Party Printables - Mirabelle Creations (designed especially for Misty)
Bunting Banner - Hazelnut Designs (donated)
Cupcakes - April's Piece of Cake
Party Styling - Jar of Vintage Buttons
Mac N' Cheese Bar Topping Containers - Walmart Patio & Garden Center
Paper Pinwheels - Most created by a friend - some picked up at Hobby Lobby.
Lemon Scrub Favors - Jar of Vintage Buttons (recipe here)
Jars for Lemon Scrub - Ball Jelly Canning Jars from Walmart - lids spray painted.
Baby Shower Wreath - Jar of Vintage Buttons

FOUND | Father's Day Ideas

Monday, June 11

If you weren't one of the lucky THREE winners for the Father's Day Art Print Giveaway...
I've still got something for you...

Gift Ideas I've been collecting on my...

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There are more ideas on the board...so go check them out!
I'm certain you'll find that perfect something you've been looking for...

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Funny Story...
We took the whole family Go-Kart riding this weekend.
It was a blast! We all got pretty competitive too.
It was pretty hot and humid but with the rain approaching...
there was a nice breeze...making it tolerable.

Unfortunately, every time the breeze blew...
I kept smelling something super STiNKY!
(And I don't have a good sense of smell...so it was at least 5x's worse than I was smelling).
Finally...
I realized where it was coming from...
ME!!!
The shirt I was wearing had been left it in the washer and it soured before it got tossed in the dryer.
(I know you know what I'm talking about)...
It. was. disgusting.
My poor family was kind enough to continue to stand in line with me...
but I'm certain every time we separated into our own go-karts...
they were thanking their sweet patooshies for the short break away from me. *blushing*
I was completely embarrassed and could hardly tolerate the smell.
Lucky for me I had a hoodie with me...
I actually stripped down when we loaded back into our car...
throwing my shirt and tank top into the very back...
making the 40 minute drive back home less painful for all of us. *phew*

Has anyone else ever done that?
I know you have...
Fess up! 
Tell me your story! *wink*

SHARE | Dadisms

Friday, June 8

As I've been collecting ideas for Father's Day...
I remembered a Christmas gift my older girls made for their dad last year.
It was a collection of sentiments that described him...
Basically a summation of words that pegged his character and personality...
put into a collage format...
printed...
and framed.

We decided to call it "Dadisms"
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Although the idea is brilliant...
It was NOT my idea.
It was actually my then-twelve-year old, Ema's idea.
I assisted with the creation on the computer...
but my role was mainly as her assistant.
Ema picked the fonts...
the phrases...
the texture/overlay added to it...
and the final color.

I loved watching her eyes light up as she thought of something else to add...
Or when she laughed as she remembered something funny...
and finally as she sat back and looked at what she had created.

The collage included:
quirky, often-repeated phrases...
favorite movie lines he's famous for quoting, (or he and the girls quote together)
and silly sayings he's known for.

It was a gift that was...
simple...
thoughtful...
and inexpensive...

Most importantly...
it is a keepsake...
and a reminder of the things the girls love about their dad.

As many of you know...
I didn't grow up with a dad.
However, I had an amazing grandfather that filled my life with goodness and laughter;
An incredibly intelligent, funny man...whom I adored.

I decided to create one in his memory, this week...
soliciting family members to share their specific memories of him.
I love the way it turned out...

"Grandpaisms"
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I love that it's not just things I remember about him...
but rather a collection of memories from different family members.
As I received their responses via email...
my heart was touched as I read through their remarks.
There were definitely things I had forgotten...
details that made me smile...
memories that transported me back in time.
I feel so very fortunate to belong to such a beautiful family.
Really.
I do.

I'll be emailing this finished print to my family...
If they'd like to have it printed, they can.
I think it'll look beautiful as a canvas...don't you?

I want YOU to have something like this too!
So I've decided to offer up...
THREE customized "Dadism or Grandpaism" Digital Art Prints...
just in time for Father's Day!


You'll tell me what you want...
I'll create it and email you the digital file...
and then you'll print it onto whatever medium you prefer.

Winners will get to:
• Pick the size
• Pick the color
• Provide the phrases, words, etc. you'd like included
• Pick the background - patterned or solid
• Pick either "Dadisms" or "Grandpaisms"

I'll be picking 3 random winners...
TOMORROW!!!
That way I can have the customized digital art prints ready to email to the LUCKY WiNNERS at some point this weekend.

Good luck everyone!
I hope you are excited about winning something to help honor the male figure in your life.
Even if you don't win...
Perhaps you've been inspired to create your own?

CONTEST CLOSED
If you participated, you'll be able to see the
THREE WINNERS ANNOUNCED BELOW!!
Thank you to everyone who participated


Have a GREAT weekend everyone!

KEEPiNG iT REAL
The emails I sent to my family members?
I sent them this morning. *blushing*
Although I had started working on this earlier this week...
my thought to get feedback from my family didn't come to me until late last night. (duh)

Wish I could've posted this sooner to give more of you a chance to win...
But this also makes this giveaway a little more "on-the-edge-of-your-seat"...
don't you think? *wink*

LiFT | Art Print • The Good Life

Wednesday, June 6

I'm a sponge for inspirational thoughts/quotes.
Whether I seek them out...
or they find me unexpectedly...
I'm always open to things that make me:
• stop and think
• reconnect with my surroundings
• prioritize
• focus on the good
and ultimately elevate my mood.

Having a serious passion for wanting to share all that inspires me...
I've decided to start posting some of the Art Prints I design to pass along the inspiration to you.
These are things I create to place around my home...
Reminders for myself, my children and all who enter our little corner of the world.

Art Print | The Good Life (Summer Edition)
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Enjoy this FREE downloadable ART PRiNT I created...
inspired by the Daily Truth emails I receive from The Brave Girls Club.
(You can subscribe to the emails too. Go HERE).

This particular Art Print is 10x10 but can be printed in smaller sizes as well.
Try printing onto canvas, photo paper, watercolor paper, cardstock...
or you may even want to send it to Fracture.

If you are looking for an alternative color for the Art Print...
I just so happen to have a couple of other options for you to choose from...

Introducing "The Good Life" Art Print Collection 
available in Laundry, Dandelion, Snapshot and Blush...
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Art Prints make great gifts...
and are a lovely addition to your own home decor.

I hope you found yourself LiFTED...
and especially living "the good life".
xoxo


KEEPiNG iT REAL
I was originally working on a Father's Day Gift Idea post to share with you...
But then I got sidetracked...(on ongoing issue I contend with)...
Which is good for you because you've now been uplifted...(hopefully)
and you've got a FREE gift too! *wink*
(Don't worry...the Father's Day Gift Idea is still coming)...

I hope you've noticed some of the changes I've been slowly implementing on the blog...
If you have any requests/suggestions...I'm all ears. 

iNSPiRE | The Party Dress Magazine - Summer 2012

Monday, June 4

The next three days mark the very last days of school this year for my girls.
I'm sure some of you have already...
• expressed heartfelt gratitude and final farewells to some fabulous teachers, faculty and staff members
• participated in end-of-year parties
• attended an awards ceremony (or two)

and perhaps even...
• shed a few tears during milestone graduation ceremonies...
from kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, high school and perhaps even college.


Well wipe the tears away...
Summer is here!!!
It's time to get focused on how to make it magical!
Whether you are looking for some much needed "lazy days of summer"...
or if you are looking for some clever ways to keep busy...
Check out some of my favorite images from the latest issue of The Party Dress Magazine...
you're sure to spot something you'll be inspired by to help make your summer memorable...

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Sponge Waterballs by Casi Densmore-Koon of CupcakeMag

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Flavored Ice Cubes by Kelly Lyden from the WH Hostess + The Party Dress

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Festive & Fun Drinking Straws by Casi Densmore-Koon of CupcakeMag

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Star Watermelon Pops by Kelly Lyden of WH Hostess + The Party Dress


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Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes by Tori Spelling


View the entire issue of the magazine in digital print
or order a printed version of it right here.


Other fabulous contributors and features included in the Summer 2012 Issue include
Jeff Peabody & Jennifer Billingsley, Honeycomb Events  |  Lynlee Beckett, Lynlee’s Petite Cakes
 Kathy Wolfe, Kathy Wolfe Photography |  Katie Nguyen Wells, Petite Social
 Leoni Jena, Just Call Me Martha  |  Jenny Steffens Hobick, Everyday Occassions

I hope you're inspired to get the summer started right...
I know I am!

KEEPiNG iT REAL
First on my list of things to try will be those snow cone cupcakes.
I can totally see those displayed on The Pastry Pedestal...can't you?
And yes...I'll be doing the wooden spoons as well!! *wink*

SiMPLE | Gift Giving - "Outside of the Box"

Friday, June 1

You've heard me say it many times...
"It's all about presentation."

Ever notice the word "present" (prez-uhnt) in the word "presentation"?
The way we "present" (pre-zent)  things to people...
Well...
It's actually a gift in itself.

So...
speaking of gifts...
How about skipping the tried and true "gift bag" the next time you are wrapping a present.
Try something a little "out of the box"
Or in this instance...
"in-the-box"...
Use a "gift box" instead.
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I picked up this brown, versatile gift box from Target...
removed the lid and repositioned it to the bottom of the box...
added some tissue...
put in my present...
added some more tissue to hide it...
wrapped the box with coordinating ribbon.
Done!

Why I love this idea:
It's something different.
It's simple.
It's fast.
It's fun.
The height of the tissue makes the gift seem more grande. *wink*
The presentation makes it seem like you put a lot of time and love into wrapping it. (even though it's simple).
The box can be reused - either for gift giving or organizational purposes.
The box is cute all on it's own.
You can actually put an item in the box that wouldn't normally fit with the lid closed.
(which is exactly how/why this idea was born). *wink*

SiMPLE.

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I originally planned on filling this box full of my daughter's favorite cookies...
And then tying it closed with some pretty ribbon.
Upon packing the cookies inside, I realized I couldn't shut the lid.
Lightbulb moment...
No lid needed.
Voila!!

I didn't mind splurging on the box...
I knew I would get it back since the gift was going to my daughter.
I like to refer to it as "Advanced Creative Planning/Recycling" *wink*
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