.the princess portal.

I would like to start this series of practical Princess Lessons off with something painfully practical, those most mundane of duties - household chores.

A Princess, in this day and age, is not always blessed with the benefit of servants and needs must do her own chores however un lady-like they may be. Unless you have an obliging family member or household staff you probably have to tidy your own things, clean the dishes, wash your gowns and do other menial labour.

How did Cinderella bear all the mopping and scrubbing with dignity and grace? I don’t know for a fact, but I imagine she managed to make it a little bit fun for herself, and this is what I try and do whenever faced with a my least favourite tasks. These suggestions may sound a little silly at first, but please try them for yourself, you will be surprised how they make the time fly!

We can’t really wear our loveliest clothes when doing dirty work, so instead set aside some clothes to be your ‘rags.’ It might be an old faded dress, an old t-shirt or even a peasant style blouse. Throw on a frilly apron and tie your hair back with a pretty scarf. I find dressing up makes everything more fun.

Put on some music. I always listen to music when I do chores, it allows your imagination to wander away from the dull handiwork and keeps you light hearted. Pick something you can sing along to and trill away to your heart’s content.

Please protect your hands! Cleaning products contain so many harsh chemicals that will age your skin and can cause rashes. Wear a pretty pair of gloves and moisturise your hands afterwards.

Do a little bit extra, when tidying your room add a bunch of flowers to brighten your day. Instead of throwing your clothes in the drier hang them outside to drip dry and revel in the warm sunlight scent of air dried linen. Finding some form of satisfaction and pleasure from your end results will make the hard work seem more worthwhile.

Reward yourself. After you have ticked off everything on your to-do list (written on cute printed paper!) give yourself a treat. A relaxing bubble bath, a bowl of ice cream and fruit or an hour to spend curled up with a good book. You’ve earnt it!