.the princess portal.

Inspired by Enchanted I decided to put together a little list for ‘How to be a Disney Princess.’ This is mostly in jest, for a bit of fun, but for girls who grew up with the Disney Heroines as a major inspiration for the Inner Princesses, this may bring back a touch of nostalgia!

Sing sweet nightingale, sing! Disney Princesses will take any excuse to burst in to song, all of which seem to be strangely appropriate to the situation at hand. Sing as you do your chores, stroll through the garden or sit by your window daydreaming. If you’re like me and very shy about your voice, just sing when there’s noone there to listen. Make up little songs and melodies like you did when you were a child, if you don’t want to sing, hum or whistle!

Dance whenever you feel the urge, express your happiness by flitting about as if your every movement is a ballet move. Disney Princesses have pretty little mannerisms, giggle behind your hands, clasp them to your heart, spin around and let your skirts swirl out. Rest your chin on one hand as you gaze at the clouds. Dance on the beach, in the park, in your room when nobody’s watching. You don’t need music, just listen to the melody in your heart.

Make friends with animals. Talk to the birds in your garden, your pets or stray cats and local wildlife. If you’re a bug loving Princess don’t forget to say hello to the snails and the butterflies too! Just because they don’t talk back doesn’t mean they can’t hear you. Plants and trees can make good friends too, I have a Sweet Basil plant who lives in our kitchen and they say plants grow better if you talk to them!

Clean the house. Scrubbing floors and sweeping seems to be a bit of a theme in Disney movies, so make sure your home is always spotless! Tie your hair up in a scarf and don’t forget to sing! You could also offer to clean house for a friend or relative. I don’t suggest trying to get your animal friends to help though, they’re likely to do more harm than good!

Go out to the markets ‘In disguise.’ You won’t be able to mingle with the masses unless you hide your true identity so leave the ball gown at home and wear a simple dress. Chat to the local shopkeepers and buy some fruit. Take some time to experience the world outside the palace doors.

Daydream about your Prince. Does he have clear blue eyes? Is he tall and handsome? Practise your waltz for the day he asks you to dance. Maybe you should spare a thought for his real features to, is he brave and courteous? Kind and compassionate? How will you know when you find him?

Be resourceful. You may not be living in a beautiful palace (yet) but you can use your imagination and create beauty all around you. Learn to make your own dresses, decorate your room with wildflowers, make a daisy chain for a crown and remember its the thought that counts, not the price!

Buy or sew yourself some ‘Princess Gowns,’ typically you should have one plain dress and one fancy one. Disney Princess dresses are almost always ankle length with nicely fitted bodices and flared skirts. Plain dresses in brown, cream, black or blue will serve for cleaning, shopping and walking through the forest (don’t forget an apron!) Your fancy dress should be in your favourite colour, elegant and decadent enough to wear to royal occaisions!

Kindness counts. Disney Princesses are always kind, considerate and charitable. They never hate and rarely express anger, but conduct themselves with grace and gentleness. Read books to a group of children, help elderly women with their shopping and always volunteer to be of service when you see someone in need. Be generous to strangers and considerate to your friends. Always say please and thank you!

Make wishes! Thats how dreams come true after all, you have to wish very hard and believe with all your heart. Wish on wishing wells and shooting stars, blow dandelion heads and candles and catch falling leaves before they hit the ground. Make your wish very clear, and cross your fingers that it will be granted!

There must be a Ball! All good fairy tales have a ball, so keep an eye out for events in your city and plan to get tickets. Take your Prince Charming or go alone in the hope of meeting one. Wear your prettiest dress, your glass slippers and flowers in your hair or a sparkling tiara. Then dance, dance the night away, but make sure to leave before the clock strikes twelve!