When I picked up this book it immediately made me think of my friend the Pirate Princess! The beautiful illustrations on the cover, with aqua blue water, palm trees and a map of some exotic world enticed me to see what was inside, and I’m glad I did because it was quite an adventure!

The Princess and the Captain (Anne-Laure Bondoux, translated by Anthea Bell) is the tale of Princess Malva of Galnicia. Malva is fed up with palace life and acting as a doll for her father the Corondador to marry off as he pleases, so she decides to run away and live a free life. Orpheus is the son of a long line of captains, the sea is in his blood but he has never set foot on a ship, until the Princess goes missing and he is sent out to bring her home.

The story takes Orpheus and Malva, and an unusual and motley crew for adventures on the high sea where they encounter strange creatures and magical islands and must face tests that uncover their deepest longings and darkest secrets. It is a very fast paced, action filled story so I found it hard to put down!

I initially didn’t sympathise with Malva very much, she was hot headed and rash and seemed to have little concern for others, however by the end of the book I really liked how her character had grown and learnt through her experiences and I could identify with her a lot more. I think this book would adapt well in to a movie, with some dashing actor as Orpheus! The only criticism I have, is that I felt the translation lacked a bit of personality in the writing style, I would really like to read the original in French someday and see if it was a bit richer in that aspect.

Nonetheless, a great read and another one for the fierce and independant Princesses!

Recently I asked if you would be interested in some recipes that aren’t so much pretty, cute and sweet but healthy and delicious and as I’ve had a positive response, I thought I would start with something simple, nutritious and vegetarian.

I’ve always loved japanese food, I was first introduced to it in primary school by a friend of our family who is a japanese teacher and she used to prepare us yummy food whenever we went to visit. I like it because it’s very good for you, it tastes fantastic, is visually pleasing and it always sits well in my stomach and leaves me feeling good afterwards. Over the past couple of years I’ve been teaching myself different recipes and cooking methods and it has been a lot of fun, I’ve had failures and successes and its given me a love for cooking that I never quite achieved for western style food.

For some reason, people get this idea that cooking japanese is hard. Some of it is, I hardly ever make sushi because its tricky to get it right and bought sushi almost always tastes better. Average homestyle japanese is actually very easy though, a good example of this is Miso shiru (Miso Soup). This is basically how I make Miso;

1. Place one teaspoon of miso paste in a small bowl.
2. Dissolve it with a little water
3. Fill up the rest of the bowl with boiled water.

Yes, thats it, its as simple as making tea! Traditionally Miso is dissolved in Dashi, a type of japanese stock made from bonito flakes and konbu seaweed, however you can buy a product called Dashi Miso which has the dashi already combined, it makes life easier and I think it tastes just as good. However, if you want to use real dashi you can find a recipe here

Obviously this is only the soup base, so here’s where you get to have a bit of fun adding whatever ingredients you like best. Here is a short list, but you can put nearly any japanese ingredient in Miso soup.

Wakame seaweed
Tofu
Shiitake Mushrooms
Spring onions
Leek
Seafood (often Clam)
Aburaage

If the ingredients require cooking, prepare them beforehand by boiling them in dashi. I’m a bit lazy though and tend to just use easy to add ingredients, I especially love shiitake mushrooms in mine because I find it compliments the flavour of the miso and dried sliced shiitake can be dropped in before you add the water/dashi because the soup will rehydrate them.

Miso is a product made from fermented soy, which has a huge list of health benefits including decreasing the risk of breast cancer and boosting the immune system as it contains zinc. Personally, I find it a great ‘pick me up’ that gives me a bit of energy and is relaxing and de-stressing at the same time.

Tonight I have a little bit of a surprise for you. Its something rather different, and I hope it won’t shock you too much with my australian accent! I’ve wanted to run a podcast or audio element on this site for a while now and recently a wonderful opportunity come up!

A little while ago I met a friend of a friend named John. John helps run a small, local community radio station in Perth and one of his jobs is to interview people to broadcast on the station. After finding out about my site and Lolita fashion he asked me to participate in an interview and I thought it would be a fun experience so I said yes!

I must admit, I was very nervous about it, as I’ve never done anything like this before, and I think that comes across in how fast I’m speaking (though I normally speak quite fast anyway) and some of my answers are a bit un-prepared but I think John did an incredible job of editing it all and putting it together so all credit for the polished result is due to him! Just a note, the Princess mentioned in the intro is Mary of Denmark, who is Australian aswell.

John has very kindly supplied me with an Mp3 of the interview so that I might share it here. To play the mp3 click the Swan image above, to download it right click the image and select ‘Save Target As…’ Thank you to John and the people at Fremantle Radio for letting me be part of their show. I hope you like my first audio post!

This Princess Lesson was inspired by a question I recently recieved from Eve, which reads:

Good day to you, Princess Skye! I love everything about your web! It’s so adorable and sweet, you must have taken a lot of time to make it. I have a question….How can I be a princess? The kind of Princess that can control herself without throwing any tantrums or shouting? I seem to have that problem…Thanks so much!
Good day!

This subject is also something I touched on in the article on Duty and I think it is very integral to maintaining the sense of dignity and nobility that comes with being a Princess, but also it is an issue many of us deal with in day to day life, that is, how to handle our emotions and control our behaviour with grace and composure.

I think it is important to clarify that emotions, even passionate strong emotions, are a very natural and healthy thing to have. Without our feelings, we would live very dull lives and expressing those emotions is necessary for good mental and physical health. Even Princesses need to cry sometimes, or shout, or dance with joy. The trick in knowing when and how to express these feelings, and when to let go of them.

If you picture a Princess in public, how does she behave? Whenever we see royalty on tv or at public appearances, they are always smiling serenely and seem interested and attentive to everyone they meet. This is not because they lack any of the issues or emotions we deal with, but because they know that the world is watching them, and they want to show dignity and confidence in who they are. This state is very achievable for all of us, it just takes a little bit of effort and discipline.

The first place to start is in recognizing what you are feeling. Is it anger? fear? sadness? frustration? Try and seperate yourself from the emotion for long enough to figure out why you’re feeling that way. Often when we’re stressed it can be a matter of many things building up until we’ve just had enough and can’t take it any longer. Still, try and recognize what emotions you feel most often and where they’re coming from. Say to yourself, in your head, ‘Ok, I’m feeling — right now, and its because of —.’

When you are able to acknowledge your feelings for what they are, think about how important the causes really are. If, for example, you’re angry because your brother teased you or you left your lunch at home or any manner of small things, let it go. Its not important in the long run and it’s certainly not worth ruining your day over or making everyone around you miserable. Letting go can be one of the hardest lessons to learn in life, but its also one of the most valuable. When you learn to let go of little day-to-day troubles, it will help you gain the peace of mind to resolve larger life issues.

Of course there are times where its not that simple, where we have really big issues that are making us feel emotional and we can’t let go so easily. Then it becomes important to find ways of expressing our feelings that are safe and not destructive. Whether it’s having a good long cry, punching a pillow or writing your heart out in a diary or journal, find a way that you can express these emotions that is private and under your control. Sometimes it means holding out until you get home or find some time alone, or with a close friend, but at least you won’t have anything to regret later.

Looking back at our image of the serene, smiling Princess, think about how you would like others to see you. We spend a lot of time worrying about what other people think of us, we try so hard to be loved but we also want to be ourselves. The truth is, we also have to behave in social situations with certain manners, as nice as it might be to pour our heart out or rant and rave, it’s not always the best opportunity. You actually have a lot of control over how other people see you, simply by the way you behave. The image you portray and the emotions you express will define who you are in their eyes, try and show the world your best side, that doesn’t mean faking anything, but being the best you can be every day.

The single greatest secret to keeping your emotion in check and behaving with grace and poise is to stop thinking of yourself as the center of the world and put other’s wants and needs first. Have empathy, be attentive and compassionate to those around you. Think about how you could help them, ask them how they are, make them smile. In doing this, we put aside our own troubles for a while and get to feel a certain kind of love, that of giving and helping others. When we step outside our own little world for a bit, and realise we are not the only ones with feelings or problems, it helps put perspective in to our lives and helping others can show us the way to helping ourselves.

I hope this answered your question Eve, and was useful to others as well. Its certainly not an easy one, I also find I have to keep check of my feelings sometimes, but it’s a big step towards gaining the confidence and inner beauty that comes with being a Princess.

Today was Mother’s day, but the Queen really isn’t too keen on the holiday so I just spent the night at her place and we had yummy thai food and watched movies. It was nice and relaxing, and in the morning I got to explore her garden and the passionfruit jungle that has grown there!

In the afternoon, Sab and I went galivanting in the hills where I grew up. We visited beautiful Stirk Park that was in full autumn colour and took a few photos. You can see the rest of the ones I took here, I love the autumn leaves and want to head back soon for a picnic. Afterwards we went for a nice twilight walk in the forest, up to the lookout where you can see the entire valley and back. I felt quite refreshed afterwards, the cool, eucalypt scented air is delicious. They have also opened a cupcake store recently in my home town, it was closed today but I am determined to go back and try some!

One of the things I love best about winter is cooking. In summer I don’t cook or bake very much because having the oven on during hot weather can make the house unbearable and I enjoy eating a lot of raw fruit and vegetables anyway. However now its a little colder, I’m having fun baking and cooking a hot dinner every night!

Today I roasted some chestnuts that Claire brought me (thank you!) they were delicious and warming, a great comfort food. They taste a little bit like sweet potato but with a nuttier, meat like taste aswell. Quite filling! Here is a quick guide to roasting chestnuts at home.

Choose chestnuts that are firm and not too dark, soft ones are likely to be rotten. If the nut flesh is a pale grey colour when you shell it, then its too old. It should be a warm yellow colour inside.

Wash the Chestnuts and use a sharp knife to score an ‘X’ in one side. Preheat your oven to 220C or 425F and roast the nuts for about 15 minutes.

When they are cool enough to touch, peel back from the little ‘X’ and take off both the firm outer shell and the furry inner shell. I find using a butter knife makes this process easier. Inside you will find the flesh of the nut, you might like to season it with a bit of salt. Enjoy!

I also bought a Recipe Journal today, to start recording my recipes in. I couldn’t resist the cute little cupcakes and birds on this one! Every page is pink and has lines for ingredients, method and notes. I hope to share more of my recipes over the coming months, although I don’t make sweets and desserts all the time, I do cook a lot of japanese dishes and other healthy meals. Would you be interested in recipes and photos of some of those?

This is the story of Cinderella, retold in one of the most unique ways I have seen so far. I think if you are a strong, willful Princess who likes to take control of her life and isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty you will really enjoy this story! Myself, I couldn’t identify with Ella quite as well as in some other adaptions of the tale, but it was an enjoyable read nonetheless.

Just Ella, by Margaret Peterson Haddix, finds our heroine at the Palace after the legendary slipper scene. She is trying to adjust to Palace life and the traditions and protocol that accompany it, but can’t seem to fit in. Being told off for lighting her own fireplace is just the start. She struggles with her tutors and ladies in waiting, but manages to make a couple of real friends. Meanwhile a rumour is being spread about pumpkins and fairy godmothers, while the royal family tries to cover up her past by claiming she is a foreign Princess. Ella reveals to us the true tale of how she made it to the ball, without any magic but a bit of luck and her own determination. The story takes an interesting turn when Prince Charming, and the Ball itself turn out to be.. not quite what they seem.

Its a light little read for lovers of fairytales retold, and the hardcover edition is beautiful with elegant designs at the top of each page. Just Ella is about making your own ‘happy ever afters’ and how sometimes they turn out a little different than we expected.

Autumn weather here is so unpredictable, I went down to the market to buy some fruit and it was clear and sunny but on the way back I had to walk quickly to outrun the rain! Big fat heavy drops in the humid air.

Today was rather lazy and relaxing for me, its nice to slow down once in a while after a busy period. I watched some japanese dramas I had downloaded the night before and baked a yummy carrot cake which is perfect with with tea and a thin layer of melted butter. I promised I would take a photo of my adorable new socks, so here they are! Its cold enough now to wear socks and slippers around the house and these have become my favourite pair. The little rabbits and sakura blossoms are so sweet.

How are you going with your Princess Challenge for the month? I’ve made a document on my computer with a line for each day, and I have been filling it in with something beautiful I saw that day, before I go to bed. Most of them so far are about nature, so I think I need to focus more on people now. Even if you don’t manage to find something for everyday, try and record those that you do notice, it makes a lovely little list to read on your less-than-perfect days.

So what did I get up to this International Princess Day? Well it got off to a bit of a slow start. I slept in a little because we were up late last night after the party, talking and dancing and enjoying ourselves. Some of the girls slept over in the living room which was still lit up by fairy lights and in the morning we just lazed about on the mattresses and talked for a while, in our little bower of balloons and streamers.

After everyone had left, I got ready to head out for my Princess Day! I wore my white chiffon OP and left my hair out. The weather has been so beautiful all weekend, sunny and a little cool and just perfect. As I caught the bus to Highgate I watched the little streamers of cloud, like angel hair, that streaked across the blue sky. When I reached Beaufort street, one of my favourite shopping districts I spent a little while browsing my usual stores. The Lady in ‘Heart & Home’ was kind enough to let me take a photo to share with you, which you can see here! Its the most feminine little gift store, and they sell the sweetest things. I also visited Ware, which is a quirky little shop and bought some Tabi socks! They are so cute, I will have to take photos tomorrow. I spent a while in the store next to it aswell, which imports French beauty products. I love smelling all the little bottles.

For afternoon tea, I stopped by The Leaf where I had a yummy Chai Latte and an adorable little vanilla cupcake with a pink icing swirl on top. The Leaf always has a delicious range of treats and they make some amazing teas too. After relaxing and reading my book for a while, I headed on towards Planet Books. Bookstores are like candy shops to me, and I pored over some of the new releases by Phillip Reeve and Dianna Wynne Jones before heading on to my next destination, the Day Spa.

I had a four o’clock appointment for a facial at Keturah, a Spa that I have not visited before but really enjoyed! I love the chairs in their reception area, they’re high backed and painted gold, like little thrones. The treatment was incredibly relaxing. It went for about and hour, and included a facial steam, exfoliation, mask and shoulder/head massage. It was so nice I very nearly fell asleep, and when it was over my skin was practically glowing! It feels so soft too. If you’ve never had a facial, I can definitely reccomend it. Its a pleasant experience and makes you feel quite the pampered Princess.

After leaving Keturah, I browsed the many flower stores that line the street and then walked up the road to Hanami, one of my favourite japanese restaurants. I ordered Udon and Vegetable Tempura which was delicious, and so filling! It was a nice way to end the day, listening to all the conversations around me as I ate. When I left the restaurant it was dark, not too cold but very clear and I could see the stars above me.

Its been a wonderful Princess Day, with the Party included I don’t think I’ve had such a fun weekend in a long time! What did you do for Princess day?

Last night we had a Party at the palace to celebrate International Princess Day! I spent the whole weekend preparing, baking cookies and cupcakes with Clara, making strings of paper pennants to decorate the house and with the aid of Jill, Emily and Lee blowing up 60 pink and white balloons! It was a lot of fun putting up the decorations, but I never would have had time without my helpers, thank you!

The other Princesses started arriving in the late afternoon and we made a sea of cushions on the floor in front of the television so we could watch ‘The Princess Bride.’ It’s one of my favourite movies and it was a fun way to start the party. While everyone was thus engaged, I finished off making some snacks ( onigiri, cucumber sandwiches) with help from Lee and Claire. By the time the movie was over, everyone had arrived and it was time to start the games! I had far too much fun making up these games, which were based on old favourites with a Princess ‘twist.’

The first game was our Sleeping Beauty challenge. We had Clara seated at one end of the courtyard, blindfolded and in front of her was her ‘treasure’ (candy and chocolate gold coins) Everyone else had to walk from the opposite end of the courtyard towards her, trying to sneak up and steal the treasure. If Clara heard anyone moving she could point at them and they would have to start again. It was harder than it sounds!

The next game we played involved sitting in a circle and taking turns to roll a dice, whenever someone rolled a six they had to jump up, put on a tiara, feather boa and pair of opera gloves then they could start eating a block of chocolate, using a knife and fork to cut one piece at a time. As soon as the next person got a six we all yelled ’six ‘ and they had to pass the items on. It was hilarious when we had a good run of sixes and one had only just finished putting on the gloves before the next person took over.

Following this, I asked everyone to practise walking with a book on their heads and once they’d gained the knack of it we played musical chairs! It was the slowest, most careful game of musical chairs I’ve ever seen because people had to make sure the books didn’t fall off or they would be out!

Our last game was probably the most fun of the night. The girls seperated in to teams and chose one member of their team to be the ‘model’ while the others were ‘designers.’ They had to use nothing but toilet paper to create Princess outfits for their models in a time limit of 15 minutes. At the end we had a little fashion show and Sanyu and I judged the winners. We had a traditional Princess gown with puff sleeves, a Samurai Princess and a very creative entry that involved bows and a dress with a petticoat!

We ended the night by watching ‘A Little Princess’ a movie that I’ve seen a dozen times but still makes me cry! I think we were all a bit teary by the end of it.

Thank you to all the girls that came! It was a magical night and I hope you had as much fun as I did.