The Princess Handbook

The work place

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 03:45:53 -0400

I’ve hardly any excuse for this negligence. All I have been doing, admittedly, is drink, work, and spend time with my noble knight.

But to the point, work. That is what this post is all about. I work at a boutique that sells jewelery, hand bags, shoes, and a few clothing items. It’s a wonderful environment for a Princess! My job is to help women feel their most royal and I adore it!!

My work place requires a less than royal dress code of only black and white. As mentioned in my previous posts, I adore pink. It’s my most favorite of colors in the world! But being limited made me focus on accessories more, as is the point of my uniform. We are to dress in such plain colors to put more focus on accessories so I learned more about that. We can wear any color shoe, belt, hair accessories, and jewelery.

This has pulled me to read more into Happie Nuts magazine, it’s a japanese fashion magazine that I will admit is hardly princess like, but does seem to bring in a lot of use of black. This has been my inspiration for my work clothing, as this has become my everyday clothes. I hardly make enough to keep two wardrobes… this will hopefully improve once the knight finds new work (i pray for this shoe store he applied at…).

So here are so things I’ve come to find about working retail when one is royal… in my tradition bulleted lists:

Find a way to keep smiling. You have to have a friendly demeanor to work retail, it’s a rarely rewarding path of work. No one seems to appreciate the hard work you do to make their shopping experience wonderful. You keep the store in order, you find items, and you supply excellent service. Some days, I do get the grateful shopper who thank me for finding them the perfect necklace for a dress or the right size of shoe. I love those people endlessly.
Make sure you feel good in what you wear. If you sell fashion as I do, you have to look like you know what you’re talking about. My work place asks we keep fashion forward so magazines are always in the break room and we can borrow from the store to dress for work. I never borrow but I remember trends. I supply a new twist since I love asian fashion so I always stand out. It also helps to keep good insoles and back up shoes when you wear cute pumps to work. I work through the pain though, anything to look good… It won’t be a problem though! I found some lovely 2 inch heels that will be great and comfortable for work!
Makeup that will last the day! You don’t get much time for touch ups so I find something that looks better with wear. Since I wear circle lenses (which I get comments all day about how large and cute my eyes are) I make sure my liquid liner never smudges in case I rub and I wear a dusty purple shadow with black for a smoky look that fades into a beautiful deep purple that lasts all day. With waterpoof mascara and false lashes I look wonderful all day at work!
Support hose! They will be your best mate through the whole day!! I love them to death, my legs feel less tired and I look great all day. They make standing for hours easier.
Always chat up customers. Find out why they’re there, if you can help them find something, and even more suggest items to them! Since I sell accessories it’s super easy. They love a necklace, there’s a bracelet, earrings, and such to match and they’d so look fab in.
Don’t lie!! I would NEVER sell anything that makes my customer look bad just to make a sale. I will spend all my time making sure she looks as royal as she wants to feel. Every woman is royalty in her way and it’s important to keep that idea in mind. Make sure they look the best ever.

For now that’s all I have found from my job that might help some others out there. I’ll hopfully be back with some sort of awesome post of amazingness.

Overnights

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:17:44 -0500

Since I am now in the process of being courted by a new prince, I feel a discussion about overnights is needed. It’s a difficult thing to be prepared for them sometimes since, for me at least, it’s a mostly unplanned event. That’s why I choose to carry key items in my handbag. These are things that are nice to have for day-to-day life as well so they are not completely useless. So…let’s get started on a list!

Travel tooth brush and toothpaste of your liking. I don’t have a travel size so I have a full sized set that lives in my bag. Useful for when you eat something oniony or what have you.
Comb or Brush, these also come in handy travel sizes. I’ve been meaning to head to the drug store to invest in a cute pink set to deco. Nice for overnights, also nice for if you’re like me and sometimes need to maintain your hime hairstyle.
A collection of travel sized bottles. I’ve still been meaning to get a few, but it makes it easier to transport things like lotions, body mist, and so on without taking a lot of bag space.
Any other items of hygene you may need. Depending on situation, you may need to change that accordingly. Some Princes and Princesses I know travel with some bath items for longer trips. I have a a few mini antiperspirants for travel use only.
Basic cosmetics. Powder, eye shadow trio, mini eye liner, mascara, and lip gloss come to mind for me.

Now there are many other items that can be considered. An extra pair of underwear (sometimes it’s nice to have!) and extra power cord for your handphone, even snack items (I’m notorious for that one…). Just take a trip to your local pharmacy and see what they have. Most larger chains have a section specifically for travel items safe for taking on airplanes and they fit wonderfully in a bag. Even with all those things, I promise you’ll have extra space for those special things… like maybe your sweetly deco’d Nintendo DS?

Finding new love

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 01:08:47 -0500

I’ve been at a loss of what to post. I’m a horrible bloggeress and I am terribly sorry for it.

So I’ve been spending time with a new prince. Now, I have to explain that for the longest time, my previous relationship has been…a learning experience but sometimes you have to know when to part ways. So… About my new prince. He again isn’t such the obvious prince-like kind, but he has his own charm.

It’s been an interesting process but I’m very happy with him. Now is time for me to go on in a cheesy school girl fashion about him for the sake of making him feel awkward. My new prince is more outgoing that my previous prince for sure and won’t leave me the fuck alone when I’m trying to type goddammit. XD Uh…anywho… It’s hard to type about someone when they are right next to you and tickling you.

When courting a new prince you have to try to remember to be realistic. My own situation is what princess dreams are made of, in my opinion but that’s a story for another day. For now, let’s just stay on the topic at hand; finding new love is always exciting but you have to remember you are looking for a partner for life. My previous prince was sweet, but neglectful so in my case I sought out someone to be attentive to how needy I am for affection. It’s who I am and I shouldn’t make exceptions for anyone ever.

More on this at a later time, I’m just excited to announce the finding of my perfect prince. Someone who loves me the way I’ve always wanted. I have no bitter feelings to the previous one and I’m happy to have learned what I did with him. Without his help, I’d never have learned to be the sort of person I am now.

Tonight I’ll start a new section I like to call Internet...

Sat, 23 Jan 2010 19:19:30 -0500

Tonight I’ll start a new section I like to call Internet Royalty. My first is the lovely bloggeress Princess Mitsu of Universal Doll. She is my favourite Western Gal and she pulls off the style beautifully. Switching between America and Japan, she brings cute fashion updates so that any Western Gal can be right with the trends!

She and I share a love for nails, and her choices are always amazing. Princess Mitsu makes a lovely fashion icon for real girls, I think! She gives a great cyber tour of areas of interest around Japan and just seems all around a nice person.

(photo credit to Mitsu)

Royal Sick Days

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 13:26:00 -0500

I’ve been absent for ages. To be honest, it’s not like I wasn’t on the internet. I’m just lazy, and laziness is no excuse so let’s start fresh, shall we?

Today, let’s talk illness. I am feeling under the weather and that can make any Royal feel more like a peasant. Here’s some advice, in list form for I do love lists, on how to make being ill more easy to deal with:

Fluids! Plenty of them. I can’t stress it enough! We’re told all through life to drink plenty of them. Even when you’re not sick!! Drink plenty of water and sugar-free fruit juices.
Moisture for your skin! If you are blowing your nose constantly, it’s probably red and raw, yes? Well, to save you from suffering and to keep your Royal face lovely remember moisturizer. I have a thick coconut oil based lotion I use all winter since my skin dries so easily. Using it all through having a cold/flu helps prevent a red nose too! I also suggest something for your lips too. I switch between Carmex and ChapStick’s 100% Naturals Lip Butter.
Eat Well! Sometimes, it’s hard to find motivation to eat if you’re sick. The few times you do, make it the best meal you can. Oatmeal is a big one for me. I enjoy it with slivered raw almonds, blueberries or some other fruit, and a little natural maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar. Yoghurt is good too. You want to give your body all the nutrients it needs to fight the germs and get you back to your glowing Royal self!
Vitamins! Food needs back up sometimes.
Warm shower/ bath! Outdoor engagements are hard to avoid if you’re a social butterfly. I like to prepare by taking a hot shower or bath to get my breathing in check and to help me feel back to normal. Eucalyptus or minty bath items really help out too. Exfoliating with a mix of salt and olive oil (with just a little mint oil!) can really pep you up. Citrus smells perk me up too, so pick whatever motivates you to get out there and show your cold you won’t let it slow you down.
Sleep! You took your shower, you’re feeling good and you went about your day, just remember to hit your silk pillow early or take a nice nap in the middle of the day. Your body will need to down time to keep fighting infection. If I know I’m a little sick and I still have evening plans I spend the day sleeping as much as I can so I’ll feel great all night.

A Princess will never let on she’s not at her best. Others shouldn’t worry, right? So what I do is change up my make up to look as fresh as possible. If you’re ill, less is more. You don’t want to draw too much attention or people will know something is off. So here’s another list. I really do love them so so much…

Use a lighter eyeliner. If you use black normally, go for grey for browns try a lighter one. Try lining your waterline in white and then use your normal liner along the lash line to make your eyes look more awake. I also like to use Rohto V eyedrops to make my eyes look brighter since there’s a bit of mint in the drops to wake you up.
Light eye shadows. I use a cream colored shadow as a base and a pearly pink to add a punch of color. The cream will add to that more awake look, just apply it near your tear ducts and blend out along your lower lid. For the top, I use the cream powder all over and then blend the pearly pink into my crease line. Remember to highlight your browline too!
Avoid powder foundations. Liquid ones won’t dry your skin and will blend a lot better. Remember to exfoliate your face lightly and use a good moisturizer first. If you must powder only do so on normally oily areas like your forehead.
Concealer. Concealer. Concealer. I can’t get enough of the stuff. If you buy only one ever I suggest a yellow tone one in stick form. You can cover your dark circles under your eyes brilliantly with it! The stick makes for easier application and goes well into a handbag. A green stick is good for hiding redness around your nose.
Blush is magic. It brings healthy color back to your face. I suggest a cream if you’re ill but a powder will work just fine if you moisturized well.
Bronzer to suit your skin. If you’re fair, you only need the lightest one offered. I have darker skin so naturally I use a pretty deep shade. A little on my cheeks blended with my blush, on my nose, forehead and chin brings back a nice glow and no one can tell I’m sick at all!
Lip color is lovely sometimes. I really like lipsticks but we are trying to look effortless and perky so ditch deep or rich shades. A nude color or a light pink are just fine. I put on lip balm, my lipstick, and then a gloss. Not attention grabbing but lovely and natural looking.
Avoid mascara. Your eyes may be a little watery, so don’t use it or you’ll get raccoon eyes! If you need the effect, maybe try a false lash? The way to avoid makeup tragedy is simple for me really, curl your lashes preferably after slightly warming the curler to keep your lashes in place, then pick your lash of choice (I use a demi lash so that it’s less obvious looking) and glue on with a dark drying glue so it will look like you have eyeliner. Since this isn’t for everyday looks, say you’re sick but you and your Prince/Princess had special night out plans, this will help you look your best for the night.
Note about lashes: If you’re still wanting the look for day time I suggest individual lashes. You can add as many or as few as you’d like to get the effect of mascara without too much fuss.

Hopefully these tips will help you carry on your Royal duties without anyone making a fuss about your condition. Just remember while out in society to drink plenty of water, watch alcohol intake since this weakens immune systems, and don’t push yourself too hard. I know to say ‘when’ and head home to bed and comfy pyjamas. Maybe spend your sick time decorating your nails or playing with your hair?

Feel better soon!

XOXO,

Princess Bambee

I've been busy...

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:00:12 -0500

Well, not terribly busy. Between a war for my internet order on my circle lenses and discovering WebKare (my newest addiction! <3) I’ve just been unable to pull myself away to update… I apologise.

I have a thing for dating sim games. WebKare is an internet based one where you can charm the perfect boy! This will be a fine time waster until I finally own Tokimeki Memorial Girls Side for DS. For English speakers, I suggest Princess Debut, another one I’ve wasted time on. You’re a Princess who must find and charm the perfect dance partner. I’ve been trying to get every ending because I want all the wedding dresses. Why can’t real boys be more like these ones? I’d trade in my Prince for one of them, they’re more Prince-like!!

Now if you excuse me, I have to talk cyber boy into a study date lol.

I had taken the Holiday off, but I’m back! Yesterday was...

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 12:06:43 -0500

I had taken the Holiday off, but I’m back!

Yesterday was my birthday. I got all sorts of new cosmetics, so I decided it will make for a lovely post!! I got Almay’s Smart Balance Smart Shade foundation in Medium/Deep. I love it, I have a problem finding a foundation that matches my tone and this adjusts itself magically. I now have Princess -like flawless skin.

When it comes to make up, I borrow from Koren and Japanese styles, trying for large dolly eyes. So far the closest thing I can find on youtube to what I do with my eyes is the video posted.

As soon as I get lighting and location figured out, I will start doing my own video tutorials! Until then, this girl has it almost the exact same. The reason for such dramatic eye make up is that I use special contacts to make my eyes appear larger (my favourite is Hana SPC Barbie Circle Brown). This adds to the dolly effect.

Coming tomorrow, photos of my experiences with new cosmetics, and a couple photos of myself in my Princess way!

Happy Thanksgiving, everybody!

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 17:19:46 -0500

Happy Thanksgiving, everybody!

Of Princes

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:39:00 -0500

Every girl dreams of her Prince. I was lucky enough to find mine by chance, and seeing as our anniversary is coming up fast I think this is a fine topic.

Much as I see bring a Princess is a state of mind, rather a gender based role, I also see being a Prince as the same. There are many girls I see who would make lovely Princes, just as many boys who’d make wonderful Princesses. It’s all in mannerisms and attitude.

I feel there are certain qualities that make for a good Prince. And, as is my way it comes in list form. I like lists, they make for a sense of order and I find no matter how long they are I don’t feel like I’m reading for ages. Anyway, here are things I think make for a good Prince:

A sense of Responsibility: A Prince is a King in training and he must learn to think as one, so he must learn to face things in his life as they come.
Inner Strength: Part of learning to be a leader is finding something inside of you to push yourself further, even when things are hard.
Though, he must also know it is okay to ask for help.
Humility: Modern society has taken the concept of royalty and turned it into the idea that someone is too full of themselves or think far too highly of themselves. That’s not the idea at all. Royalty should be admired and adored, so act accordingly.
Kindness: even when the person you are speaking with hardly deserves it. It’s part of being the more grown up one.
Supportive: he should be the first person their friends go to for encouragement and the one his Princess can always rely on.
Control: My own Prince is rather fiery. He is trying to learn to not fall to such extremes with his emotions. Learning not to let rage take over and acting rashly is part of that transition to being King.
Being attentive: It seems more difficult for boys to accomplish this but with practice you’ll be better at figuring people’s emotions and what to do with them.
Manners: Everyone can benefit from learning some.
Taking time for himself: Everyone deserves it and sometimes you need a break.
But still remembering his Princess needs him: She does her best to keep him happy, though there will be struggles along the way in the form of disagreements and not always having the same goals. What matters most is at the end of the day they can find a way to forgive one another. Relationships are a lot of work, as faery tales have seemed to forget to mention…

Just a little work and anyone can be a perfect Prince for their Princess. In an earlier post about how to look more royal, I mentioned a couple things about what a Prince can do to look more the part.

Royal Pets

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Owning pets is an important thing. It’s a companion who likes you no matter what you do and no matter how you look. I’ll cover some stuff for each type of pet I can think of. I’ll take suggestions.

For dogs, personalise a collar. Get something that matches your royal colours. My parent’s dog Kira has a purple collar, the yorkie, Millie, owns a pink harness, a purple one, and a couple pink outfits. Get a matching leash too!
For cats, the same can be applied with collars. Maybe something with gems on it? I’ve seen nice things at petland.
For birds, I suggest decorating the cage in any way you seem appropriate. With the type of hardware store glue I mentioned before, the type you mix part A with part B, lasts longer and has a stronger hold. Decorate the outside part of the bottom or the very top by the handle. Tie a ribbon on the top too!!
For guinea pigs, there a ribbons that have a restickable adhesive on them that you can put on them and take off with no problem.
Hamsters can benefit from these cages they offer that come sparkly in pink and purple!
Fish make for easier to decorate for them.

Other pets, I’m sure you can be just as creative! Find something that makes them as royal as you. For all the love and care they give, they deserve something special. Take a day to give them a bath (millie and kira have a lavender scented soap!) and pamper them. Clip their nails, brush them, etc.

It’s not hard dressing royally. Simple additions to...

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:07:16 -0500

It’s not hard dressing royally. Simple additions to everyday wear can make you feel more Princess or Prince like. I have a passion for acrylic nails so I keep them painted a delicate pink with a little glitter or gems on them. Nothing too overwhelming, just enough to make me feel like royalty.

Here’s some ways to make any outfit a little more special:

Wear rich colours in gem tones like turquoise, ruby, deep greens or blues, and especially purple, a colour already associated with royalty. This is suitable for Princes and Princesses who are older, or just don’t care for the colour pink.
Though, of course, my favourite is wearing pink. As I mentioned, my nails are my bit of everyday princess pink.
Get yourself something shiny. A nice necklace that is enough for everyday wear. Maybe a bracelet for a very nice watch. Splurge on something pricier than normal that you can see wearing everyday.
If you work where jewelery isn’t suitable or just are scared of losing an important piece, make something yourself! Local craft stores carry all sorts of nice beading and jewelery making kits. I wear a beaded bracelet of purple, pink, and gold. If I lose it, which is common… I give mine to little girls who admire it, I can always make another.
Wear rich fabrics. Brocades, silks, fuax furs (royalty isn’t cruel), whatever makes you feel rich as possible. I am a princess of little means, so for me my bit of fancy fabrics go into my underwear. It’s an affordable luxury, silk undergarments, and no matter what I wear on the outside I still feel like a princess.
Make time to keep your hair neat. It’s amazing how different you feel if you take just a little time in the morning to get your hair just right. I admire the Hime Gals of Japan so I favour soft backcombed hair in a beehive like fashion. Curls are also very princess-like. If you can’t curl your hair, get an activator it really helps! Naturally curly hair, just get a product that helps control frizziness and you’re good to go! For Princes I suggest a good combing and maybe a little mousse for control and neatness.
Shoes are a love of mine. I am sure I’d trade my Prince for the shoes I have in the photo. Always get something comfortable, and you feel great in. I have a habit of adding gems, ribbons, and lace to my shoes to make them special. Customize your own too! To start with, get a pair you like from the thrift store and the type of glue from the hardware store that requires you to mix parts A and B, it has the best hold. Get whatever additions you’d like and go crazy! Once you’re a pro, any shoes are game!
Hair accessories!! I love them to death! I have a barrette that looks like a small tiara and I like to wear it when a normal one isn’t suitable. I also have one that is a little bigger attached to a comb. It’s also easy to customize bobby pins with gems.
Wearing a skirt or dress always makes me feel more Princess-like. For a Prince, try collecting nice jackets and blazers to go with everything. I find a good blazer with a t-shirt and nice medium to dark wash jeans really looks impressive.
No point in dressing well if you have bad posture. Practice standing and sitting correctly. Soon enough, it will become second nature.
Smile! Just do it!!
Learn to wear just the right type of makeup for your face shape. If you need, learn to contour. I try for a doe eyed look, white liner on your waterline, black liner just below the white. A neat line of liquid liner along the top lid, false lashes, and a shimmery eye shadow on the inner corners of my eyes. Sometimes, a light pink shadow and shimmery shadow along my brow line really adds an extra punch!

Soon enough you’ll look as royal as you feel!!

(Photo credit)

Etiquette

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:45:55 -0500

A Princess or Prince needs to know proper decorum. The easiest place to start the practice is simple things, helping when someone seems to be struggling with a large item, opening doors for people, using words such as ‘please’ and ‘thank you’. With food and family related holidays coming up, I think brushing up on some proper etiquette is needed. Being dressed as royalty simply isn’t enough, and maybe some have someone to impress? Here in the palace, I am preparing for sharing Thanksgiving with the Prince’s family.

I like to try and pay attention to how I eat. Small bites, chewing properly, and sitting up straight. Some may find the rules a bit restrictive but you can at least take comfort in the fact that in America it’s okay to place your elbows on the table when there is no food. It’s just difficult for others to eat when you are at larger gatherings when you take up space with your arms.

Personal experience has taught me that the ability to handle social situations well during generally stressful times can be rather important. You manage to cause less trouble and can help smooth over things for someone else. Simple gestures like offering to set a table or carry food over shows you are considerate and useful. Entertaining children is also a kind thing to do as it keeps them from being underfoot while others prepare things. If I am invited to a gathering for winter holidays where small children will be, I like to go to the dollar store and get things like a cheap pack of construction paper and some crayons or a very large colouring book. Sometimes you get lucky and can find one with perforated edges so you can tear out pages making it easier to pass them out to little ones.

Always ask if you should bring something. Out of fear of stepping on someone’s toes, I like to make sure I bring something I know no one else is in charge of. Even a simple plate of sugar cookies is nice (a personal favourite to make because there’s a lower chance of allergens).

Here are some helpful links to get you ready for your holiday get togethers.

The Emily Post Institute The institute was started in 1946 by Etiquette Writer Emily Post and has been run by 3 generations of family so far, this is the essential guide to all forms of civility.
Debrett’s Everyday Etiquette Guide A beautifully organised list of items that covers everything from how to pronounce some surnames, to handling almost every social occasion. I enjoy the everyday etiquette section as I’ve found it useful more times than I could count.
Defining Etiquette is a place that I always get a laugh or two from. They take modern day complaints and convert them to rules for living civilly in a modern world.
Etiquette Hell Yet another hilarious place where people may submit stories involving failure at manners. Hasn’t been updated in some time, but there’s more than enough content to keep you busy for ages!

Princess Links

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Domestic craft is an ever important skill for a Princess. I find it to be a charming appearance; a girl dressed in her most princess outfit, sitting peacefully while working. I personally choose knitting, I enjoy the feminine appearance and how useful it can be. Here are a few favorite project ideas fit for any Princess.

Dom Klary is a Polish site that supplies a bit of helpful English to help you navigate, as well as patterns in English. It’s home to many beautiful fibre projects. My personal favourite are the gloves.
Midnight Knitter supplies a lovely crochet pattern for a crown that also makes a lovely necklace.
At Elann they have a felted birdhouse purse! It’s the cutest thing I’ve seen in quite some time and I think it’s suitable for any Faery Princess!
Knitty has all sorts of awesome projects that can be useful to any type of Prince or Princess, but my favourite from them are the knitted drawers called Unmentionables I can see spending time in the bed chambers with my Prince while lounging in them with a cute lace cami. They also have the pattern sized for little girls! Makes me wish I had a daughter.

The point of this project is to help everyone find their inner...

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:05:42 -0500

The point of this project is to help everyone find their inner royalty. Everyone has a royal self; whether you are a girl who longs to be a princess, a boy who is a prince at heart or even a girl who is a prince deep down or a boy who dreams of being a princess!

I will offer up advice to live a more fairytale life, links of interest, stories, and even crafts and recipes. To start, why don’t we make our royal selves a crown? Go crazy decorating it too! I like to use a glue stick and some glitter to make it super sparkly.