How to Be a Modern-Day Princess: Fourteen Royal Rules

LOS ANGELES, April 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The word "princess" has been hijacked by girls who are, to some degree, spoiled, selfish, and self-centered. While these young (and in some cases, not-so-young) women don't have bad intentions, they've given the term "princess" something of a bad name.

But strictly speaking, that definition isn't right. Ivana Pignatelli Aragona Cortes knows what the word "princess" really means…because she is one.

"Coming from a family of modest means, I never thought I would grow up to become a princess," confides Ivana, who is a featured blogger at Modern Mom, founder of Princess Ivana—The Modern Princess, and co-author of the upcoming book A Simple Guide to Pregnancy & Baby's First Year. "Imagine my surprise when I found out that the funny, intelligent, and handsome Italian guy I was dating during college at Pepperdine was a prince!"

Specifically, Ivana's now-husband, Adriano, is prince of the Holy Roman Empire. Over the years, she has defined for herself exactly what it means to be a modern princess.

Ivana shares some princess rules that will enhance every woman's life, whether she's in charge of a throne room, a boardroom, a playroom, or anything in between:

• Take care of your inner sparkle. Take care of yourself so that your inner sparkle stays polished (and work to cultivate someone else's sparkle)!
• Keep an eye out for villains. Not everyone will have your best interests at heart. Others may want to take what's yours, hurt the people you love, or limit your opportunities.
• Don't let peas stay under the mattress. "Peas" are the things that keep us up at night: our worries, concerns, and frustrations. Don't leave these irritations under the mattress. Be proactive and deal with them so that you can sleep soundly!
• Poisoned apples are a fact of life. There will always be obstacles in between where you are now and where you want to be.
• Fairy godmothers are real. They come in the shape of best friends, who can turn your mood around, make you feel like royalty, and help you accomplish things you thought were impossible.
• Make good deeds a part of everyday life. Be generous with your time, energy, and resources. Support the causes you care about. Feel and accept a responsibility to make a positive difference in the lives of your family, friends, coworkers, and others. A compliment or smile counts!
• Always whistle while you work. People are more attracted to happy, cheerful individuals—not to complainers and grumblers. Plus, a good attitude really does make work go by faster!
• Dress the part when you can. While the clothes don't make the princess (just ask Cinderella and Snow White!), you should take pride in your appearance.
• Wear your imaginary tiara. It's a powerful thing. Even if others can't see it, it lets a modern princess know that she is full of dignity and worthy of respect.
• Know how to throw a tea party. Be familiar with the basics of etiquette and politeness. Etiquette isn't about showing other people how sophisticated you are. It's about knowing how to make them feel welcome, special, and valued. 
• Treat your home like a castle. Your home should be a place where you feel comfortable, content, and safe. It's not about how big your home is or how expensive the furnishings are. 
• Stand up straight. Good posture makes you look more capable, confident, and attractive. It makes you feel that way too!
• Your carriage does not define you. It doesn't matter whether a princess is riding in a golden carriage or a giant pumpkin. Worth is determined by what she does and who she is.
• Know how to address an audience. Don't depend on other people to deliver your ideas.

"The things that 'make' a modern-day princess are the same things that 'make' a balanced, successful, and respected modern-day woman," Ivana concludes. "Live by these guidelines, and you will experience more fulfilling relationships, stronger purpose, and a values-centered life!"

About Princess Ivana:
Ivana is the author of the upcoming book A Simple Guide to Pregnancy & Baby's First Year, which was cowritten with her mother, Magdalene Smith, and her sister, Marisa Smith. 
Click here for an expanded version of these tips.

SOURCE Princess Ivana