Coffee Books & Clothes: A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes

As a little girl, I watched every Disney princess movie about 100 times. I loved their beautiful dresses, the melodic songs, and of course the handsome princes. Then I grew up and claimed that "chivalry doesn't exist and these movies are setting up young girls for disappointment!"

Pffft.... Nope that was not me. Despite my feminist values, I happen to love Disney princess movies. I sing along with the songs (A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes is one of my favorites), I stand up and dance with my little cousins, and I swoon (just a little) when everything ends up happily ever after. Though maybe these movies aren't completely realistic in that every couple ends up perfectly together, but the underlying values throughout the movie make it worthwhile. Cinderella and Tiana both show the value of hard work, Jasmine stands against what she believes is unfair, and Belle shows that a girl can rescue the boy too.

So here is a Disney princess inspired post.

1) What coffee do you think these princesses drink? Soy lattes or mocha cappuccinos or black coffee? ...

Belle is very true to herself and always stays grounded. I think she would drink just regular coffee with a tablespoon of cream and a teaspoon of sugar, every day without change.

Cinderella is very kind, generous, and makes friends with everyone. I think coffee might be a little strong for her sweet personality, so maybe a Mocha is her gateway coffee drink.

Jasmine doesn't like to be told what to do and wants to explore the world and try new things. I think she would try something very different that what she's used to, like a Cappuccino with a pinch of cinnamon on top.

Tiana is one of the most hard-working princesses. She is all work and almost no play, so Tiana probably needs some coffee to stay awake throughout the day. I think she would drink a strong coffee with a double shot of espresso.

2) Besides the traditional stories of these princesses, here are a few modern and witty princess-esque novels:

If I Have a Wicked Stepmother, Where's My Prince? - a cute romance/girl-power novel about a girl with a stepmom and two stepsisters trying to navigate her way through high school.

Avalon High - not exactly princess-y, but it's a fairy-tale about modern day Camelot.

Fairest - a well-written novel by Gail Levine for middle-school-ers about a mixed-up version of Snow White. (Check out Levine's other mixed-up fairytales, such as Ella Enchanted.)

Innocence - a coming-of-age novel about a girl who gains a new stepmother and deals with the strange things happening at her school, losing her innocence along the way.

Straight On 'Til Morning - a modern-day Peter Pan novel about a boy who must rescue a girl by embarking on a faraway and unimaginable journey.

Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister - the story of Cinderella told through the eyes of her stepsister who often reflects on beauty and ugliness throughout the novel.

3) If only I could dress like a princess. They wear fabulous ball gowns, beautiful diamonds, and high heels effortlessly! Here are some princess-inspired outfits:

JASMINE