Lessons from Cinderella

She had it tough.

Scrubbing floors for an ungrateful family doesn’t sound like my idea of fun. Her only friends were animals, who at least sang songs of encouragement.

She finally got a pretty dress, and her sisters ripped it to shreds.

Then she had to wait while the prince put her glass slipper on every foot in the kingdom. Luckily no one else had her same shoe size. He found her in the end and they lived happily ever after.

Why do I love this story?  Because she overcame all the obstacles put in front of her, and got the prince in the end. Even though things were hard, she pushed through it. She even found a way to turn a pumpkin into a mode of transportation. Now that’s imagination!

If poor Cindy hadn’t gone through such struggles, people wouldn't care. No one wants to read about a spoiled girl who gets whatever she wants without even trying (famous heiresses, anyone?).

The past few weeks have been difficult, but this classic fairytale inspires me. My rough moments shape who I am. I’ve adopted a new mantra:

“Your adversity is what makes your triumph so astounding.”

After all, I have to earn my happily ever after. However, if I start talking to animals, gently correct me please. Many thanks!

How to be Barbie

First, learn Photoshop. Second, get some plastic surgery. Third, put on lots and lots of make up.

Courtesy Facebook

Ukrainian model Valeria Lukyanova has taken the Internet by storm by purporting to be a human doll. Rumors have been circulating that it’s all a hoax, but she insists she’s the real deal.

One plastic surgeon estimated she’s spent hundreds of thousands in plastic surgery to achieve her doll-like look.

Out of control?

She’s not the first to make waves for being a human doll. Sarah Burge has apparently spent more than $800,000 on plastic surgery to look like a Barbie. MSNBC reports that Burge, originally from the UK, is living in America so her 8 year old can compete in beauty pageants. 

Here’s the worst part. As a present, she bought her daughter vouchers that can be redeemed for plastic surgery when she’s 18. They’re for breast enhancements and liposuction.

Wait a second. What?!

My take

I wonder what kind of a message that sends her daughter. Probably something along the lines of, “Your great, but you could be better with a little nip tuck here and there.”

When I was young, I thought I was too chubby. I would complain to my mom, and she’d say, “You are perfect just the way you are, sweetheart.” Even if I didn’t always believe her, it did much more for my self-esteem than if she’d said, “You’re right, hun. You are a fatty. Let’s head on down to my favorite plastic surgeon and he’ll make you perfect.”

See what kind of a ridiculous message that sends? That woman’s poor daughter will grow up thinking that she needs external assistance to be beautiful.

So guess what? I have a secret for you.

Listen really close.

You’re perfect the way you are. No, seriously!

So please, do yourself a favor and stop believing that bratty voice in your head that says you aren’t good enough. You aren’t pretty enough. No guys will ever like you because you don’t look like Barbie. Lies, lies, lies.

Beauty is not a dress size. It isn’t a number on a scale. It isn’t found in cosmetics. Beauty is you. It’s divinely within you. There’s no denying it; you are amazing.

You are beautiful.

Let them eat American cake!

 First off, I need your help! What is the beautiful little flower? I've fallen madly in love with it but I can't seem to find anything about it on the Internet. I saw it at a flower festival, but all the guy could tell me was, "It's a traditional British flower." Ay! But which one? He didn't know. 




Anyway, on to my latest adventures...

I got to see the Rosetta Stone at the British Museum! So cool. I thought with a name like 'British' the museum would be filled with artifacts from England. Nay, my friend. 


As my boyfriend Tom put it, "It's a collection of everything England stole as they conquered all of the other countries." Fair enough.
Here's a close up of the engravings:

I also went to the Museum of London. They had the original costume worn by Peter Pan the 1920's stage play! 

Last week I celebrated my 23rd birthday, which was wonderful. My amazing friends Claire and Sophie managed to find funfetti cake and rainbow chip frosting. My non-US friends couldn't understand why it brought me such happiness. It's just not a birthday without rainbow chip. Thanks again my lovely ladies for bringing a piece of home to London!

 Also, my wonderful boyfriend took me to see Les Miserables at the West End! Oh my, was it ever breathtaking. We had amazing seats and it was an overwhelming experience. Tom kindly explained the storyline to me beforehand (pretty sure I'm the only person on the planet who didn't know it.)

 The funny thing was Tom warned me I might get emotional. I shrugged it off and said, "Naw, man. I'm tough!" 


By the end I was a blubbering mess. Oh brother. Super moving production. No wonder it's the longest consecutive show in London.

Well, that's about it for me. I'm jumping in to my final masters thesis project for the next three months. It's a documentary all about Mormonism and what those of my faith actually believe (despite what you might hear from the media.) Feel free to pass along any suggestions you might have!


Anywho, thanks to all who made my birthday such a wonderful experience. I felt so loved and blessed to have incredible people in my life. Thank you again.