Petite blog for Peruvian wellbeing
As I make my way home from an extended visit of work and pleasure to Peru and Bolivia, I think about my empty fridge and how to refill it. I make a mental list of essential needs. Some years ago I placed myself under the care of a nutritionist to improve my eating habits and her lessons remain with me. When shopping and planning for meals, I favor sustainment, simplicity, and affordability. What does this look like? Here is the list… Español aquí.
As a petite woman who looks five (to ten) years younger, I spent a lot of time avoiding sneakers. I thought I was making it too easy for my haters. Until I saw a huge billboard of Giselle Bundchen in a gray dress and white sneakers. Suddenly the love I felt for my white high school sneakers came back to me. I started wearing sneakers outside of the gym again. There will always be haters. Español aquí.
I have a nice a nice memory of a chilly Friday night in a black sweater dress and white sneakers. Always monochromatic, I added a black puffer coat. Trivia fact, I’ve had this jacket since college (circa 2004). I like the silhouette of a snug and short sweater dress with white sneakers. I added red lips to ward off evil spirits. Read more
Today’s post is a real treat for me to share with you. Emoliente is a Peruvian beverage made with brewed herbs, originally with medicinal purposes, that is just plain delightful. A common breakfast or late afternoon drink, it is often sold by street vendors as to have on the go. I am having a flashback of myself telling one of my ex superiors (VP level) that I’d rather have Emoliente than Starbucks. Anyway, you can have it all year round, hot or cold, depending on your preference. Español aquí.
While there is no specific recipe for this drink, the base of it is brewed barley, flax seeds and a mix of medicinal herbs. Don’t forget a squeeze of lemon juice and sugar. Because my family loves all things herby, we always have Emoliente ready to make baggies at home. You can find these in any supermarket and bodega. If you are abroad, look for Emoliente baggies at your international supermarket. In the US, I’ve seen these in Fiesta supermarket.
Here is the medicinal value of the herbs in my bag:
Toasted barley – diuretic
Dried horse tail – purifying and detox
Flax seed – digestive
Boldo – diuretic
Uña de gato – antioxidant
White flower – anti-inflammatory
Ingredients
1 package of emoliente, containing:
dried horse tail
flax seeds
toasted barley
cat’s claw
boldo
white flower
Preparation
Following the package instructions, heat two liters of water.
Add the contents of the envelope to the water.
Cook in medium to low heat for at least 20 minutes.
Strain.
Enjoy with lemon and sugar, to taste, hot or cold.
Makes 4 servings.
I could fill a or two with book with ramblings about my life lessons. But for now I’ll leave you with five things I’ve re-learned after beginning a new job at 31. I’ll start by saying that being a newbie at this age is different. I’m not a youthful and bright eyed twenty something person anymore. But I’m never above learning. I am grateful for the blessings in my life and the people who surround me. Español aquí.
I hope these five short tips help you as they did me. I have a little over a month now, but I still come back to them to find some balance in my life. Making time for sports is my biggest challenge for now. ¡Here we go!
1. Watch and learn
The best advice I received was to get to know my surrounding during the first two weeks. It sounds simple enough, but as a fairly proactive and outspoken person, it was a challenge to curb my enthusiasm. It was a great tip. After two weeks of observation, I was able to make more meaningful contributions.
2. Plan out the things that make you go faster
Whether it’s your lunch, your outfit, or your route to work, planning out the little things can help you get to where you need faster. The times I made my lunch in advance, I had more time for other morning activities and of course I was healthier. Knowing what I was going to wear also helped me be ready on time. I’m a work in progress, but it’s a start.
3. Make friends
No man is an island, and I’m no exception. Get to know the people you work with in a respectful and professional way. You will probably spend most of your day with them and it will help break the ice and make for a better collaboration.
4. Plan out your time off
Peru has an eight hour a day work schedule which is seldom respected by companies, expanding it to about ten hours a day. This leaves little time for me time. Make the most of your time off by making plans for those things you want to do like take a course or see friends. You will have something to look forward to.
5. Dont neglect yourself
You are your most important asset so ensure you feel like your best self. In my case, I look my best when I feel my best. Feeling good means sleeping well and working out. I’m worth it, aren’t you?
Photos: Pixabay | Mucha Ale