Mucha Ale

Petite blog for Peruvian wellbeing

Archives (page 5 of 19)

The sweater dress

One thing that I’ve learned about being petite is that fitted clothing favors us smaller ladies rather than looser fits that can hide our silhouettes. I’ve been loving thick sweater dresses for colder weather that don’t mark every single crease in my body, but at the same time show my subtle curves. Español aquí.

I picked up this dress last winter and it just fits like a glove every time I wear it. Black is a classic, but I’d love it in other colors too. Because of my dark hair, I try to wear a bright statement piece or lipstick to avoid looking like a shadow. I like it with or without a necklace. Ladies’ choice. Read more

The basics: the blazer

A blazer is one of the most basic and versatile garments for the office (and other occasions). Originally a jacket for gentlemen’s sports such as cricket, tennis and recreational nautical, today the blazer is a unisex piece that complements a formal attire very well. I recommend stocking up with one classic color and style. I promise it will come in handy in more than one occasion. Español aquí.

In my petite experience, I have learned to choose blazers that are my size and that are well-structured, especially around the shoulder. My ongoing drama is that I have yet to find one that is the right arm length. I fold them for now. Otherwise, they are a petite perfect match. I hope you like them too.

Blazer: Zara
Skirt: Zara
Blouse: United Colors Of Benetton
Jean: Mango (entallado)
Zapatos: Vince Camuto

Recipe: Easy to Make Peruvian Emoliente

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.

The basics: The white button shirt

A very basic closet item for a classic woman is a white shirt. They are very versatile and you can wear them all year round. My personal collection has been growing since I started working, although finding my size is still a problem. So much so that I had one made from scratch when I was able. Even so, the one that I like the most and I looks best on me is one I bought on my sabbatical trip last year. It’s the only one I own that looks as if it’s mine. Español aquí.

A few years ago I read How to be Parisian Wherever You Are, by Anne Berest, Audrey Diwan, Caroline de Maigret, and Sophie Mas; and all I can remember is that a Parisian woman wears a black bra under her white blouse. Because I am a good learner, I do the same. I also recommend having your shirt well ironed and stiff so that it looks well structured when wearing it. I love wearing it with either with jeans for a casual Friday or with tailored pants for office days.

Shirt: Gap
Jeans: Gap
Pants: Mango
Shoes: Vince Camuto

Mucha Ale’s Pisco Sour is featured in this week’s Cookpad Newsletter

I’m happy to share a little news that we can toast to this week. The Cookpad Peru community has included our Peruvian-style Pisco Sour recipe in their weekly Recipes Newsletter. ¡Loving it! Español aquí.

I invite you all to share your experience with pisco sour with me and to visit the other recipes of this lovely community of Peruvians. I wish you have a nice week and I hope to share a new post very soon. Check out the newsletter (in Spanish) here. Kisses!