Mucha Ale – Page 8 – Petite blog for Peruvian wellbeing

June 5, 2017 / 0 Comments

On World Environment Day

Last month I was really worried about how to recycle an energy-saving bulb. It happened when I got my first led bulb and the salesman told me how traditional bulbs contain mercury and they need to be disposed of properly. I was so worried that I called the Ministry of Environment of Peru. A nice man told me he’d find out where I could recycle them and call me back. It’s June and I’m still waiting. After also calling several environmentally friendly town halls, I found out that my own town is the only one with ‘electrical and electronic device’ disposal bins (RAEE in Spanish). I victoriously recycled my light bulb and my shoe box. Español aquí.

Today is World Environment Day. What are you doing for your environment? We don’t have to change the world today, although that is the goal. Start small. I try to reduce my garbage disposal. Less paper and bags. It’s all about sustainability. I learned this word when I worked in the mining industry and it’s really grown on me. Just like businesses must be sustainable, how about we make our environment sustainable too?

If you are in Lima, here is a list of things you can recycle and where you can drop them off in San Isidro. If you live in San Isidro, sign up so that they can pick up your recyclables once a week (for free). If you are outside of Lima, wouldn’t it be nice to talk with your neighbors about how you can manage your waste better? And if you are just hungry, don’t despair, this week’s recipe post is coming soon.

Paper and cardboard
Plastic
Glass
Metal
Domestic oil
Tetrapacks
Electrical and electronic devices
Batteries

June 2, 2017 / 0 Comments

Five tips to be the best bridesmaid (or at least try)

I’ve been wanting to share this post about another life experience we all go through for some time now.Sometimes I feel like everyone is getting married and even though I have been to just a few weddings, they have all been very special to me. I can count my closest friends with my fingers and I feel very fortunate because we have very long and caring friendships. Español aquí.

But let’s talk about you. Congratulations! So you were asked you to be a maid of honor. Do you know what to should do now? In my mixed experience, being a maid of honor is so much more than wearing a pretty dress. Here are five tips to be the best maid of honor that has ever existed or at least to give it a try.

1. Provide moral support
Marriage is a very special moment for the bride which, we hope, only happens once. The brides I’ve met want all the pampering and considerations they deserve. That is why it is important to go with the flow the bride leads. “I understand” and “you’re right” are my keywords.

2. Get to work
Wedding planners are goddesses when it comes to organizing weddings, and many times they do all the hard work. But if the bride doesn’t hire their services, offer her help with the small tasks. Crafts are a fun excuse to get together and share the latest gossip. In my most recent experience, I accompanied my friend to shop, look at designs for invitations, and called for confirmations.

3. Respect what the bride asks for
Since the bride already has a vision for her marriage, probably since kindergarten, it’s best to accept what she asks for. Even if it means wearing an ugly dress. Cry on the inside, and find the best way to look good and still follow her wishes wishes because it’s her party and not yours.

4. Make friends with the other ladies
Weddings will be fun if you approach the other bridesmaids with an open attitude. Making friends is the best way to cope with all the events where you will continue to see the same guests. Optimistically, I have asked my friend to sit me next to Keanu Reeves.

5. Make your pennies count
All the activities surrounding a wedding can add up to quite a bit. Plan these activities with the bride with that in mind. Having the guests cash themselves out from the start can play against their participation in other activities. Consider an affordable bachelorette party and an affordable shower for the guests. Making a gift with a group of friends helps guests share the expense.

May 29, 2017 / 0 Comments

Peruvian national potato day

Hello friendlies. How are you? I hope you had a lovely weekend. I must confess that due to a personal side project and managing my new job, this week’s post will not have a recipe. However, this week has a very special date and that is National Potato Day (in Peru). While the official date to commemorate this amazing starchy, tuberous crop is on May 30th, I say we celebrate all week long. Español aquí.

The cutie in this photo is a huayro potato. In case you want some ideas for how to eat potatoes this week, here are two recipes to inspire you. Have a lovely week!

Peruvian Stuffed Causa	Homemade Mashed potatoes

May 26, 2017 / 0 Comments

Five things I learned after starting a new job in my 30s

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

May 23, 2017 / 0 Comments

Recipe: Chicken and veggie food preparation | Easy to Make

My patience was tested. It all started with malware, but the story about why I didn’t post on Monday will have to wait for another post. Today I’m just happy to share this recipe for my first food preparation with chicken and vegetables for five days. Obviously I could make it for more days, but can we go little by little? Español aquí.

As I shared with you, or maybe I dreamt that I did, I started working again in April and from the first day I knew that lunch would be an issue. I’m quite used to living (mostly) without rice, eating lots of vegetables. But this is not normal food in Lima. I also don’t have time to make a wholesome meal every day. Solution, make lunch in advance. I promise you it keeps well in the refrigerator. If you do not mind eating the same thing five days in a row, follow my lead.

Ingredients
1 ½ kilo of boneless chicken breast
3 large carrots, peeled and diced
Zucchini or eggplant, peeled and diced
Salt and pepper
Olive oil

Preparation
Clean and cut the chicken into medium pieces.

Salt and pepper.

Cook in water over low heat.

Set aside.

Cook the vegetables in water or steam.

Set aside.

Add to containers and let it cool.

Freeze what you will eat in two days or more, and bring down to the refrigerator what you will eat the next day to thaw.

Makes 5 servings.