One minute in Pucallpa

This year hit me like a water balloon during carnivals in Lima, circa 1990’s. I quietly changed jobs at the end of 2017 and I feel like I’ve been in transition ever since. Work was very demanding and I wasn’t able to post. I also fell in a tub, but that’s another story. I was a little sad, missing these posts. Español aquí.

But life remains beautiful, or at least it does in Pucallpa city on the Amazonian region of Peru. Here is a short video sharing my brief weekend visit to Pucallpa. Of course, I visited mainly for the animals. Dolphins to be specific. Peru’s Amazon region has beautiful pink and grey dolphins. I didn’t get too close, but you can see them at the end of the video… er... if you squint your eyes. Here is what else you can see.

Brazilian Straightening with Italian Max: First Impressions

Today's post goes to my friends with frizzy hair like me. Here is my first impression for a Brazilian straightening with the product Italian Max. I’ve been having straightening treatments done for some time now with different productos (and Groupon coupons), but I never remembered what I used how long it lasted. I wondered what was my best experience and I could not remember. Spanish here.

So I decided to write down what product I used and how long it lasted, and tell you all about it in a post. It's also the first time I’m using the product Italian Max. I’m going to tell you know I got the treatment and what I think about it. I had the treatment done at the Lucrecia Black beauty salon. I recommend it, the place is nice and the attention is great.

Breakfast quinoa

Breakfast is one of my favorite rituals. I don’t always have time for it. But when I can, I really enjoy sitting at the table with a cup of tea and a bowl of good things to eat. I’m still trying to eat quinoa with everything. This time, here is a post for bringing together a simple quinoa breakfast bowl. Español aquí.

There is something very relaxed about breakfast bowls and that is that you can generally combine them as you best choose. In this case, the base is quinoa. Do you remember how easy it was to prepare it with all the other Andean superfoods? I chose strawberries for this post because they were in season and I love the sweet taste of honey. How do you enjoy your breakfast?

Happy holidays 2017!

Hello! I know I’ve been a little quiet lately because work (you know, the kind that pays the bills) has been very demanding. But I don’t want to end the year without thanking you all for letting me be a part of your lovely community. This year has been very different from what I expected, but we made it. May we have many more! Español aquí.

I wish you the warmest holiday wishes with your loved ones - no judging! Have lovely festivities!

Simple office dress

I’m always amazed at how good quality staple pieces can make a long lasting work wardrobe. You don’t have to break the bank every month to look good. A simple shift dress in an elegant print is petite friendly for the office all year round. I like to pick fabrics that feel like they will resist the washer. The same goes for blazers and shoes. Favor rich fabrics and materials. It also helps to let them rest between wears. Español aquí.

This week’s outfit has items that I’ve loved for years and still hold their own. My dress (6 years), blazer (4 years), and shoes (8 years) have come a long way with me. My petite drama is that all of them had had some sort of fitting. Yes, I can’t find my size. I had the waist brought up for the dress and, if you can remember, I had all my blazer arms shortened so they look like I own them. My shoes also made a short visit to the cobblers. I especially love my shoes, they were a gift from my aunt.

Recipe: Easy to make office tuna

I think a lot about food, as you may have noticed. For all the times that I can’t get my act together and figure out my work lunch plans, I turn to tuna in a can. With a little salt and lemon, it’s a delicious and quick lunch that you can make in the office. Español aquí.

I actually quite proud of my relationship with fish. As a child, I used to be very sensitive to the smell. “Please mommy no”, sounds familiar. I was a picky eater. But I’ve learned to enjoy foods that are good for me. Fish is very important for my list of foods that are good for me. Here is a quick walk through this recipe so that you can enjoy it too.

Blue Power Suit

I remember power suits being a big thing in the 80’s. I loved Melanie Griffith in Working girl. But I think my love of suits and ties comes from wanted to dress like my dad as a little girl. I “borrowed” his ties as a teenager, unable to tie them on my own and using them as belts. Of course I also wanted his briefcase. Español aquí.

Things are looking up now and I finally have a suit and tie of my own. As a petite woman, I like these pieces to be fitted. I look for brands that favor petite frames. My last game changer is having all of my blazer sleeves hemmed. I trusted my tailor with this because I’ve known him for years. I’m definitely glad that I don’t have to fold all of my sleeves. Does anyone else have this problem?

Recipe: Quinoa pudding (Arroz con leche)

Hi there, do you remember me? I am very happy to share this post with you. Today's recipe is very special for me because I made it for the first time for my Cookpad Peru friends during their visit to Lima this year for our national holiday. It was a very nice experience that I took a while to share with you. Thank you very much for your warm reception and that enthusiasm to motivate us to share recipes from our hearts. Español aquí.

I love this recipe even more because it tastes like family. At least in my case. I made it again more recently for visit my visiting grandmother and my uncle Kike. Family should always be celebrated and it was very special for me to share this treat with them. I hope that you enjoy this recipe too and that you can also share warm and sweet moments with your loved ones.

Five tips for a successful bachelorette party

Bachelorette parties are fun and special. They celebrate your friendship and affection towards the bride. This year a very close highschool friend of mine asked me to be her maid of honor and I organized a bachelorette party for the second time in my life. Today’s post shares five tips for a successful bachelorette party from these experiences. I hope you like it! Español aquí.

Regardless of the fact that I am by no means an expert in relationships or weddings, it only seems fair to pass down this knowledge that I have gained twice fold. The first time it was for my older sister and, the second, for my great friend. Here is what I picke up. I hope it helps.

Laid back: sweater dress and white sneakers

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.