1. Women need to work harder than men to prove themselves.
If you work twice as hard as everyone else, you set up the expectation you will work twice as hard forever. Although this myth may be a truth in some workplaces, be careful you are not making these statements up because someone told you this when you first started your career. Your good results speak for themselves.

2. Women can’t make mistakes while continually proving their value to the organization.
Being creative, innovative and an inspiration to others requires you make and learn from mistakes. You will stunt your growth if you only do what you know you will easily master. You will miss opportunities if you don’t take some risks.

  3. Women can’t joke around or they won’t be taken seriously.
All people laugh at all ages. When we laugh with someone, it is hard to judge them negatively. Having a good sense of humor should be on all lists of leadership traits. Plus, the chemical reaction in the brain increases creativity and productivity.

4. Feminine traits make women better leaders (or the reverse-women lack the killer-instinct and masculine skills to survive in top positions).
Although men account for nearly two-thirds of all leaders, a recently collected data suggests that female bosses may be outperforming their male counterparts. Peers, bosses, workers and direct reports rated women higher than men. What were these “good-leadership” traits? Examples include taking initiative, driving for results, and displaying high integrity and honesty.

5. Women don’t support each other in the workplace.
I would love for people to quit perpetuating the “cat-fighting” myth. I know lots of women who give their time and energy to mentor other women and to create opportunities for women to help each other inside and outside of the workplace. Biologically, when you socially connect with others, you activate the brain regions that improve health and increase creativity.

To read the full article, head over to Dr. Reynold’s blog at Psychology Today.

At Miel Sisters we are all about creating an intimate, feminine and positive work environment. It’s not only important for our physical, mental and emotional well-being, but we feel that it is also represented in the quality of our products. The more women stand together to squash these myths, the better off we all will be. What types of myths have you experienced regarding women and success? Let us know in the comments!

Here are 5 of our favourite all-natural face masks that you can easily make at home:

All-Natural Toning Face Mask

Lemon and Egg-Whites

Ingredients for 1 application:

  * The juice from 1/2 lemon (strained)
  * 1 egg white

Directions:

  * Beat the lemon juice and the egg-white together for about 2-3 minutes
  * Apply to your face being careful to avoid your eyes
  * Leave on for 30 minutes
  * Rinse off with warm water

All-Natural Cleansing Face Mask

Papaya, Aloe Vera, Honey and Yogurt

Ingredients for 1 application:

  * 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
  * 1 slice peeled fresh papaya
  * 1/2 tablespoon dark organic honey
  * 1 teaspoon plain unflavoured yogurt with active cultures

Directions:

  * Put all ingredients into a blender until they form a smooth paste
  * Apply to your face and neck using a circular motion
  * Rinse off with warm water followed by a cool rinse

Rejuvenating Face Mask

Egg-White, Cucumber and Avocado

Ingredients for 1 application:

  * 1/2 cup of chopped cucumber
  * 1/2 cup of chopped avocado
  * 1 egg white
  * 2 teaspoons of powdered milk

Directions:

  * Put all ingredients into a blender until they form a smooth paste
  * Apply to your face and neck using a circular motion
  * Leave on for 30 minutes or until the mask dries
  * Rinse off with warm water followed by a cold rinse
  * This mask will keep in the fridge for up to 30 mins

Firming Face Mask

Peach and Egg-White Mask

Ingredients for 1 application:

  * 1 ripe peach - peeled and stoned
  * 1 egg white

Directions:

  * Put ingredients into a blender until they form a smooth paste
  * Gently pat mixture over your face
  * Leave on for 30 minutes
  * Rinse off with cool water

All-Natural Exfoliating Face Mask

Sugar Facial Scrub Mask

Ingredients for multiple applications:

  * 3 tablespoons of milk
  * About 2 cups white sugar
  * 1.5 teaspoons of olive oil
  * 1 tablespoons liquid honey

Directions:

  * Mix all ingredients together until they form a firm paste
  * Apply to a dry face and neck in a circular motion
  * Wash off with warm water followed by a cold rinse
  * Pat your face dry
  * Store the excess in the refrigerator

We hope you enjoyed our selection of all-natural face masks. For other great natural beauty product ideas and tips check out The Daily Green.

Do you have a favourite face-mask recipe that you’d like to share with us? Let us know in the comments!

“1. The first aspect of meditation is learning to stabilize your attention, and the way it’s usually done is by focusing on the breath.

2. You take a few deep breaths, and then you just let your breathing settle at its natural pace. Do this for 20 minutes.

3. You can’t fail at meditating! The Magic Moment is that moment when your attention naturally wanders. It’s in that very moment when you have a choice to act differently. Do you criticize yourself for this lapse in attention? Or do you simply say, “Oh, my mind wandered. Let’s go back to the breath now. These magic moment is the ability to start over.”

For some more great tips visit the full article over at Psychology Today.

Angela is wearing Miel's Nana Bra and Iris Culotte

I’ve always had some trouble meditating since I run such an active lifestyle. I am relieved to know that you can’t fail at meditating and that you can reenergize yourself in only 20 minutes. If you like this article please feel free to share in on Facebook or like it with the button below.

How do you recharge your batteries after a rough morning ? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

France To Ban Child Beauty Pageants?

Here’s what MSNBC had this to say on the topic:

“A year after Vogue Paris published provocative images of a 10-year-old model, a French government report has called for a ban on child beauty pageants and padded bras and high heels for young girls. Although the French did not react immediately to the photos of Thylane Lena-Rose Blondeau, 10, in skyscraper heels and revealing clothes in the January 2011 issue of Vogue Paris, the international community did, prompting the French parliamentary report.

 

Chantal Jouanno, the senator who authored the report, told Le Figaro newspaper that young girls were being disguised as sexual candy and that it was “contrary to the dignity of the human being.” She called it a step backward for gender equality.

 

Jouanno, a close ally of President Nicolas Sarkozy and former karate champion, also wants to prohibit advertising agencies from using young models and says uniforms should return to elementary schools.”

 

If you’d like to know more you can read the rest of the article here:

We’re happy to see that France may ban child beauty pageants and we’d like to see the same idea adopted in North America. We feel strongly that it’s time we stopped this form of child exploitation and instead we teach our young girls that beauty comes from having the confidence to be who you are and not from high-heels and a padded bra (certainly not at 10 years old!). Let’s let our children be children and by banning child beauty pageant we send the message that not being “perfect” is just fine. What’s your take on this topic? Let us know in the comments!

This post goes out to all our male readers in the audience. If you are like most men, coming up with the right Valentines Day ideas for your romantic partner can present a big challenge. After all, women, in general, are difficult to please when it comes to gifts for important occasions like Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, and birthdays.  But that may be because she is accustomed to getting the same type of gift, like sexy lingerie.  The truth of the matter is that many women may smile or even blush when presented with a sexy nightgown, chemise, or negligee, but she is likely cringing inside at the thoughts of wearing it.  That’s because most sexy lingerie is not made for comfort.

valentines day ideas

“The Old Sexy”

The old idea of sexy includes all of those naughty intimates that were, more than likely, designed for one thing in mind.  At least, they were designed to appeal to a man’s idea of sexy, with little regard to what a woman finds sexy and with even less thought given to the comfort of the woman who has to wear an uncomfortable g-string, or who has to deal with wire, scratchy lace, clasps that brush and rub the wrong areas, and snaps that bind the skin and cause discomfort. Not exactly the best Valentines Day idea, is it now?. What women would really like to receive for Valentine’s Day is a thoughtful, sexy gift that she can use every day rather than an item that will end up hidden away in the bottom of her underwear drawer.

“The New Sexy”

This new sexy comes from a woman’s authenticity, her femininity, and her confidence.  The new sexy says that a woman is comfortable in her own skin and that she doesn’t need those old fashioned ideas to actually be sexy and feel sexy.  That’s why underwear by Miel Sisters is such a great choice and an excellent Valentine’s Day idea.  Miel underwear is like a second skin, and it reflects who a woman really is.  That is the essence of the Miel brand, and one reason that it is becoming very popular with women all over the world.

valentines day ideas

Why Choose Miel?

Miel underwear is made for the woman who is confident, sexy, and knows what she wants. For example, Miel’s panties feature flat seam technology that will not “bunch up” but that provides a snug fit that is just like one’s own skin, and that feature no side seams so that no one can see the woman’s panty lines.  Miel underwear is crafted from petal-soft, stretchy fabric that is breathable and that manages moisture well, so that your sweetheart is perfectly comfortable and perfectly sexy, all day long. This same material is used in Miel bras, along with under bust panels and body hugging rib bands that provide extra support for her cleavage while also bringing the breast forward to eliminate the cutting feel that some bras leave at the armpit.

Simply put, Miel Sisters underwear and other intimate goodies are the perfect Valentine’s Day ideas for your sweetheart – a gift that shows that you care and that you appreciate her authentic feminine appeal!

Miel Sisters recommends these products for great Valentines Day ideas:

Sol Low-Rise Thong:

• 

  Sol Low-Rise Thong

  The softest lightweight microfiber and stretchy spandex blend with cotton gusset.

• Breathable fabric, wicks away moisture and dries quickly.
• Combination seamless and flat-seam construction that won’t dig in or bunch-up.
• Built-in anti-microbial protection against stains & odors to keep the fabric fresh and clean.
• Flattering feminine cut.

Just $20 from the Miel Sisters Online Store

Iris Hipster Culotte:

Meil "Iris" Hipster Underwear

Below, our picks for gifts that won’t leave you waiting by the mailbox:

Naughty Never Tasted so Good

Don’t have the heart to give a real lump of coal? Make naughty more palatable with Trader Joe’s Candy Cane Coal: minty candy cane coated in dark chocolate. So good, you might slip a little in your own stocking.

Find it here >

No Visible Panty Line. Ever.

Stop worrying about visible panty lines forever with Miel Sisters’ sleek and ultra comfy Luna Thong. Designed for women on the go, our thong is ultra breathable; it never digs in, and never bunches up.

Buy it online >

Or use our store finder >

Playful Plush Food for Kids

Anyone with a tot younger than five years old knows how much delight they get from playing big person in the kitchen. Ikea’s DUKTIG collection includes surprisingly lifelike plush delicacies: fruit, vegetables, and our favorite – an oh-so-Swedish breakfast set.

Find it here >

Retro Heat Tempered Glass Containers

We love these old-fashioned storage containers from Crate and Barrel. Simple and elegant, they embrace the move away from plastics back to the containers your grandmother used to use.

Find them here > 

True Love, Vegetarian Style

Any vegetarian on your list will covet this fresh take on meat-free cooking. Plenty: Vibrant Recipes from London’s Ottolenghi offers up remarkable recipes from one of England’s top chefs.

Find it here >

Need more ideas? Read part one and part two of the Miel 2011 Gift Guide.

Visible Panty Lines

While it may be desirable in certain situations (like at a NASCAR after-race party) a visible panty line is generally considered a fashion no-no and should be avoided in all cases (after all, the last thing that you want is to be broadcasting what underwear you’ve got on underneath your favorite fitted cocktail dress or designer skinny jeans). So what can you do to avoid this fashion emergency? Continue reading for the full details…

General Guidelines

When you want to avoid a visible panty line altogether but “going commando” is not an option, your best bet is to wear a thong. Thongs come in two main varieties; traditional thongs and “string” thongs which include “G-strings”, “V-strings” and “T-backs”.

Wrong Thongs

Our experience is that “string” thongs are a bad choice for everyday wear and are the least comfortable of all panty styles. String thongs should only be considered when you need to make a strong statement in “close quarters”. We don’t recommend for everyday use as they tend to move around increasing the chances of “rubbing you the wrong way”.

Choosing The Right Thong

Thongs are great for eliminating visible panty lines because the fabric goes up between the legs, completely removing the bottom seam from around the top of the thigh. However, some women find thongs uncomfortable — especially if they made with lace or other types of abrasive materials. But not all thongs are created equal and many women will swear that a quality thong is even more comfortable than a pair of “grannie panties”.

Visible Panty Line

In almost all cases, skin-tone panties will be less visible through fabrics than white or black underwear. White panties will show through light-colored fabrics so skin-tone undies are your best option, especially during summer when worn under pastel capris or skirts.

The first thing to consider when shopping for a thong is the type of material it’s made from. A quality microfiber fabric is your best bet as it will be very soft against your skin and will also stay in place minimizing the chafing to your most sensitive areas.

Next, examine the thong’s cut. Traditional thongs generally come in two varieties; a mid-rise thong and a low-rise thong which fits lower over the hips. When choosing a thong the important things to watch out for are:

Fit: Does the thong style fit your body well? Some people prefer a thong that fits snug around the hips while other people prefer the band to be closer to the waist. When trying to avoid visible panty lines, we recommend a low-rise thong; there’s just less material showing.

Seams: Look for panties that are seamless or that use flat-seam technology. Seamless undies have no ridges that show through tight-fitting clothes but a 100% seamless design can lack the elasticity that you need to keep them in place throughout your day. Flat seams hide a low-profile elastic band that won’t show under your clothes but will keep comfortably in place.

Size: Thongs fit differently than traditional women’s panties so you may need to take a different size than you’re used to. Don’t be put off if you end up with a size larger than you’re used to – it’s the fit that counts. Our recommendation to find the right fit is to buy a pair or two of a style that appeals to you and try wearing them for a day to see how you like them.

Avoiding Visible Panty Lines at the Gym

Thong underwear is also a great choice when you’re working out and it’s the preferred underwear for most women when they go to the gym. One of the thong’s key benefits is that it will keep you dryer and more comfortable as there’s less material to trap moisture. Any type of lace underwear should be avoided; even the smallest amount of lace can irritate your skin after just a few minutes of activity. Another popular choice for the gym is a great-fitting hipster or boy-short with flat seams. Here’s our recommendation when choosing hipster undies for working out:

Dry Wicking Fabric: Most important of all, look for panties made from a soft, breathable microfiber that doesn’t trap moisture. This will keep you drier and more comfortable throughout your workout. All of the items in the Miel Sisters line is made from a microfiber blend that has an eco-friendly, antimicrobial protection built-in to keep the fabric fresher between cleanings.

Flat-Seam Waistband and Hems: Whether you’re in a yoga or spinning class you’ll want to make sure that the panties you’re wearing have a contoured waistband with flat seams that provide a snug fit without digging in. Be aware that some seamless panties lack a proper waistband and will tend to bunch up or roll-down requiring an inconvenient trip to the ladies room for a mid-class adjustment.

No Side Seams: Choose hipster undies that are made without side seams; After just 30 minutes of activity even the most low-profile side seams can irritate your skin.

Things to Watch Out For

There’s been lots of talk about “laser-cut” underwear and its panty line avoiding powers but the makers of laser-cut panties are not telling you the full story. Because they lack elastic to keep them in place laser-cut underwear will roll-down from the waist and bunch-up at the leg transforming themselves into an inconvenient and uncomfortable thong in no time.

Conclusion

So there you have it, the complete Miel Sisters guide for avoiding a visible panty line. As you can tell, this is a subject we’ve thought about in detail and we’ve put this thinking into the design of our underwear. Our Sol and Luna thongs and our Iris hipster are all designed to be the most comfortable underwear you’ve ever worn while minimizing or eliminating visible panty lines altogether. While wearing your Miel Sisters thongs or hipsters you can be confident that you’re not going to be showing an unsightly vpl whatever situation you might find yourself in. We hope this guide is useful, let us know what you think in the comments!

Miel Sisters recommends these products to avoid visible panty line:

Sol Low-Rise Thong:

• 

  Sol Low-Rise Thong

  The softest lightweight microfiber and stretchy spandex blend with cotton gusset.

• Breathable fabric, wicks away moisture and dries quickly.
• Combination seamless and flat-seam construction that won’t dig in or bunch-up.
• Built-in anti-microbial protection against stains & odors to keep the fabric fresh and clean.
• Flattering feminine cut.

Just $20 from the Miel Sisters Online Store

Iris Hipster Culotte:

Meil "Iris" Hipster Underwear

Below, our picks for the hard-to-buy-for on your list:

Splish Splash, Fresh in the Bath

What’s not to love about magically fresh eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass soaps from LEAP Organics? These delightfully packaged, organic and cruelty-free soaps make perfect stocking stuffers.

Buy it here >

Hip and Strapless: Our Mimi Bandeau

Whether you want to dress up and hide your straps or reveal a little color, the Miel Mimi Bandeau offers comfort and versatility in suite of fun shades.

Buy it here >

Ethical. Delicious. Chocolate.

Two chocolate-loving brothers in Brooklyn have a mission: to make delectable, ethical, and high quality chocolate bars. Order online, feel good, enjoy… and share!

Buy it here >

For the Geek in Your Life

It could be your boyfriend, your dad or your little sister, we all know one: the geek. Amuse your favorite Star Wars fan to no end with these quirky Yoda holiday lights.

Buy it here >

Deck the Halls with… Silver Milk Bones

In a glut of ridiculous pet-oriented gifts, these gold or silver coated Milk Bones have class. We love that they are real Milk Bones, coated in copper, then dipped in gold or silver.

Buy it here >

Read part one and part three of the Miel 2011 Gift Guide.

Below, the first in our three-part Miel Holiday Gift Guide, featuring some of the things we love for 2012:

Fringe Sandals

Think of them as the beach equivalent of fluffy slippers. Even if it is winter where you live, these kooky fringe sandals are loads of fun to wear around the house…

http://nest-store.com/catalog.asp?section=2&cid=2&sid=22&productid=404

Jade Yoga Mats

We went through a dozen yoga mats before we discovered Jade. Not only are they über-eco-friendly, but they are just the right amount of soft and sticky… providing the perfect grip for sweaty yogis.

http://www.jadeyoga.com/store/home.php

Miel Nana Bra

Our Nana Bra stays dry at the gym, and looks amazing under any party dress. Stay comfortable, classy, and 100% seamless, no matter what the occasion.

http://mielsisters.myshopify.com/products/nana-bra

Adorably Clutchable Kitty Mug

There is something about a curvy, pink Hello Kitty mug that makes your morning coffee (or herbal teal) immeasurably more comforting. Yes, it’s girly. But we’re okay with that.

http://www.neatoshop.com/product/Hello-Kitty-18-oz-Ceramic-Oval-Mug

Whole Food Frenzy

Turn your friends and family into healthy food aficionados. The freshly revised 2010 edition of The Whole Foods Encyclopedia will introduce you to more wholesome foods than you can find at your local hippie shop.

http://www.amazon.com/New-Whole-Foods-Encyclopedia-Comprehensive/dp/0143117432/

Read part two and part three of the Miel 2011 Gift Guide.

Here in Montreal, we’re awaiting our first snowfall, which could arrive as early as tonight. Even if it doesn’t dip below zero where you live, winter’s longer, darker days can take a toll on your mood and your health.

Below, our tips on how to build your resistance and boost your mood during the coming winter months:

1. Go outside and play

Studies show that people who exercise outdoor during winter have a lower incidence of depression and even seasonal affective disorder. Put on your comfy underwear and workout clothes and find an outdoor winter activity that you enjoy. Even walking outside half an hour a day will give you the sunlight and activity that your body craves during the cold months.

2. Eat well

When winter hits, so many people turn to carbohydrates and other rich foods as sources of warmth and comfort. While it’s true that you need to eat more during the cold months, don’t abandon all those fruits and vegetables that you were eating last summer: they are the key to feeling good and staving off winter viruses.

3. Know your immune boosters

If you do start to feel run down, be proactive and explore ways to reverse an ailing immune system before you get sick. Immune boosters that work for us include: restorative yoga, echinacea, acupuncture, reishi mushrooms and astragalus.

4. Keep a positive attitude

Make a point of doing things you enjoy and spending time with people who make you happy: go dancing, work out, and spend time with friends. Make the most of winter fashion; take out your favourite sweaters and scarves and turn winter into a time to celebrate and be fashionable.

5. Sleep more

There’s a reason why animals curl up and hibernate during the winter: It’s what our bodies want to do. Getting your eight hours of sleep each night is one of the best ways to give your body a head start in resisting cold and flu season. And hey: who’s going to argue against being warm and cozy?

Photo by Brainware3000