Hawaii or Bust: Living the Life of Your Dreams

Change…Are You Up For It?

It is a time of tremendous change. We have had so many conversations with people about their lives, their plans, and the uncertain future. As the world around us is in limbo, a common theme seems to be the willingness (or unwillingness) to take the plunge into a new chapter of life. This week, we decided to interview sustainability activist and former actress Sanny, who is one half of @ecocouple. The following is edited excerpts from our IGTV interview.

Tell us who you are and where are you from?

My name is Sanny. I grew up in Spain with a German mother. I also lived in London and L.A. Now, I live in Maui, Hawaii.

What did you do before living in Hawaii?

I was an actress for many years. I lived in L.A. and Germany, and traveled to a lot of film festivals. But I reached a place where I felt my life needed more meaning. So I decided to slow things down and focus on my relationships and we (my partner Inaki and I) had a baby. We were living between Europe and LA and once we had the baby we visited Hawaii. We became obsessed with being out there and trying to figure out how we could do it…how we would leave what we were doing and be ok with moving to an island and living that life. On a Friday evening we looked at each other and we said, ‘is this it for us’? and we said ‘no, we’re going to Hawaii.’ We didn’t have the amount of money one would like to have in the account when moving, but we felt that if we just trusted and went out there, things would work out. Within four days we were packed up and heading out.

What advice do you have for anyone thinking about making a big change?

A lot of us have a lot of fear about change. We’re creatures of comfort, and when we’re stable, we sometimes think that that is best for us. But I’d like to urge people to take a leap of faith and try things out. You can always back.

What does a typical day look like?

In the morning we catch some waves, then my son naps. We have a blog and I also do some voice over work. The gardens are so lush here, and lemons, lime and avocados grow. So a lot of us trade. It is easy to live off of the land here.

I think a lot of people work a 9-5 and are caught up in the rat race. But I think everybody is invited right now to question these things in their lives and see where their priorities lie; knowing that it is all just a bat of an eyelash. Doing the things that we love brings out the best in us. We all have the right to that.

What do you love about your Mirame swimsuit?

Well I just came out of the waves, and my suit really protects me. I feel like if I do go under a wave, it stays. Its like wearing a wetsuit, but you’re not (wetsuits, by the way, are made in one of two ways, both of which involve extracting non-renewable resources from deep within the Earth). I love that the suit protects the arms. It keeps me safe from getting burned by the surfboard strap.

What is your favorite beach on Maui?

Maui is the windsurfing Mecca of the world. Ho’okipa has a fun wave in the summer for someone who is learning to surf. The sunsets are magical on the west side of the island. My favorite part of this island is that on any given day you can put on goggles and swim with the turtles.

The Perfect Suit

To Catch A Wave

Want to learn more about Ho’okipa beach? Check out the Maui guidebook here.

Ho’okipa

Beach

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Curious about why wetsuits are not environmentally friendly? To learn more about the resources and operations involved in making neoprene, the fabric utilized in wetsuits, read this article in Wavelength Magazine.

How We Create A Swimsuit Using The Hybrid Method

First and foremost, I have always been a creator. Commerce comes second. I know that that is a terrible thing to admit as a business woman. But I’d be lying if I said selling was my favorite thing. That’s why it delights me to share the behind the scenes videos in our new(ish) #WorkshopWednesday series on Instagram.

Each week I take you into the design studio to demonstrate a different aspect of the design, construction or fitting process. I also love to share info about the trims, fabrics, and any components of our swimwear. It’s part education, part sharing of my journey.

This week I used a hybrid method of draping the top of a one piece swimsuit into an existing bottom. The bikini bottom was created using the pattern making method, and it turned out just beautifully. But in order to create the top, which I envisioned as a loose and flowy fit, I realized that draping the spandex onto the mannequin would be the optimal method. Watch as a build the suit.

What do you guys think? Any of you designers or creators out there have a preference in method? We’d love to hear about it.

Follow our Instagram page to catch every weeks #WorkshopWednesday. Plus, we have tons of fun giveaways, conversations, and live events.

Core Strength for A Bikini Body & Beyond

This week we spoke with Jenny Martin, former pro snowboarder, dance studio owner, and current pilates master.

@jbirdpilates strengthening her core. Jenny offers virtual classes via Zoom 3-4 times a week. Visit her IG page for the schedule.

What is the core?

Our core is the entire midline of our body, from the top of your head down the center of your body, reaching all the way to the floor. It include the glutes, front and back abdominals and side body muscles. Pilates practice is focused on drawing in and squeezing that midline.

Why is core health so important?

The core muscles protect the organs underneath. After babies or weight gain, the muscles stretch and fall forward. This can leave the body vulnerable. To combat this, pilates aims to develop a mind/body awareness. For example, just by tucking your pelvis and squeezing your tummy in, you can start to strengthen the small, supportive muscles of the core. This strength can help reduce lower back pain and provide more mobility to the spine. Also, we are a forward focused culture, which compresses our ribs, and makes a nice, deep breath difficult.. By doing pilates, and working on lengthening the body, we start to re-align and stand taller. It develops a mind/body awareness that you can carry throughout your day.

What 4 exercises to you recommend to target the bikini zone?

Exercise 1 : Plank w/ leg extension. Click the image to see the full movement.

Exercise 2: Criss Cross Crunches. Click the image to see the full range of the movement

Exercise 3: Corkscrew for abs and obliques. Click the image to see the full range of movement.

Exercise 4: Last but not least, Boat Crunches. Click the image to see the full range of the movement.

For our pregnant, pre-post, and post-partum mamas out there, what can they do to prevent Diastasis recti?

During pregnancy, your belly and pelvis tilt forward. As the pregnancy progresses, and the center of gravity changes, a woman must get used to her new shape. During this time, a woman can build her strength up in the core body and pelvic floor, which can help to have a smoother delivery. Strengthening while growing will also pave the way for smoother recovery.

In addition, during pregnancy the abdominal muscles stretch and can separate. This leaves the body vulnerable. So strengthening the core as the pregnancy progresses is quite important. Learning how to draw those muscles back together will help protect the core. Little subtle movements can do this. You can recover and gain mobility back, and live pain free. These tiny movements help to rebuild the body.

Want to learn more about Jenny? Want to try a group Zoom class or private lesson? Visit her IG page here.

Watch our full IGTV conversation on the importance of core strength here.

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Want to take a deep dive into the difficulty of picking out a swimsuit? Want to learn to practice self love? Join us for a virtual discussion about these topics on 7/15 at 7 pm EST.

Join us for this free virtual event where we will discuss self love. Register here

Beauty Has No Limits

We were so excited to see some pregnant mamas show off their bumps in our swimwear. It is so beautiful to honor women’s bodies in all of their forms. The arc of womanhood has many phases, and it is a joy to acknowledge and celebrate them all.

Digital Creator & Gobe trotter @daniladavidson wears our Strappy Bikini to the pool in the Hamptons.

Danila is so inspiring because she truly embraces the changes her body is undergoing as her her pregnancy is progressing. Danila is pregnant with baby 4, and has us feeling some serious #momgoals. We sat down with her to talk about how pregnancy has impacted her feelings about her body.

1. How has pregnancy changed your view about your body?

   Since giving birth to my first child - almost six years ag - I’ve fallen more in love with my body with each pregnancy. I’m currently pregnant with my fourth (and probably last) baby and my body keeps reminding me of the true miracle that life is every day. I love being pregnant and appreciate my body so much for the opportunity it has given me to carry all of my babies. I’ve been lucky enough to quickly bounce back after each delivery but I don’t watch the scale while pregnant but rather focus on eating heal thing and “feeling good.”

2. When picking a swimsuit while pregnant, what features do you look for?

   When pregnant, I like some extra support and stretchy fabrics, that’s for sure! Since becoming a mom I’ve become obsessed without the shoulders one piece suits as well as high waisted bikini bottoms. Luckily I don’t have stretch marks in the tummy area but I like these types of swimsuits because they are super comfy and I feel like I can safely play around with my kids!

3. How do you feel about wearing a bikini when pregnant?

A bikini when pregnant can be a great idea! I usually wear bikinis when my belly is big / rounds enough so that '“I’m clearly pregnant”. If you find a piece that suits you I think it can be a fun yet sexy look. Who doesn’t like a bare bump, right?

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Day In the Life - Fabric Sourcing

Fabric Rescue Mission

Behind the scenes at a fabric warehouse.

We’ve been extra busy now that swimwear production has started. Previous to this week. NYC was on pause, including the manufacturing sector. With things back up and running, we made a stop at the fabric warehouse and at the factory this week. Join our FB page to come along on our Live journeys.

21 billion pounds of textile waste end up in landfills in the U.S. alone. To combat this, Mirame are committed to utilizing overage fabrics to produce our swimwear. This is fabric that is excess when a mill knits their yardage. We have partnered with a supplier of this overage to source our fabric. Want to learn more about textile waste, and it’s impact on the environment? You can check out organizations like Remake.

There are wonderful resources out there for both people who want to repurpose fabric, and those that have textile waste to donate. Organizations like FabScrap are an amazing resource.

Our Swimwear Made the Cut

Thank you All American Girl for featuring us in your Made in the USA Swimwear Roundup

Thank you All American Girl for featuring us in your Made in the USA Swimwear Roundup. We love the detailed info you have provided!

3 Tips for the Ultimate Tan

This weekend marks the unofficial kickoff to summer. While things are different this year, with most of you off the roads, there is always room for a staycation. In a previous blog post, we talked about tips for setting up your relaxation vibe at home. This week, we want to talk about how to prepare your skin to optimally soak in that much needed Vitamin D.

It’s been a long Winter and Spring, with many of us cooped up indoors. As we take this party of one outside, make sure that your body is ready for the powerful rays of the sun. After all, the forecast is looking up for most of us!

Best Sunbathing Practices:

1. Exfoliate

Make sure that your skin has an even surface to lay the tan upon. If you have patches of dead skin, once you wash and remove them, the skin underneath will not be as tan as the surrounding patches of non dead skin. Make sure to exfoliate evenly throughout the body, paying special attention to areas that will be exposed. To exfoliate, you can use a pumice stone or sea sponge. Just make sure to start the process a few days before hitting the sand (or yard), as exfoliating leaves the skin sensitive. For more tips of exfoliation check here.

2. Sunscreen Please

You often hear people saying, “I don’t need sunscreen, I’m already tan”, or “I don’t burn.” Forget all of that! UVA and UVB rays admitted into the atmosphere, even through clouds on an overcast day, can cause harm to your skin. This damage includes not only premature aging, but the threat of skin cancer. These two types of rays are distinct, and affect the skin in different ways, but both have the potential to damage. When choosing a sunscreen, you want to make sure it contains both SPF and broad spectrum ingredients, which will protect you from the myriad of sunrays.

Did you know the sun can penetrate through many types of clothing? But fret not, our swimwear is produced from fabric that is UPF 50+. What is UPF you ask? UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) is a numerical rating given to clothing to indicate how effectively the fabric blocks ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UPF encompasses both broad spectrum UVA and UVB radiation. The highest UPF rating a garment can be assigned is 50+. A piece in this range is determined as providing “excellent” protection from UV radiation. 

(A fabric must have a UPF of 30 to qualify for The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation. A UPF of 30 to 49 offers very good protection, while UPF 50+ rates as excellent.)

Sun rays can penetrate even through clouds.

3. Alternate

If you throw yourself into the throws of summer without abandon, you risk burning yourself into Labor Day. The key to a tan that sticks around to see the next weekend is gradual sun exposure. You want to introduce your body slowly to the powerful sun rays. Start by spending some time in the sun, and then seeking solace in the shade for a bit. Or go out in the morning or evening when the sun is not at its peak. Make sure you stay hydrated during both sun and shadow time!

We’re sending you off with one of our favorite Throwback Madonna songs, Ray of Light. Enjoy the weekend!

Missed our tips on what to bring for your Staycation? Read it here.

Thanks to the Beach Muse Blog, and The Skin Cancer Foundation, for the references.

Ride That Wave...I Dare You

Humans are amazing in their ability to create the unimaginbale. Any flight of fancy can be indulged with a little imagination, and sometimes a whole lot of motivation.

Who knew could ride a wave without ever setting foot in the ocean? It has always been a dream of ours to ride a wave without the threat of dire consequence. We never thought it possible until we heard about the Surf Ranch. Famed surfer and eleven time World Champion Kelly Slater opened his surf ranch 100 miles from the Pacific in sunny California. Slater set out to create the ultimate perfect wave so that surfers could practice their sport in a controlled and consistent environment.

Photo by Federico Gutierrez on Unsplash

Kelly and his partners sought four qualities in order to mimic what they considered to be the perfect wave. These four qualities were: wave height, wave peel angle, wave breaking intensity, and wave section length. They thought it important to control the height of the break, as high breaks require high skill level. The wave peel angle controls when the wave breaks. If the angle is too low, the wave will break quickly. Wave break intensity controls the quality of the wave. The team sought to create waves that had a barrel effect, making for a smooth coast down the crest. Lastly, the team considered wave section length. They sought to have the wave break in one consistent, sweeping motion. In the natural environment, factors like wind, effect this. By controlling environment, the team of engineers was better able to create a smooth ride.

Using a solar powered hydrofoil machine, they created an artificial wave pool with breaks that exhibit the mentioned properties. Breaking at taller than six feet, with a clean ride, these ideal waves are channeling some serious Hawaii.

Photo by Linus Nylund on Unsplash

Want to learn more about the Surf Ranch? Watch the video here.

**Technical information sourced from Zach Sehgal

Mother's Day Will Arrive

How is everyone doing at home? For many of us, it has been awhile since we left four walls. Yet slowly, states are easing up the quarentine measures and allowing people to step outside once again. This comes at a lovely time as Spring approaches. Who doesn’t want to walk outside and smell the flowers? Even flowers considered weeds like Dandelions and Grape Hyacinths have their beauty.

Photo by Yoksel 🌿 Zok on Unsplash

It is so lovely to have the time to contemplate the delight in the mundane. To notice the things we usually take for granted. To show gratitude for the small miracles like the budding of flowers after a long winter. And also for family, whether they are blood or not.

As many of stay indoors, we are in close quarters with nuclear family, roommates, or pets. We have learned that despite what we may have thought in the past, everything we need to stay safe and healthy is right here at home. The care that is required when nurturing others or oneself is not to be taken lightly. Realizing this during the Corona quarantine gives us even more respect for moms.

And so we would like to say a big thank you to mothers. Whether it is a birth mother, a mother figure, or the own self love within that guides us, we would like to take a moment to acknowledge the gift of caring for others and self care.

As we searched through photo albums looking for a photo of our own mother, we realized there were very few. Perhaps Mom was always the one taking the photo, the one behind the scenes orchestrating it all. That is what mothers do. They pull the strings like a puppet master, invisibly weaving love into every move that we make. Ensuiring that everyone, or all parts of us, are nurtured.

So whether you have a mother to Zoom with this weekend, have the fortune to see her in person, or the ability to visit her in your heart, we wish a Happy Mother’s Day to all of the moms out there, metaphorical, of the past, of the future, and within.

Our mom holding us and our big sister.

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Adios Weekend

Click the picture to hear our newest mixtape.

#MirameMuchacha of the Month

Meet our youngest Muchacha of the Month, Fatu.  Fatu is a high schooler who lives in the Denver area.  She had been dancing most of her life, having been born into a family of accomplished dancers and performers.  

We would like to share a short video depicting Fatu's recent performance at the Spotlight Dance Company in Thornton, CA.  This solo was choreographed Brian Young, owner of Sweatshop Dance in Denver, CO.  

We love how Fatu customized her Susanne suit, which works well both for swimming and performing.  The splash of gold really sparkles on stage!

Get ready to have your breath taken away...

Stay tuned to see what Fatu is up to in the future.  Maybe we will see her on World of Dance with J. Lo and company!

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Another version of the Susanne swimsuit at Brooklyn Bridge Park.

#MirameMuchacha of the Month

I'd like to share a bit of a personal story this month, or at least a topic that is close to home.  I grew up in a multi-ethnic family whose parents were immigrants from different continents.  My mother, Mabel, vowed that if things went well for her in the United States, she would return home to help a child from her native Honduras.  When I was two, my brother Alexander was adopted from Central America.  

Alex was a vibrant soul, vivacious and witty with a lust for life.  Around the age of two, Alex was diagnosed with a rare form of dwarfism that affects the body's ability to break down carbohydrates.  A number of other medical complications were a part of the prognosis.  Despite this, the family persisted, and Alex enjoyed a rich life of love, friends and family.

All of my siblings and I experienced the world differently because of Alex.  Leaving the house was always accompanied by people's gazes, questions, and sideways glances.  What the family learned was that self-love trumps all.  Alex was proud of who he was, and if people stared at him, he would smile or say hello.  Sometimes he would even stick his tongue out at them to get them to laugh.  

Alex taught us that our differences in fact are gifts.  Alex's gift was that of encouraging laughter, embracing our bodies and celebrating life.  When encountered with the colorful and festive Instagram page of @Mollyahiggins, I sensed a kindered spirit.  I couldn't help but reach out to this gorgeous women to ask her to share a little bit about her story.  Read on to hear it.

Molly posing in our Wrapture Top and Strappy bikini bottom

1.  Where are you from?

I'm from San Francisco but I live in LA now.

2.  What is your profession?

Besides from modeling and blogging, I am a student and a receptionist.  My favorite part about it is learning new things!

3.  What do you hope your work contributes to the world?

I hope being open with my struggles and vulnerabilities will show more representation of people with limb difference, because representation matters!

4.  Where do you see yourself in five year?

In five years I hope to have traveled all over the world and be settling into a creative career that fulfills me.

5.  What is your favorite beach destination?

Any beach is a good beach, but Mexico is pretty great!

6.  Do you have a favorite workout routine?

I love working out but it can be hard for me to make it to the gym often.  I like cardio, but swimming is the workout I most enjoy.

Want to follow Molly on all of her adventures?  Check her out of Instagram at @mollyahiggins

The Best Cool Weather Water Getaways

Grab your bikini, and don't forget that coat 

As much as we loathe being cold, we love the stillness the cool weather brings.  There is something magical about Spring morning dew, fresh air, and birdsongs.  The crisp weather has a way of awakening the senses.  

We know Spring Break is around the corner, but somehow the days still feel cool.  Luckily, there are some beautiful cool weather getaways that invite a warm dip.  Here is a list of our top three favorite cool weather excursions.  There are choices for the nature lover, and one for those who favor the city.

Strawberry Park Hot Springs

Strawberry Hot Springs is lush oasis in the Colorado pine lands.  It is somewhat remote, reached by car (weather permitting) outside of Steamboat Springs.  Even into May, chains on tires are required, as snow can fall hear year around.   There is something magical about soaking as the fluffy white flakes surround you.

This hot springs is for the adventurer, as lodging options include a train car, covered wagon, rustic cabin, or camping.  You won't find luxe amenities here - but  nature's bountiful beauty more than makes up for it.  

Homestead Crater

Underground hot spring?  Sounds exotic, right?  This subterranean grotto in Utah offers the only warm weather scuba diving in the continental US.  With temps ranging from 90-95 degrees, and waters rich in minerals, Homestead Crater is the ideal spot to both relax and explore the world below.

The view from within the crater.  Photo courtesy of Roadtrippers.com

Besides the soaking, there is opportunity to roam the cave, along the way learning about the geological changes that created the crater, and discovering what archaeologists have uncovered below the surface over the years.  The resort even hosts events.

Many visitors to the Crater stay at Homestead Resort.  Photo courtesy of homesteadresort.com

Barton Natural Springs Pool

For those of you who prefer urban delights, Barton Pool is a fabulous option.  Fed by a natural spring in Austin, Texas, this watering hole  is fun year around.   At 3 acres, the pool is large enough to splash around in without worrying about offending another patron.  Because the pool is fed from below, the water remains a constant warm temperature of between 68-71 degrees Fahrenheit.  And with an admission of $3, you really can't beat it!

Bathers enjoying Barton Springs.  Photo courtesy of AustinTexas.gov

Stylish sun protection in our Night Cap one piece at the Barton Pool

Want more tips before visiting Barton Pool, check out Trip Advisor.

Bikini-friendly Superbowl Snacks

Every February we find ourselves amidst a flurry of football fanatics.  Although we are not ones to go plunging head first into another person, we admire the physical prowess that goes into the game.  That's why it never ceases to amaze us that the big day, aka Superbowl Sunday, is filled with gluttony.  We get it that these larger than life athletes need lots of calories to power their pizazz, but do we really have to follow suit?  We think not.  Here are some healthier options for game day. 

'Cheezy Popcorn'

Photo by Megha Mangal

This lighter and vitamin packed version of cheddar popcorn leaves the fatty-filled cheese behind, and replaces it with nutritional yeast.  Nutritional yeast is a parmesan-cheese like condiment that is often used as an alternative to it's dairy cousin.  It is a form of inactive yeast made from sugarcane and beet molasses, or sugars.  Nutritional yeast contains complete protein, which can often be difficult for a vegetarian to find in a single food (usually achieved through combining foods, like rice and beans).  It is also rich in B-complex vitamins.  

To give it whirl, you'll need the following (serves 2-4):

1/2 cup popcorn kernels

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/4 cup nutritional yeast

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Cracked pepper to taste

First, pop the corn, either on a stovetop using about 1/4 cup canola oil, or with the old-school air popcorn maker like this one from West Bend.   Melt the butter and sprinkle onto the still warm popcorn, tossing every now and again.  Add the nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper.

Grilled Zucchini Nachos

Photo Two Peas and Their Pod

While we love nachos, all that deep-fried goodness can sometimes leave use feeling sluggish.  For that reason, we were super excited when we discovered this recipe for grilled zucchini nachos.  

Start by cutting a small/medium size zucchini into silver dollar size portions.  Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a cast iron pan.  When the oil is hot place the zucchini in the pan in one flat layer.  Slow cook them over low/medium heat until browned on one side.  Then flip them over to brown the other side.  When all browned, take the zucchini off the heat and place on a large plate lined with a paper towel.  This will absorb any excess grease.

Top the slices with all of your favorite toppings, including black beans, sour cream (or try the Central American Crema, which is much lighter in consistency), and jalapeños.

Coconut Date Balls

This supremely sweet treat has only two ingredients and will take only ten minutes to prepare.  The main ingredient is this delicacy is dates, preferably Medjool dates (creamier, richer flavor).  Dates are packed with minerals and vitamins like fiber and iron, which help your body to regulate itself and improves the flow of oxygen in the blood.  Needless to say, the date rolls also do more than enough to satisfy the sweet tooth.  For this simple recipe you will need:

3 cups unsweetened coconut flakes (try for the varieties without preservatives)

2 cups pitted dates

Place two cups of the coconut flakes along with the dates into a food processor or blender.  Process for 3-4 minutes, periodically stopping to scrape edges and ensure even blending.  Once soft, remove from blender and shape into little balls (or footballs to be festive).  Take the remaining 1 cup of coconut flakes and spread evenly on a plate.  Roll the balls in the coconuts, covering the surface with a light coconut drizzle.  All ready to go!

Many of you will be debuting your swimsuit bodies during the upcoming Winter Break season.  We find it the perfect moment to have a toolkit of healthy options on hand.  Perhaps most important of all, is the notion that health equals wealth.  Bon Apetit Futbolistas!