Impressions of the Eurodance Beachparty

What happens when you give your camera to a 10-year old longboard gal? She's shooting some impressive pictures of longboards at the beachparty the night before the very first European Longboard Dance Contest. Yes, it is the first one ever!!! :)  It's all happening in Berlin sponsored by Funky Summer and I'm super glad to be here to watch, taking pictures, help and just enjoy the longboard community. 

I'll post about the big Contest this weekend, so stay tuned :)

And if you're also happen to be in Berlin, come and join us! 

We'll be at Landsberger Allee, Berlin.

Love, xo

Meanwhile: Read my longboard story and enjoy the few summer days left ;-)

Some Power for Yoga

 

It occurs that once in a while my body does not feel strong enough to go for a run or to do an hour of strength workout. Then, I try to do some stretches and add some power to my yoga exercises. These days I really feel like I need some stretches in the a.m. since I'm sitting all day in front of the computer.

So, this is just a yoga video to help you get started in the mornings. Only ten minutes per day can help you to stretch out and start the day right.

Have fun with yoga! :)

Duct Tape Surfing

Listen to and watch this video about Tyron Swan helping Pascale Honore to follow her dreams. Strolling through one of my favorite blogs about 'simple wisdom for complex lives': Tiny Buddha I came across this inspiring video of those two.

Pascale Honore has been on a wheelchair for more than 18 years now due to a car accident. She was diagnosed paraplegic and wasn't able to walk anymore. Her two sons grew up surfing in the ocean and she was always watching them until one day a family friend came up with an idea. Tyron Swan, professional surfer, was thinking of duct taping her to his back and to surf with her. As a result they are now travelling through Australia, surfing the coast and trying to spread out the word: Have a dream and make it happen!

Follow their Facebook page and see what they are exploring on their travels.

It is possible to reach your dreams regardless of any limitations. - Pascale Honore

Nature x Longboard x Me-Time

This saturday I really felt like being alone for a bit. What to do best in this summer heat? Get out, hop on your longboard, bike or whatsoever, go for a tour and swim in a lake, all by yourself! Yes you've heard me!

For me being alone does not mean being lonely. These are two different words and also different meanings. Sometimes I like being alone to just enjoy myself, to do stuff for myself and being just me, my thoughts and my dreams. Nobody to influence or to talk to. Often I tend to ask people to do stuff and then if they are not 100 % into it, I have to wait and wait.. and nothing happens. So better, I just go by myself and do not have to wait for others. If you really want to do something, just do it. Do not wait for others!

Additionaly ask yourself: Are you able to take yourself as you are? Are you able to spend time by yourself and just do stuff you and not others like? I feel like a lot of people cannot stand the idea of being alone because they will feel lonely then. In my opinion I think that those people are too dependent on others because what I've learned so far is that you cannot be dependent on others because they might be gone soon. Be dependent on YOU. The only best friend will be YOU, forever. 

My friends do get that, so whenever I need some downtime to focus and to get back to the present I'd call it: Me-Time. People surrounding you should always understand that.

I've decided to go to Schlachtensee Berlin, to again, get out of the city! It is so beautiful to get up early and to be in nature then. The air will smell and feel fresh, there are not as much people around and the water is still cold from the night before. I didn't take the train to the lake, instead I got off 8 km ahead, rode that route to the forest, walked through the woods and then swam for a bit. You do not want to imagine how much sweat my body perspired! After the 8 km and a 30 minute walk I've reached some water and got myself comfy at a waterfront. 

Greens and water everywhere!

My mind-tip: Do not say 'yes' to others by saying 'no' to yourself, believe me you're worth it and no, it's not egoistic. And yes, JUST DO IT!

Getting back on track: #3 Muscle ache and maintaining

How do I feel after a good workout the day before? I can feel my muscles which I haven't used for a while and don't you feel great?! :) Yeah, it might hurt and you're feeling like: Oh my, I cannot move anymore, just want to lay down and sleep forever.

Trick: Do not! MOVE instead! What? Yes, really, I'm telling you, the muscle ache will leave when you keep on exercising and moving. If not, the ache will take much longer to heal itself. Then you'll wait another week for the next workout and then the day after you'll have another ache. So, get moving and try to get used to exercise. 

I try to exercise most of the days rather than working out one day per week and skipping six. With this method, I can skip one or most of all two days in a row and then get moving again. You do not have to go for another run or do the same workout again, find some light exercise like yoga or find a sports hobby like longboarding, soccer, tennis, biking, beach volleyball, inline skating or climbing. Anything fun!

How to find a hobby? Try things out and do it for one week, and then another and see if it fits your lifestyle and if it has the right purpose for you. For example: Yoga and meditation for me is to keep me focused, to clear my mind and to calm down in this hectic world. Longboarding is passion and freedom, I'm feeling like a kid again. Need this for new inspiration and energy. Find YOUR active hobby!

Furthermore: Working out hard you might also feel: Okay, I can now allow myself some ice-cream, cake or cookies. My thought would be: Did you workout the first time in your life or do you do it every single/or other day? If so, then hell yeah, go for it! If it was your first time, I'd try to stay away from sugar and fats or did you workout to maintain bad food habits? And NO, I do indulge as well, but just not as often ;-) 

I choose to nourish my body with greens and engery. Just anything which lifts me up. At the end it's your body, it's on you!

I might post an article on how to say NO to bad food choices soon, so stay tuned, keep moving and never give up! :)

Beat the summer heat x let's skate

What to do when the thermometer shows 38°C (100°F) and you still want to stay active? Get out of the house and get your butt moving! In the heat? How? Spend some time in nature, go hiking in a forest, it will cool you down or go to a lake and swim a bit. When you're an early bird, get up before work and go for a run.

Working from Monday to Fridays I'm always longing for some get-aways over the weekend. Sometimes I just want to get out of the city and see some trees! A bit of nature, a bit of fresh air to rejuvenate my mind and soul. What did I do this weekend? Well, I met up with some friends, took a train to a station close to a lake and then we rode 8 km to the swim spot. Riding my longboard on big and empty streets is so much fun although the sun is burning on my skin, but there's nothing better than feeling some freedom! After a good ride I'm always feeling superduperüberamazing, haha. It's like: Rolling, swimming, yoga, sports, sun bathing, eating healthily, rolling, swimming, yoga, sports, sun bathing, eating fresh and repeaaaaaat!!! :)

The other day we also went up to the Berlin Teufelsberg and it was just nice to have an overview of the city and being on top of it. I love being out in nature, it's a nice contrast of working in front of the computer all day. You can suck in some fresh energy and just enjoy the present moment of it. No rush, no hectic, no electronics, just being here and now.

Yes, I am enjoying Berlin a lot!!! :)
Hope you guys can get some fresh air and enjoy the summer as well ;-)

xx

P.S.: Here are 12 tips from health.com to stay active when it's too hot to workout, try them! Next time I'll try to take some pictures of the road, the lake and will show some nice spots of Berlin to have your city-get-aways ;-)

Getting back on track: # 2 Strength training

Today was the first time since three weeks that I started my strength workout again. I would do this two to three times a week, 60 minutes each session. So, I try to mix it up, one day going for a 45 to 60 minutes run and then the next day strength training. 

Why? Because I feel sooo much better when working out. I'd do this in the a.m. to kick up my metabolism and to just have a fresh start into the new day. You know what I do before major exams? Meditation and then working out! It frees my mind and then I can really focus on the important things. Try it.

And girls! Don't be afraid of some sit-ups and push-ups, I think strength training is essential since you're just toning up your muscles a bit. And no, I don't want to bulk up and become a female hulk! I just think that especially when you get older it's more difficult to gain muscles or to actually keep them, even more when you're a girl. Why start exercising when you're already  sick? Start now when it's still easy to kick your butt and get moving!

Tips?

Good morning beautiful ones!

I just came home from a run, yep, BEFORE work. How do I feel? Superwomanish =D Why? Because I kicked my butt to get out of the door and I'm pretty proud of myself that I did a 40 minute run. Right now I'm having some oatmeal with peanut butter, banana and almonds. 

Furthermore I feel like:

Today is a brand NEW day. A FRESH start. 

Replace any negativtiy with POSITIVITY. Think HAPPY thoughts. Exercise. Drink lots of water. Nourish and fill your body with fuel and LOVE. Healthy is happy. Inspire yourself. CREATE. Laugh lots. Play around. GO FOR A RUN. Give someone a compliment. Smile to a stranger. Make a new friend. Tell yourself you are BEAUTIFUL. Spread LOVE. Be kind and create good KARMA. Take chances. EXPERIENCE. 7

While running I like having no music with me, listening to nature and just letting my thoughts come and go. Something popped up: I AM READY FOR CHANGE.

Are you? Start today :)

Happy Thursday! xo

Getting back on track: The time is NOW!

# 1: Food habits

Oh wow, after binging on food and having a döner here and there it's just super hard to get back on track. I mean going for a run once in a while is okay, but keep doing it is the real thing. Being dedicated to your actual lifestyle is hard especially when you're stressed out, having friends over who'd eat fast food and so on.

Here's the deal: I've been eating 'badly' for my standards for like three weeks now and I do feel unhealthy. I'm always tired, feeling sick and sluggish. Additionally there was the Berlin Fashion Week three weeks ago and then I had friends over from home for like.. yeah, they stayed three weeks long. Result: No meditation, no strength workout, bad food choices and being inconsistent with my routines.

You know what I really do not like? When people around you say things like: Hey, don't be hard on yourself, you can have that once in a while... Well, what if that 'Once in a while' happens every other day?! NO MORE! I do not understand how people would be like: Hey, yes you should definitely eat fast food when you actually know that's bad for you. I get that it tastes good and stuff, but it slows down your metabolism and you'll feel like me: Sick. 

I think it's not worth it when you pay with your health, so I rather stay away from fats and sugar.

I'm lacking of energy, so what my body really needs is: REAL food meaning vegetables, fruits, whole grains and seeds. Tons of water as well!   

It's so easy to just give in and to indulge in food cravings, but what I ask myself right now is: Do I really want this long-term? Did I start eating healthier and mindfully to give up after almost two years? NO! And this is not a diet, this is a lifestyle change. Let's get back on track starting NOW.

Here are some tips if you want to get healthier and read my weekend food shopping post for a refridgerator-makeover!

YES, call me a health-freak ;-)

Worth a sweat

When you're stressed out, go for a run! It's worth a sweat because afterwards you will feel super good. Yeah, so that's how I look like after a run =D Being a fulltime-intern and then having friends over from family I barely find time for myself. I have to admit that I didn't meditate for about two weeks and didn't workout again until last weekend. Whenever I come home from work I'm like: Okay... I'm super tired, would love to just hang around and sleep. Then I'll tell myself: NO! Kick your butt and get back on track! Get out of your comfort zone and don't become lazy. Lazy about you, about life and its struggles. 

MOVE. You're one run away of being happy.

And indeed: It's worth a sweat and I do feel much better afterwards. 
Loving it!

Vogue Netherlands May '13: A longboard story

Model: Anne-Marie van Dijk in Vogue Netherlands May 2013, Photographer: Anne Menke

How would you incorporate a longboard into a high-fashion editorial?

Just shoot a model who rides a longboard, put some designer clothes on her and let it print in the Vogue Netherlands May 2013! Sounds fun, huh? I'm sure it definitely was! Look at the pictures, I can imagine these guys had tons of it shooting this. In my opinion the photgrapher did a great job and the female model just looks super cool with the board. The outfits with the prints and colours make it more exciting. These looks don't look too boyish, still fashionable and I suppose it is possible to ride a longboard in these clothes. I love this editorial by mixing up one of my favorite hobbies with another passion of mine: Fashion x Longboarding.

My favorite pictures are: the one above, orange colours go well with the blonde hair and her pants are great! The third one below with the black oversize sweater and the green/blue pants- doesn't it look super independent, cool, stylish and like: 'You know what? I don't care what you think!' Love it! And the one with the olive green jacket is nice, as well. Oh my, I really need sweaters like these to longboard, especially when it gets cooler at night.

Joni Sternbach: Surfland

Strolling through the world of blogs I've found out about Joni Sternbach. She is a New Yorker photographer who is specialized in picturing and filming contemporary land-and seascapes. This artwork: Surfland is portraying surfers from the U.S. and Australia in tintype. In her words the subject of Surfland is a series of environmental portraits, taken at the edge of water. It is devotated to the people and the sport and not just the sport itself. Her photos are fascinating by creating magical moments between the surfers and the vast landscapes surrounding them.

GET OUT THERE!

Get Out There ! from GET OUT THERE on Vimeo.

"When asked what freedom is to us, we'll probably say nothing. No thoughts, no doubts, no fears, no pressure, no self reflection. A positive emptiness."

Freedom, that is what longboarding gives me. Be passionate about anything you do

and get out there!

Never give up

Yosemite Hike 2012

If your goal seems far away to reach, things might be hard, strenuous and you're tempted to give up. Don't. You're in the middle of your path and your life. What did Confucius once said 'The journey is the destination'. You should move forward, do it little by little, one step at a time and then give it some patience and you'll get there!

BE AWESOME

Just came across this video and I'm getting so stoked, 
a perfect way to start the day!



Girls! We can be as good as men or even better!
Try out things you've always wanted to and keep on doing it!!! Never stop dreaming big because that's what keeps you ALIVE! Try to focus on positivity, get rid of negative thoughts and most importantly:

Love what you do and do what you love. Don't listen to what others say.
Just do your own thing because YOU are living YOUR life. YOU are the only one who has to live it! So, stand up and stand out!

'She believe she could, so she did'- BE AWESOME TODAY!

My longboard story: Gold x green

Look at this perfection of a longboard. Yes, this is it! Gold to green to the fullest!

Long story: I was sick, became a bit depressed, life was monotonous and I was longing for something which sparks my eye. Do you know what I mean by saying: the glowing in your eyes? I've missed that!

Until the next day, it was like someone heard my call: I met a girl on a longboard. I was like: WHAT IS THAT? CAN YOU TEACH ME?!!! That was a month ago and since then it became one of my passions. The moment I was standing on my friend's board I felt: Freedom. My second thought was: Dedication. I felt free, energized, motivated, so childish, yet very very happy.

I had and still have fear, but I know I have to overcome it. Doubts came up and my mind was telling me things like: 'You need time for it. Do you really want it? Aren't you too old for this? Maybe it's just a phase.' Furthermore it wasn't only my mind, it was also people who surrounded me. They were like: 'Honey, we've all had our skater-girl phase, get over it.' I wasn't sure. I borrowed one for a month and have to say: I used it often. 

Time passed and I've made a decision: The fun and the kick is worth more than anything else as long as you're happy! Hell yeah! I don't give a f***! I want to prove myself that you're never too old to start or learn something new. Listen to your gut more and just do what you love and love what you do! Decisions are no decisions without execution. Today was the day: A Loaded Dervish Sama board, golden Bear trucks and green ABEC 11 wheels. An investment for the next couple of years, hopefully for a lifetime. 

Longboards are bigger than skateboards and are used for many disciplines: downhill, dancing, cruising, slalom riding and transport. Surfers tried to invent something for times when there weren't good waves to surf on. So, why not surfing the streets? The result: Longboards and skateboards. It has been always a dream for me to learn how to surf. I am fascinated of being in the middle of nature and flowing in between waves. Since it is a bit difficult to try it out in Germany, I thought: Well, longboarding just popped up. Give it a try and you'll gain some experience in actually standing on a board.

The moment I stood on mine I was one of the luckiest girl on earth or at least Berlin! The feeling of freedom is still intense and this new hobby widenend my perspective once more. I love changes and I love life! Yes, sometimes I want to be a kid again! :)

Many thanks to Funky Summer Berlin. These guys really know what they're doing and selling! Since 1999 they are trying to establish the longboard sport in Germany and spread out the word. They were super friendly, open-hearted and they really took their time to give me advise. I ended up being there for two hours and testing some boards. I'll definitely return and try out their dance class! I might join them on a longboard tour which they offer every Tuesday night (Cruiser Day). The owner Franky (above) said something beautiful: Longboarding is somekind of meditation for me, of being calm with your mind, body and totally focused on the streets.

Oh and girls can surf and skate, too ;-) 

Mind Body Green has an exercise to get rid of fear and trusting the universe

and TinyBuddha gives some advice for overcoming the fear of taking risks.

STAY FEARLESS AND JUST DO IT

NOW!

M

Morning meditation - stretch

Summer finally arrived!!! 

These days I woke up early in the morning because it's just so hot outside: ~ 25°C/ 77°

It's not as hot as in the U.S. but summer came too sudden.

What to do best when you get up really early?

Ride your bike to the lake, do some meditation and yoga! I was there around 6.30a.m. and it was very nice and still chilly. I just love being up this early, why? There is nobody around who'd disturb you!!!

I've started meditation like four to five months ago and I still try to do it every single morning. I don't do it for 30min or so, but 5min every day keeps my mind calm and focused. Sometimes you're just stressed out or have too much in your mind going on, so that you cannot focus anymore. You're always running, ruhsing and try to be on time with anything. Additionally I did some yoga poses, it is so good for me and I think every athlete should incorporate yoga exercises to really stretch out and loosen tight muscles!

Then, I'd like to just slow down and breathe. Being still and mindful helps me to live in the present, not to think too much about the past and not to plan so much for the future.  

Anyone can meditate, you don't have to become a monch. Just breathe and try to calm your mind. When a thought comes up, just catch it and follow how it flows away. 

“Breathing in, I calm body and mind. Breathing out, I smile. Dwelling in the present moment I know this is the only moment.”- Thich Nhat Hanh

Additionally I did some yoga poses, it is so good for me and I think every athlete should incorporate yoga exercises to really stretch out and loosen tight muscles!

Let's embrace this very moment and say:

WELCOME BACK SUN :) we've missed you!

P.S.: Do you want to know what 20min. of yoga does to your brain? Read on here.

Superfood: Chia-Seeds

Living in the U.S., having a lot of time for myself, I've spent most of it doing sports and reading about nutrition. Surfing on the internet and reading many blogs, I came along chia- seeds. 
I've already added flax seeds to my meals, but chia seeds? I thought that they are pretty expensive. They actually are not. I was completely surprised when I've found them here in GER, yes, at my organic health store :)

Now I'm trying them out, but I'm not sure how much I should take in to fully get the benefits. 
It's supposed to help you with digestion, boost your energy and it has the Omega 3+6 fatty acids which would aid in cognitive and learning performance. 

I've made pudding out of it (just stir it up in water and let it sit for at least one hour) and try to add it into oatmeal, juices and salads. Just found out that it might be a food trend, but I like the neutral flavor and the consistency because hey: it expands and after an hour you have pudding?! 

Read on:
10 Health Benefits from Healthyeating.sfgate.com

Ancient Super Seed from Dr. Oz 

I'm curious if I'll notice something soon, will keep you updated ;-)

Sunrise Yoga

How do you guys like yoga? Have you ever tried it before?
Well, I've did it twice now and I'm looking forward to do more of it! It was a free yoga class in the city: compass yoga. -Of course I've found about it from a Street Fair! :) So if you're ever in New York and you're having some spare time especially for beginners, check it out! There are also free yoga sessions in the parks in NYC. That day I went on my own and actually I became friends with the yoga teacher! Her name is Frances from England, she did her Master's degree in the city and she's leaving the country in August, too! See, it's so easy to meet and get to know nice people! :)

I've found out about a free yoga course on Island Beach in my town here in NJ, too! Tuesdays from 7- 8am! Perfect for me, since I'd get up early anyway :)

So, today I went to the first session and it was great! The weather was good, not too hot in the morning and the teacher seems very nice (in the picture above). I like it because in addition to my strength and cardio workout it is good to stretch, twist and twirl your body and just to 'meditate' a little bit, to be aware of your mind, body and soul. I think, that's my thing! Meditation and Yoga :) I should try Pilates someday, too :)

Namaste,

and much love.

M

Swimming: all day, everyday!

97°F outside, it is humid and hot!

What did I do? I got up early in the morning and went for a workout- swim! :)

It feels so great, I love swimming and I always feel relieved!

In the afternoon I took the boys to the lake, so I went a second time.

This week I already went swimming when it was around 60°F and I have to say: The water was freaking cold.. but I've did it! I was in the water for about 40minutes and after that I really needed a hot shower and hot tea!!! I felt perfectly fine afterwards!

Right now, I'm enjoying life so much and I've never felt as energetic as I do now! I hope it stays :)) I hope you guys are enjoying your warm days, too! 

Much love and don't forget the sunscreen ;)

M

My green-tip: Never forget your reusable water bottle and your cloth bag!