I came to Belgium with just my cruiser board. I always love cruising in Knokke-Heist. I especially love the never ending boardwalk.

But this time I checked out the Skatepark at Duinenwater, which is part of an amazing compound of activities. As soon as I saw the other skaters, I was missing my other board.

I missed it so much that I got up my nerve and asked a stranger if I could borrow his board. Thankfully he said YES!

I ended up borrowing several boards throughout my stay. Next time I’ll bring mine for sure. I just wanted to share this because I think it’s important to be afraid and still do something. It was scary asking strangers who speak a different language for help. Plus it’s important to be helpful to strangers. My fellow skaters did not know me. The risk was low that I would skate off with his board, the park is fenced in, but there was risk. Take some risks, the world truly is a better brighter place when we help and trust each other both on and off the board.

Dropping in is a right of passage in skateboarding. It looks amazingly graceful when you see someone with confidence doing it.

But those first times that it’s you that’s going to do it – well that’s scary. A few feet can look like thousands of feet because it’s you that’s going down them.

What can stop the fear is that helping hand. I love every picture I see of someone getting help dropping in.

As the person who’s been in both positions, I can assure you the helper has as much fun and maybe more joy when the person makes it.

How are you helping others? Whether it’s on or off the board, a helping hand boosts all hand up!

Check out Skate Girls Berlin – they are passionate about connecting and empowering Girls who love skateboarding – they are building community!

Recently, I received a pillow from Boy Meets Girl first ever home collection!

The collection consists of six beautiful pillows available at Target.

As you can see each pillow has its own powerful statement. I love this because it makes it easy to remember the positive things in life.

The idea behind Boy Meets Girl’s home collection is to bring positivity and confidence to your home.

I decided to bring my pillow to my family home in Knokke-Heist, Belgium. My family comes here all the time and every time I get homesick. The pillow makes me feel better about being far from my California home by reminding me that I can be confident and stylish anywhere.

In addition to building your confidence, every pillow purchased donates a percentage to the National School Climate Center’s BullyBust program to combat intolerance in schools so everyone can feel confident.

What helps build your confidence when you’re far from home? Next fall I’m going to college, so I’d love to hear your tips.

For those unfamiliar with the brand Kateboards, they are …

“devoted to the inclusion & progression of female skateboarders of all levels through community, collaboration, and quality products.”

This Thursday, July 25th, at 6:30pm Kateboards will be having a ladies skate date at Swamis Beach.

Skaters of all levels are invited to come meet on the grass in font of the beach then skate with us to Culture for pizza and drinks.

Hope to see you there. XO!

For more information on Kateboards check out their website.

This month Skate Rising was at the Encinitas YMCA skatepark. Like always we shared lots of love and encouragement.

Seventy five girls came together to help build activity kits for kids at Rady Children’s Hospital. They included coloring books, puzzles, crayons, lanyards, and stickers.

This month our guest speaker, California, was extra special because she is a long time member of Skate Rising.

California has Periodic Fever Syndrome and created The Flying Lifeguards to raise awareness.

I hope you have time to check out her site.

I admire California for her go getter attitude and desire to help others like her.

Recently I have been using Maple Holistics Apricot Oil. 

As someone who is constantly battling with acne and other skin imperfections this has made a huge impact in my life! 

Over the past couple months I’ve noticed an evening in my skin tone, reduced acne scarring, along with super smooth and soft skin. 

It even strengthens and de-frizzes my hair. Which is a big plus for me considering my hair is extremely long and thick. 

Apricot oil is extremely rich in antioxidants, vitamins A, B, C, E, omega 6, and fatty acids. This helps nourish your skin in addition to prevent and stop fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots. (It’s not just me saying it works – it’s SCIENCE!!!)

In addition to the amazing changes it has made for my skin and hair I love how Maple Holistics produces their products and their standards. 

Maple Holistics uses 96-100% pure and naturally sourced ingredients to promise products that work. 

Their primary goal is to provide a natural, holistic range of premium products which can enhance hygiene, health, and daily living.

Who doesn’t love that?

Happy Father’s Day to my OG skate buddy.

Above he’s at the Carmel Valley Pump Track with me.

Way back when he bought me my first board, he actually financed my entire skateboarding setup including camps at the YMCA and lessons. But the greatest gift he gave and continues to give me is the encouragement to keep skating.

He is always there to help me up and never doubts my ability or the direction I want to take my skating.

Ok there’s this picture where I’m sure he was mocking me –

but his love is unconditional. Happy father’s day SKB!

It has felt like a lifetime since I was last at Skate Rising. I took multiple SAT tests, it rained, and I went to Belgium. IT’S BEEN TOO LONG!!!

This month we made journals to write positive affirmantions in! There is nothing more important than loving and supporting yourself.

Welllllll I lied … there is only one thing more important than self love and that’s WAFFLES.

There is not a single person I know who doesn’t like waffles. They make everything better!

To top the party off I was specially requested due to a referal from one of the people I look up to the most, Sway. I got to help his roommates daughter.

It’s the little things in life that matter the most. Like taking time to do what you love, having delicious snacks, and hearing your friends speak highly of you.

Remember to be kind to yourself and others <3

Skate Like a Girl Seattle has so many wonderful programs and events to help girls be their best selves.

One event I’ve blogged about before recently celebrated it’s 10th year!

Ten years – a decade – of welcoming all ages & abilities who want to have fun skating.

I so wish I could make it out there one year. Have you gone?

What an amazing group shot. If you aren’t familiar with Skate Like a Girl Seattle, take the time to get to know them. Always something going on – camps – after school – sessions – etc.

They are truly building community every day.

You can have fun skateboarding alone but you might have even more fun skating with others!

If you asked me what I did in April, I’d probably say homework, homework, and homework. Whoever said first class in Anatomy was strictly memorization was not in my class!

But the ladies in LA – that’s the LA Girls Skate Sessions Community had a BBQ.

So don’t be me – with too much homework! Instead be them with fun Sundays. Seriously we all need to take breaks. Taking breaks and spending quality time with others is essential to being our best healthy selves.

Wherever you live try to find a group of girls skating. It can be super scary to go to an event where you don’t know anyone, but I’ve found that girls skate events – especially the non competition ones – are all about the fun, so they are very welcoming.

Please share your events and if there’s not an event in your area, it doesn’t take a huge group to make an event. A few good friends at the skatepark is an event and the joy you’re having will attract others.