Posts from August 2015

Yosemite

August 31, 2015

Bikini | Dainty Drop Layer Necklace | Cuffs + rings

Photography – Bobby Bense & Helen Janneson Bense

Model/Styling – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Yosemite National Park, California

Outfit Details

Sun Warrior Romper

Wanderlust tee + Woodstock Shorts

London Slip Dress

San Sebastian Bikini

Vegas beaded top + Tribal Chevron Wash Shorts

Ophelia Lace Blouse | Shorts | Crochet Halter

Zanzibar bikini + Love Denim Child Shorts

White Sands Halter + Memory Lane Trashed Shorts

Jewelry + Accessories

Custom Generator necklace

Gold/Blue Mirror Aviators

Hydrus Arm Cuff

{MUST HAVE} Travel Hat

Some places are just too spectacular for words. This is one of those places. A space so out of this world, so grand, so majestic, sacred. I can see why people say god lives there. You can literally feel the energy and heartbeat of the land. These breathtaking views kept me in a continual state of awe and reverence, which is a beautiful way to be.

This was my second visit to Yosemite and I must say I’m itching to go back again. There is so much more to explore and I feel like each time I only scratch the surface. The first time I camped within the park at Curry Village. This time we stayed just outside the park at Tenaya lodge. Even though this is close to the park’s entrance, I’d totally suggest staying somewhere more central within the valley. The park is so vast, and it takes over an hour to drive from the entrance into the valley. Spending hours driving each day, even with spectacular views, is not as fun as being out amongst it all.

The highlight of this adventure was definitely Glacier Point. It’s a bit of a winding drive up to the 7000+ft elevation but well worth it. The panoramic views of half dome and the waterfalls are out of this world. It was pretty crowded in the main turn offs, but we found ourselves a quiet little nook to camp out in for the day. We watched deer prance upon by as we admired the amazing scene and took in the gravity of this place. Of course I dressed completely appropriately for a little light hiking ;) flips flops, bikini, lace romper, kimono and a tonne of jewels.

One of the amazing hikes we did whilst at Yosemite was up to Vernal Falls. I hiked this back in 2003 and was so excited to feel the invigorating energy of these falls again. The altitude, the cooling mists, and surround sound of all that falling water makes for a heady combination that is like being inside a dream. Beyond magnificent.

So till next time Yosemite, thanks for fulfilling my wanderlust.

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Turquoise Zone

August 19, 2015

Photography – Bobby Bense

Model/Styling – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – 26th Ave beach, Santa Cruz, CA

Outfit Details

Woodstock Maxi Dress – Spell Designs

OOAK Turquoise Zone Jewelry –

Tusk Necklace – Seawolf

Rings – Arrow midi | Cosmology Turquoise

My {MUST HAVE} Travel hat – Ace of Something

Bikini

It was the perfect northern california summer’s day….blues skies, beaming sunshine, epic surf, and that amazing low key vibe I love most about Santa Cruz. I was turquoise crushing bad on these amazing handmade jewels from the Turquoise Zone. Paired with some super divine Spell lace and this outfit was simply like living inside a dream. I also happened to be in my most favourite place ever having my annual catch up with my beautiful sister, Reija. After a revitalising beach walk full of wild winds and salty ocean mists, we topped off this spectacular day with sunset margaritas overlooking the ocean and a bbq with the family. Total and utter bliss!

No matter how much time passes, I’m continually drawn here, to this place, this beach, to my sister, my family. It feels like my other home, and it’s probably because each time I visit I leave a little piece of my heart here. I’m so immensely grateful for the precious time we had with our US family. We may have been separated by oceans all these years as our children have grown up, but our connection is as strong as ever. It’s always the quality of the time that matters most, not the quantity…though I’d take more in a heartbeat ;) We love you guys!

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Natural Bridges

August 8, 2015

I’m finally back in Australia after our amazing month long California Summer holiday. I’m so happy to be home, so happy to have created ever lasting memories with my family, and my heart is filled with gratitude for all the incredible adventures we experienced. Every travel experience deepens my soul, widens my eyes, expands my heart, and elevates my whole being, as my imagination gets lost in the wonderment of this breathtaking planet we live on.

There were so many highlights, so many photos which I’ll be sharing and reliving here on my blog over the next few weeks.

These photos were taken on a perfect summer’s day at Natural Bridges State Park in Santa Cruz. For the folks who live here in Santa Cruz, they know it can be hit or miss with beach days. The ominous fog lingers along the coast most mornings, though naturally we took every opportunity to head to the beach, fog or no fog, to get our feet in the sand.

On this absolutely stunning beach day, I was lucky enough to reunite with one of my Melbournian besties and share my love of Santa Cruz with her. We watched the fog roll out to uncover these stunning natural bridge formations, home to a couple of seals and birds. We danced upon the shores as the waves rolled in, soaked up a bunch of glorious sunshine, and spent this magical day connecting as kindred sistars do.

Santa Cruz has always been my second home and holds a very large piece of my heart. It’s not only that my dearest sister Reija, lives here, but the landscape has captivated me since my very first trip here in 1996! I’ve been travelling back and forth for what feels like forever now and each time I discover even more about this amazing place. I love you Santa Cruz! Until next time :)

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Photography – Bobby Bense

Model/Styling – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Natural Bridges State Park, Santa Cruz, California

Outfit Details

Sea Goddess Dress – Billabong Australia

Cuffs – Snake | Vanessa Mooney Arrow | Don Biu

Rings – Don Biu – Silver Moonstone | Crystal | Rainbow Moonstone | Rainbow Moonstone Statement | Midi Stacking ring

Necklace – Luna pendant (back in stock soon, contact here for the wait list)

My {MUST HAVE} Holiday Hat

Tkees