Style

We are LOVE

September 10, 2015

Photography – Bobby Bense

Model/Styling – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – North beach, Western Australia

Outfit details

Look 1

Santorini Embroidered Romper – Turquoise Lane

Bounty Shake Hat – Ace of Something

Nails (Winter) Sienna Byron Bay – Use discount code GYPSYLOVINLIGHT at checkout

Look 2

Slashed Maxi Dress

Gypsy Belt + Hunter Choker

Arizona Black Hat – Ace of Something

“You are what you love not what loves you” Charlie Kaufman

I remember when those first few sparks ignited within me as my blogging journey began. It feels like a lifetime ago now, but it was just over 2 years ago. I didn’t know I was going to become a blogger, I was simply inspired to create. And so I did. And I loved it! I had let so many hard ideals go about how I was supposed to live my life. I felt an enormous amount of energy and freedom resurface and it opened up the infinite possibilities of life to me once again. So instead of the usual inner judgments, I followed my heart’s desire, and began on this creative journey that is now GypsyLovinLight. Sometimes when you stop thinking about what you are supposed to do, you realise what you actually want to do. Each day I began following my highest joy and excitement. I took all that I had ever learnt and turned it upside down. I looked to my children for inspiration, for the way forward in being, because children truly know how to live and enjoy every single moment of life to the fullest.

I’m still on this path, learning and evolving each day. I’m learning how to circumnavigate my existence from the inside out. How to lead my life with intention, whilst letting go of results, expectation, fear and judgement. I’m letting go of what others may or may not think of me, knowing for 1. it’s none of my business and 2. what matters is who I am, and what I believe about myself. And this will always be determined solely by me.

When we live connected to our souls, we not only draw people to us, we inspire all those around us to do the same. And it feels amazing! It is so much better than the stress and suffering we are capable of causing ourselves each day.

So let’s raise the collective consciousness and bring even more joy and happiness to our lives and those around us. Love builds love, and we are all LOVE.

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Blue Silk

September 5, 2015

Photography – Bobby Bense

Model/Styling – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Chaminade Resort, Santa Cruz, USA

Outfit Details

Silk 2 piece (Vienna Sky) – Sisters the Label

Flash Tattoos – Sheebani + Desert Dweller

Belt

Snake Cuff

Arcturus Choker

My {MUST HAVE} Travel Hat

Love a little bit of dress up fun, to float and flutter, and adorn myself in so many beautiful creations. This Sisters the Label 2 piece silk set was so much fun to style and wear. The perfect canvas to lay down a bunch of jewels and flash tattoos…which is exactly what I did ;) It really is such a versatile set that can be tied and worn 6 different ways and a must have for your next holiday!

These photos were from our recent stay at the beautiful and serene Chaminade Resort in Santa Cruz. We were so perfectly situated, perched high above the fog line where the sun is always shining, with a view that was just so peaceful. After a kind of hectic schedule we spent some much needed slow days by the pool with the family, Moscow mules were on repeat, as well as sunset dinners overlooking the pacific. It was the perfect way to end a month long vacation and say our farewells to our beautiful family.

Already conjuring up my next travel adventures ;) Guess where we are headed back to next?

Much love and gratitude,

Helen xx

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

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

Mommy & Me

June 24, 2015

Photography – Bobby Bense

Models – Jade (daughter) + Helen (mommy)

Styling – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Sorrento beach, Western Australia

Outfit Details

Jade

Skirt | Flower Crown | Bracelet – Kapri Couture

Luna Necklace + Luna Cuff

Rings – Air/Earth | Strong | Nani | Luna

Nails – Willow Byron Bay (Winter)

Helen

Kimono | Flower crown | Bracelet – Kapri Couture

Luna Necklace + Ananda soul Cuff

Gypsy Belt

Rings – Ananda Soul – Soul Dance | All is Love Aquamarine | Om | Aletheia & Phos Et Cure

Bikini

Skirt

Nails – Willow Byron Bay (Winter) – Use discount code GYPSYLOVINLIGHT at checkout

My beautiful daughter, Jade, and I were recently blessed to have shared a very special photoshoot together for the divine Kapri Couture. They designed and custom made matching pieces to specifically suit our aesthetic and the mermaid vibes we were after. It was so heart warming to share this journey with my sweet girl, to watch her be pampered in this way, and see her soul alight as she found her own creative expression. She is such a natural beauty, emanating love from deep within her soul. She is my teacher, my angel, and always brings me back to my heart when I need it most. My heart is filled with gratitude for the honour of being her mommy.

This was such a fun family shoot with Bobby (daddy) behind the lens and our dear son, Jacob, our little behind the scenes helper. He was such a sweetheart, taking care of his big sister.

I’m so grateful to Kapri Couture for organising all these pieces for us, so we could share this very special day together. These moments and captures will forever remind us of our bond and unconditional love for one another.

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Endless Summer

June 18, 2015

Photography – Bobby Bense

Model/Styling – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Sorrento Beach, Western Australia

Outfit Details

First Look

Masai Bikini – Del Maar Latin Swimwear

Amethyst Zen necklace | Pear cut Amethyst ring + Amethyst Karma ring – Ocean Mantra

Luna cuff (Fluorite) | Arrow Bracelets (small + large)

Rings – Wanderlust + Co – X Double ring | Orbit/crystal midi | Kasané Jewellery – Eye midi | Stacked ring

Second Look

Sol De Morocco Bikini – Del Maar Latin Swimwear

Grace Bijoux Vivian Belly Chain – Gold

Necklace – Nicole Fendel

Rings – Nicole Fendel – Zara Lace | Skye Double | Arrow | Anna Beck – Turquoise | Triple Bar

Ace of Something Hat

Tan – Tans by Chels

Nails (Aura) – Willow Byron Bay – Use discount code GYPSYLOVINLIGHT at checkout

I’m still in amazement at how gorgeous the days are here in Perth. It’s now officially winter and though the mornings and nights are icy cold the days have been so beautiful, sunny and warm. Being a Melbourne girl and living through years of freezing cold weather, I seriously soak up every little bit of sunshine I can get over here. It still blows my mind 9 years later.

Since I’ve been dreaming of chasing the endless summer my entire life, I’m actually ridiculously excited to share with you all that I am headed to California in just a weeks time! My heart is singing with joy! I’m so excited to reconnect with my US family, relive summer all over again, and simply be amongst those giant redwoods and majestic ocean coastline. So many amazing adventures await! For now though I’m loving every minute of the here and now and so grateful for all that I have in my life.

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Helen Janneson Bense

Style

We are LOVE

September 10, 2015

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Blue Silk

September 5, 2015

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Yosemite

August 31, 2015

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Natural Bridges

August 8, 2015

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Mommy & Me

June 24, 2015

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Endless Summer

June 18, 2015

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