Style

Embella Travel Diary

June 30, 2017

Photography – Bobby Bense | Helen Janneson Bense

Model/Styling – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Darwin, North Territory, Australia

Outfit Details

All jewelry, clothing and accessories available from EMBELLA | Follow them on Instagram + Facebook

SHOP Rings | Earthgirl Necklaces, Bracelets, Anklets, Toe rings

Bikinis – X Back | Isla Baru Top + Bottoms

This was our first trip to Darwin, NT and hopefully won’t be our last. What an absolutely beautiful and vibrant place. The candy sunset skies, the turquoise beaches, the abundant wildlife, flowing waterfalls, the sense of adventure and excitement, perfect balmy summer nights and the best hosts anyone could wish for. Big thanks to Sally and Ross from Embella for this experience. We have made memories for life with our gorgeous new friends.

Straight off the plane our first stop was to the beach of course, which was only a 10 minute drive from the airport. Perfect recharge after a flight! We arrived to witness thousands of dragonflies fluttering about casting rainbows with their wings in the light. From here we spent the evening perched upon a cliff overlooking the ocean, inhaling the sunset beauty and cliff jumping into the turquoise waters.

We had some seriously amazing note worthy food experiences during our stay. Peewees on the point is a definite must visit. The service and food are of the highest standard and the views from here are spectacular. For the best breakfast in town head to Sweet Brew & Co and for something decadently indulgent and a little naughty, but oh so good, try the gluten free pancake!

For some shopping and community fun definitely check out Mindil Beach Sunset Markets. Beautiful Embella have an awesome stall here too, and there is just so much to eat, experience and see! Stop by Croc, Stock and Barra and hear some fascinating stories about life in the tropics with crocodiles. When you’re in town, definitely check out the very special Embella store. The entire shop has been created with so much love, and there is a beautiful story behind every piece of hand made furniture and jewels. You’ll feel it all the moment you step inside this divine space.

My highlights were definitely sunset dinner sailing with the most jaw dropping candy coloured sky backdrop, and our visit to Litchfield National Park. Beautiful Sally and Ross took us on a hiking adventure to one of their favourite waterfalls. It was so worth every step once we arrived to this secluded lagoon, with waterfall upon waterfall, and wildlife buzzing all around us. I even faced one of my biggest fears as I came face to face with about 10 giant spiders in the most gigantic web I think I’ve ever seen. This place was filled with energy and so alive…butterflies were fluttering all around, ants scurrying, and the goannas were having a lovely sunbathing sesh on the rocks. I was in pure heaven with the loveliest people ever and never wanted to leave this healing space.

I’m so grateful for this experience of a lifetime, and to see more of this beautiful country I call home. The very best part was meeting some of the most genuine, kind hearted people ever, making kindred friendships for life. We love you Sally, Ross and gorgeous little Nalu!

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Chasing the Light

June 13, 2017

Photography – Bobby Bense | Helen Janneson Bense

Model/Styling – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Sorrento Beach, WA

Outfit Details

Necklaces – Divine Drop | Risen

Drifter Wallet

Shimmer Please Playsuit

Shoes

Hat

Sunglasses

Hair | Extensions | Tan

I am forever chasing sunsets and mesmerised by the changing light and colour of every sun kissed sky. I love watching the gradient of colour shift from golden to pastel hues, reflected in the water and the sand in the most beautiful patterns, always different and unique. I like my outfits and accessories the same; unique and inspiring, alchemical, like wearing a piece of magical art. So I’m always on the look out for something a little sparkly and spectacular to reflect how I’m feeling about this amazing world we live in. How lucky are we?! And how stunning are these Midsummer Star jewels! I absolutely loved co-creating these images with my love Bobby Bense. We are both so passionate about capturing the beauty of natural light and breathtaking sunsets together with our sweet children by our side, always joyfully playing and watching us create.

These sunset moments are so fleeting at times, though when I slow my breath and focus, each moment feels infinite and timeless. Everything feels possible. Every moment is an opportunity to create something new, to pursue our dreams, to open up to connection and to love. Every moment we shift our focus away from past and future and discover presence, we open up a portal to an abundance of joy, love and connection that is our birthright.

With overflowing love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Every Shade of Blue

May 28, 2017

Photography – Bobby Bense | Helen Janneson Bense

Drone Photography – Look Down Bali

Model/Styling – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Azul Beach Club, Bali Mandira – Legian | Nusa Ceningan | Nusa Penida – Bali, Indonesia

Nusa Penida Boat trip – Seaduction

Outfit Details

Dresses – Chaouen Maxi | Silk Blue Gown | Brazen Blush Dress | Palma Australia Lace | Maple Maxi

Tops/Skirts – Stardust Sequin Cami | Tropez Embellished Tunic | Mini Skirt Galaxy

Kimonos – Sting Ray Cover | Safi Kaftan

Jewelry – Lakshmi Mala | Blue Quartz Drop Necklace | GypsyLovinLight Shop

Hats – The Beverly | Arizona

So excited to share with you our recent Bali adventures to the magnificent Azul Beach Club and Bali Mandira. We spent easter here with the whole family, enjoying many awesome events, including the ultra cool LushLand Sunset Sesh where we danced all night long under the stars to some amazing tunes and first class performances. It’s now become our Bali home away from home. Picture a 3 story bamboo treehouse overlooking the beautiful ocean with those perfect Bali waves rolling in. Envision a spiralling bamboo staircase taking you to the best sunset view, a tiki bar made of geodes in beautiful ocean blues, and a wall feature shimmering with the iridescence of abalone shells. Everything from the infinity pool, the spa, the lights, the music, the cool vibes, all the little details…. it’s candy for the eyes and soul…and I haven’t got to the best part! The food, the drinks, the service! Next level Bali! All the tiki cocktails are prepared with premium rum, served in custom made glassware. You’ll find yourself in culinary heaven eating only the yummiest cuisine created by one of Bali’s most celebrated chefs using the finest quality ingredients. So if you haven’t been to Azul Beach Club yet, seriously you must go! Book yourself a poolside cabana, order an Island Nectar (my favourite) and definitely indulge in all the food…everything is delicious and we seriously tried the entire menu! For the perfect sunset dinner experience, book a pod overlooking the ocean!

If you are visiting from afar, then check yourself in at Bali Mandira. You’ll have easy access to Azul and you’ll have everything you could need right there. Amazing pool, swim up pool bar, kids club, beach, water slides, club benefits and more. We really loved our stay in the Pool villa which had an adjoining room for the children. We indulged in a floating breakfast in our pool for something a little extra special and fun! We highly recommend the day spa, the rooms and massages are incredible! After our massages we headed back to our room and relaxed in our very own flower bath. It’s sure to transform you into a state of complete bliss. And after all, we all need a little pampering on holidays. Once you’re nurtured and feeling loved up and energised, try the SUP yoga in the beach pool. It’s a safe and easy environment to experience this and it’s just so much fun! I can’t wait to do it again!

You can probably see from my images that we had an incredible time here. We love Bali and we have visited and stayed in many different places. We are really particular with where we stay and only recommend the best. This is a really great affordable spot, perfect for families and couples. For adult free time, Azul offers a quiet space by their infinity pool. For family fun, the beautiful large beach style pool at Bali Mandira is your go to. We experienced everything from a romantic dinner on the beach to a traditional balinese cooking class with the family.

We were lucky enough to spend a day circumnavigating Nusa Penida on this trip aboard the Seaduction. We set sail from Sanur with a fun crew, equipped with the amazing drone skills of Look Down Bali and a sense of adventure. It surely was a wild experience as we journeyed by boat around the more remote parts of this island. The colour of the water was simply breathtaking. I think I said WOW only about a hundred times! It was like being in an entirely otherworldly land. I was secretly waiting for dinosaurs to appear haha!

Big love and thanks to our hosts, Azul Beach Club and Bali Mandira, for one of the most wonderful family holidays we’ve had. We were so well taken care of, every need anticipated, and as we interacted with other guests, we could see everyone was feeling the same. It’s a truly special place. I hope you all get the opportunity some day to enjoy this island paradise.

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Endless Summer Dreams

February 28, 2017

Photography – Bobby Bense

Model/Creative Direction – Helen Janneson Bense

Locations – City Beach, Sorrento Beach – Western Australia

Outfit Details – Maison du Maillot

Look 1

Sea Odyssey Tback Shoestring Top and Sea Odyssey Tailored Shorts

Necklace | Rings | Cuffs | Sunglasses | Hat

Look 2

Rose Gold Shimmer One Piece

Fringe Basket

Wheatfield Embroidered Gown

Bodychain | Hat | Cuff

“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever” Jacques Yves Cousteau

This ones for all the sunshine seeking mermaids and bohemian wanderers dreaming of an endless summer of love and sunset soiree’s.

I’ve recently discovered a new online shopping destination that I’ve quickly fallen in love with. Maison du Maillot, which translates to ‘House of Swimwear’ in French, have fast become my go to for that relaxed, forever on vacation style I love. They travel the world, handpicking their collection of boutique swimwear, clothing and accessories, ideal for the gypset at heart, that dreams of 365 days of white sands, turquoise seas, salty ocean air and magical pastel sunsets. If you’re looking for something extra special, and unique like you, for your next holiday adventure, let Maison du Maillot take care of your summertime needs.

And who doesn’t love exceptional customer service, easy returns and free worldwide shipping! Definitely one to bookmark!

Here’s to balmy summer nights, twinkling lights, shimmering sun kissed skin, and loved up adventures to unknown havens.

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Holiday Vibin’

December 18, 2016

Photography – Bobby Bense

Model/Styling – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Sorrento Beach, Western Australia

Outfit Details

Jewelry – Embella

Rings – OOAK Larimar | Crystal Waters with Bubbles | Crystal Water | Tropical Stackers | Tribal

Bracelets/Cuffs – Om | Gypsy Traveller

Necklaces – Passion Flower | Lotus Pod | Bindi Wrap Choker

Anklets – Passion Flower | Coral Reef | Om | Hawaii

Toe Rings

She’s A Vision Top | Hat | Shorts | Roundie (similar)

Yes Yes YES! It’s that time of year! I’m so pumped this year to see my family in Melbourne for a huge reunion, to celebrate my best friend’s 40th, my Dad’s 80th and finish up with New Year’s Eve in beautiful Byron Bay! It’s been an amazing and challenging year full of wonderful lessons, personal growth and transformation. I’m so grateful for all of it and so grateful to now enjoy some down time with my precious family and friends.

Here are some fun beach pics from a recent adventure wearing a whole lot of my favorite holiday jewelry from Embella. We are tapping into the holiday vibe early as we like to do here in WA.

Sending so much holiday cheer, love, joy, peace and new year blessings to you all!

Helen xx

Sunset Dancer

December 7, 2016

Photography – Bobby Bense

Model/Styling – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Perth, WA

Outfit Details

Necklace – Mandala Love

Bracelets/Cuffs – Embrace | Mandala Love | Mandala Love Bracelet

Singlet Top | Blouse | Shorts | Hat

“Feel by the Moon, Live by the Sun, Dance like a star” – Midsummer Star

This sunset was not like all the others. I was captivated by the iridescence and shimmering light bouncing off the sand and the sea, awakened by the vital force of the ripening moon, calmed by the gentle rhythm of the waves. It was absolutely magical!

These are those ‘me’ moments I cherish so much…when everything becomes so still, time slows down, and you can feel the space between breaths, where peace lingers, always inviting and welcoming you in. This is my meditative space, where I go when I visit the beach and immerse myself in nature. Sometimes I go deep to the space where creativity is born. Like a fire I am filled with an energy that builds as I create, fuelling my imagination and vision.

This time of year definitely calls for more meditation time. Time to nurture myself and take every opportunity to slow down, even if it’s only for a few minutes. I am so much clearer when I have rested and found a pace of breathing in and breathing out in my day. And so much more productive. I hope you all navigate this crazy season of fun and festivities with lots of self love and nurturing.

So much love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Helen Janneson Bense

Style

Embella Travel Diary

June 30, 2017

Share this:

Chasing the Light

June 13, 2017

Share this:

Every Shade of Blue

May 28, 2017

Share this:

Endless Summer Dreams

February 28, 2017

Share this:

Holiday Vibin’

December 18, 2016

Share this:

Sunset Dancer

December 7, 2016

Share this: