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Dancing in the Rain

September 30, 2015

Photography – Bobby Bense & Helen Janneson Bense

Model/Styling – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Centara Grand Resort & Spa – Krabi, Thailand

Outfit Details

Sea Urchin Crochet Dress | Hat

Crochet Bikini + Halter Top | Necklace | Sunglasses | Hat

Kimono | Sundress (similar) | Hat

Tanzania Bikini | Hat

Innika One piece Swimsuit | Hat

Kiss the Sky Gown

Sundress (similar) | Hat | Necklace | Rings | Clutch

Arizona Chain Necklace | Kimono

Gold Leg Chain

“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass….It’s about learning to dance in the rain” – Vivian Greene

This quote has never been as relevant as it was for our recent wanderlust adventures to beautiful Thailand. The day we arrived, so did a crazy monsoon. I must say even though I envisioned my time away with never-ending sunshine, it was a wonderful opportunity for both Bobby and I to embrace the uncertainty of life and find gratitude for all the unexpected blessings. It forced us deeper into ourselves, to reflect and discover what we actually love most about holidays is connection. We still had many pockets of sunshine where the rain and wind slipped away momentarily and we made the absolute most out of it.

We ventured to Krabi first, and discovered this stunning region walled with grand size limestone karsts providing a completely majestic and breathtaking backdrop. It’s a rock climbers paradise and feels a little like a scene from Jurassic Park. We stayed at the luxurious Centara Grand Resort with it’s own pristine private beach. Accessible only by boat or a jungle monkey trail from the nearby town, it’s surrounded by giant awe inspiring cliffs, clear turquoise waters and some of the softest sand I’ve ever felt. It’s a completely magical setting that instantly evokes a relaxed, holiday vibe. We enjoyed the privacy and seclusion of the location, whilst just a short boat ride or hike, you can venture out to the bustling markets, cafes and bars of Krabi. We never felt the urge to leave though as the resort had so much to offer. You can literally jump in a kayak straight from the beach and head out and explore the limestone karsts and turquoise lagoons. The whole area is surrounded by the most amazing beaches, abundant with incredible underwater life. You can take a boat tour to the surrounding islands, or head out for some scuba diving or snorkelling. Enjoy sunset dinners on the beach, jungle hikes, or laze by the multi level pool and spa with a cocktail in hand as you watch the immaculate view of the Andaman sea.

I was lucky enough to celebrate my 39th!! birthday here and indulge in one of the best massages I’ve ever had at their divine day spa. I was lulled into a deep trance and quite possibly this moment was one of the most relaxed I’ve ever felt. Later this evening we were then treated to an amazing Teppenyaki dinner, as we were serenaded with live music, a super friendly atmosphere, creating the perfect holiday ambience we were looking for. We were lucky enough to meet so many amazing travellers here, ending the night with one two many cocktails at the very cool Blu bar. One of the best parts about travelling is all the awesome people you meet and wonderful connections you make. No matter how transient these may be, they are a huge highlight of any adventure abroad.

I’m so excited to explore more of Krabi next time I head back to Thailand. More adventure awaits! ;)

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Travel Tips :

Rainy season in Thailand is typically from May-November though I’ve been in June and it was sunshine and blue skies with just a light misting so you never know. And it’s still so wonderful even when it is raining :)
When travelling to Krabi or any of the islands by boat, I’d suggest arriving in the daylight hours, so the transfer from car, boat to resort is seamless.
The monkeys here are some the bravest I’ve encountered so watch your stuff, they will take it if you leave it unattended.
If you stay at Centara Grand Resort in Krabi definitely opt for a club room. The extra is well worth all the additional advantages that come with this room type. There is an almost non stop serving of food and drink from the Club lounge and happy hour is so amazing you might not even be able to fit in dinner!
Also make sure you order Strawberry Margaritas here…they are the BEST! ;)

NorCal

September 13, 2015

Blouse | Hat

Nishka Leg Chain | Bikini | Self Tan + Bronzer

Photography – Bobby Bense

Model/Styling/Photography – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Benbow Historic Inn, Richardson Grove State Park – California

There’s just something in the air, the earth, the energy…I’m forever drawn back to Northern California. It somehow feels more like home to me. Perhaps being in the northern hemisphere I feel somehow closer to my Finnish origins. I also wonder whether it has something to do with the energy flow, and the impact each hemisphere has on the way our chakras spin…. Regardless of the why and my inner musings, I love this place like home. The ancient redwoods, the crystal clear rivers, the diverse landscape, so full of vivid colour and beautiful wildlife. As much as I yearn for the ocean and beach now, my heart still sings with joy when I’m amongst the trees. I feel at peace as I recall early childhood memories of Finland, sitting in the forest picking berries.

On our recent Norcal adventures, we were lucky enough to spend a glorious week in Humboldt county. Bobby’s family have a multi-generation long annual tradition of summer camping amongst the redwood grove, along the beautiful eel river. It’s always so much fun when we get the chance to go back to the states and join in on this family adventure. Hot summer days were spent rafting on the river, rock jumping and exploring the redwoods. The kids were always so happy connecting with their cousins, chasing lizards and catching tadpoles. We stayed just 5 minutes from the park at the absolutely divine and elegant Benbow historical Inn. Originally built by the Benbow family in the 1920’s, this majestic hotel was once a secluded getaway for many hollywood stars. What once was over a 14 hour journey from San Francisco is now around a 5 hour beautiful scenic drive.

We spent many a balmy night at Benbow eating dinner amongst the ancient trees, overlooking the river, serenaded by local musicians. We indulged in the most impeccable food, so much of which was organically grown right there in their immaculate gardens. As dusk would set in the stone bridge would light up and the whole inn turned into this magical twinkling fairyland.

Hopefully we’ll be back again next year to keep the family tradition going and create new and wonderful memories.

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

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

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