USA

Fade to White

January 28, 2016

Photography – Bobby Bense

Model/Styling– Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Northshore, Oahu, Hawaii

Outfit Details

Billabong – Fade to White 2016 Collection

Hippie Hooray Crop Halter

Hippie Hooray Biarritz

Accessories

GypsyLovinLight – Bella Leg Chain | Bella Bodychain | OOAK Turquoise Ring | Cosmic Moon Necklace | Cosmic Moon Cuff

Anna Beck – Silver Saddle Ring | Stacking Rings

Embella – OOAK Turquoise Rings | Tribal Rings + Cuffs

Bodychain

Tribal Necklace

Sunglasses

“Dream big with all the love and joy in your heart and pave the way for all the wondrous magic and miracles of life”

I’m so excited to share this photo shoot Bobby and I created in Hawaii for Billabong Australia for their January Fade to White collection. We had a whole day to play in the sunshine and salt water, soak up all the Aloha, as we explored the incredible northshore coastline. We felt so far removed from the world, in our own creative bubble. It was all so dreamy.

I’ve been floating in that bubble ever since and rather than looking to the next holiday, next break, next satisfying fulfilling distraction, my every day has become an ongoing stream of all that I love. It’s work and play all rolled into one. I don’t feel the need to escape my life, my work, my heartaches or my reality. I’m learning to simply be, accept all that comes, all that I create, love what is, and ride the wave. I’m thankful for each miraculous experience, even if it’s painful at times.

Hawaii definitely stole my heart and amplified my dreams to new heights. The energy of this land is just so magnetic and healing and brought so many insights to me simply be being there. I’m so grateful for my opportunities to travel and experience so much in this beautiful world.

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Hawaiian Love Story

December 21, 2015

Photography – Bobby Bense

Model/Creative Director – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Turtle Bay Resort, Pipeline, Waimea Bay – Oahu, Hawaii

Outfit Details

Moon Date Top

Coral Coast Tropic Pant + Coral Coast Top

Coral Coast Cape

The Tropics Panama Hat

Wild Again Cowboy Hat

Sail Away Market Bag

Sail Away Slide

Memory Lane Trashed Shorts

Coral Coast One piece

Dear Hawaii,

You have blown me away. I can’t explain how beautiful you are in words. I look at your pristine beaches, roaring ocean and mysterious mountains and I cry over the immense beauty of it all. You are pure magic. One of the greatest energy spots I’ve visited on my time here on earth.

Mahalo.

Our recent wanderlust adventures took us to the fabled Northshore, on the idyllic island of Oahu. The tropical scents, the mouth watering food, the warm hearted people, the breathtaking landscape, the pulse and vitality that you can literally feel the moment you step off the plane….aahhhh let’s just say we found our island paradise and we are ready to pack our bags and move ;) There is something so raw about the immense waves at Northshore that open your heart allowing deeper connections to yourself, to nature and to all those around you. It was such a sensory and soul experience all in one.

My highlight was definitely hanging out at the Billabong House at Pipeline, acai bowl in hand, watching the incredible surfers riding those massive waves. I was in complete awe the entire time and I had to remind myself to breathe! It was one of the most inspirational experiences of my life. We were lucky enough to attend the Surfer Poll Awards and honour these amazing athletes that brave the power of the ocean. A few other awesome highlights – food truck stops along north shore for some of the best tacos and acai bowls of my life! Balmy sunsets at Turtle bay watching the surfers catch those last waves of the day. So many rejuvenating ocean swims in those magical turquoise waters. And pretty much every moment in between!

We seriously can’t thank Billabong Womens Australia enough for inviting us on one of the best trips of our lives. It is etched forever in our hearts and we are so grateful for all the belly laughs, dining and dancing, and above all the connections we made with you all. Nothing makes travelling better than meeting awesome people who open your heart up even more.

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

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

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