Magical City of Lights

January 25, 2018

Photography/Videography – Bobby Bense | Helen Janneson Bense

Model/Styling/Editing – Helen Janneson Bense | Bobby Bense

Location – Dubai, United Arab Emirates – For all your Dubai travel needs head to Visit Dubai

Eat – Toko | Thiptara | Mercury Lounge

Outfit Details

Bag – Basket White Tassel | Ark bag

Swimwear – Ostuni Halterneck | Salvador Summer

Hats – Je T’aime | Scalloped Ivory Love

From the mountains to the city, from the desert to the sea, Dubai really has it all and has won our hearts once again. This was our second trip to this dreamy city, where everything feels like a fairytale. The glistening streets at night, the iconic Burj Khalifa standing so tall and bright, the buildings shimmering in gold, it makes you stop and admire just how innovative and creative Dubai truly is. The blend of traditional architecture with modern luxuries is outstanding. We experienced everything from the Hajar mountains and the historical town of Hatta, to the pure opulence of the Burj Al Arab. We kayaked the Hatta Dam, went stand up paddle boarding at Cove Beach, took a seaplane over the Palm Jumeirah, explored the souks of Madinat Jumeirah, and enjoyed some of the best food we’ve ever had. For a spectacular candlelit meal with the most incredible views of the dancing fountains head to Thiptara at The Palace. The viewing deck at The Palace is also a great vantage point to watch the fountain show and see Burj Khalifa transform into one of the most creative light shows I’ve ever seen. For a fun rooftop sunset sesh we loved Level 43 and the Mercury Lounge at the Four Seasons. One of my personal highlights, however so small, was discovering that the Four Seasons has a gluten free, vegan menu. I did the most joyful happy dance and maybe even squealed a little when I saw this ;) I love how progressive and multicultural Dubai is, and this is reflected in all the amazing dining experiences on offer. We were completely spoilt for choice everywhere we went! For a lovely casual night out with something for everyone try Toko. Feast on Chinese and Japanese street style food in their famous outdoor garden. It was culinary heaven, and set the scene for such a fun night out connecting with friends.

The finale to this beyond amazing trip was heading into the Arabian desert for a safari. We learnt about the Arabian Oryx, the national animal of UAE, and were lucky enough to see a herd of these majestic creatures in the conservation reserve. What a beautiful sight it was, the white Oryx set against the contrast of the vibrant desert sand. After an exhilarating ride in the cutest vintage jeep we arrived at our desert camp. We watched the sunset in the most divine bedouin setup, with arabic coffee, shisha and traditional drumming and dance. We shared a beautiful meal and heart felt stories around the fire, creating memories with our lovely group of desert travellers. These are the precious moments that will be with me forever.

If you want any more information on Dubai please comment or direct message me. I’m always happy to help and offer my assistance to plan your perfect adventure.

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

This trip was sponsored by Visit Dubai and we are beyond grateful for this opportunity to create and share all this beauty and magic with you all.

My Happy Place

January 13, 2018

Photography – Bobby Bense | Helen Janneson Bense

Model/Styling – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – North Beach, Western Australia

“Recognise the beauty that you are by immersing yourself in it”

First of all HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone and thanks for following along and being part of our tribe! We love you!

If you follow my instagram you’ll probably see a crazy amount of sunset imagery. Not only are sunsets beyond beautiful and so fun to take photos of, they provide me with the most ideal space and time to go within to my happy place. This is probably the most important reason I spend my days chasing sunsets. This particular one was simply breathtaking. The mood was so still with very little wind, with this incredibly iridescent turquoise water set against a candy coloured sky. There was lightning on the horizon and you could feel the tingling vibrations of a pending storm. Every cell in my body was alive. I felt like crying it was just so beautiful.

Most days you’ll find me spending quality time connecting with my family, immersed in the beauty of nature. It might be snorkelling in a turquoise lagoon, hiking beach cliffs, supping on a mountain lake, though more than often I’m simply watching the setting sun. There is nothing more enriching for me in this life than connection to myself, to my tribe, and to nature. We are one and the same. We spend so much of our time searching externally for comfort, to ease our pain and inner conflicts; trying to control the uncertainty of life whilst projecting our fears onto others. The more I observe and allow my feelings and thoughts to be, the more at ease I become. I find a sense of peace that brings more happiness into my life than any external pleasures and addictive behaviours possibly could. Putting myself in the presence of nature’s beauty provides me with an easier path to move deeper into this inner space. The place where I’m able to sit in the stillness and observe, and give my thoughts and feelings the acceptance they need. This is my meditative space where my inner state of peace bubbles into pure joy. This is my happy place. It’s when I’m connected to nature and realise I am nature. I feel as though I am the setting sun and the rising moon, and each wave that rolls in is like my precious breath that gives me life.

I hope you all have a happy place that brings you health, joy and connection. Wishing you all a wonderful, magic filled 2018!

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

W + Co Malaysia Travel Diary

November 15, 2017

Photography – Bobby Bense + Helen Janneson Bense

Model/Styling – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – The Majestic Kuala Lumpur | The Majestic Malacca – Malaysia

Outfit Details

Jewelry – Wanderlust and Co

Cuffs – Lola Silver | Luna Gold Set | Knot Gold Handchain | Crescent Silver Handchain | Moonchild Silver Bangle

Earrings – Cosmic Dust Silver | Nova Gold

WCO Holiday Essentials – Girl Gang One Piece | Cactus Pool Float | Girl Gang Straw | Girl Gang Sippy Cup

Swimwear – Salvador Summer Ball Bikini | Bianca Skyflower One Piece | Girl Gang One Piece | Hanging around one piece + scarf

Hats – Selene Boater | Athena Hat | Luna | Rhea

Sunglasses

Our family was recently blessed with the most heart filled trip to Malaysia. Meeting the gorgeous creatives behind one of my favourite jewellery brands, Wanderlust + Co, was the absolute highlight of this entire trip. These women are beyond inspiring, creating, sharing and sprinkling beautiful messages of love and inspiration along the way, as they produce their stunning jewellery. The latest Falling Star collection was definitely one of my favourites, filled with light catching, celestial inspired jewels that make you want to reach for the stars and beyond.

Our journey began at the iconic Majestic hotel in Kuala Lumpur. I instantly fell in love with it’s colonial heritage and luxurious touches. From here we discovered the pulse of the city…so much culture, charm and oh my goodness the FOOD! There’s a little bit of everything in this multicultural country – Malaysian, Indian, Chinese, Portuguese and if you’re vegan like me, then you’ll be happy to know there are so many options. From here you can easily walk to little India. We were lucky enough to witness the Deepavali festivities, also known as the Festival of Lights, a celebration of light triumphing over darkness. What a sensory experience of sparkling lights, vivid colours, joyful celebrations and heavenly aromas that filled the air! We toured the streets admiring the exquisite architecture, the national mosque, the glistening Petronas twin towers, finishing up a perfect day with a rooftop sunset sesh at Troika with our beautiful Wanderlust + Co family. The highlight of our stay at the Majestic KL was definitely the high tea at the Orchid Conservatory. What a delight it was to enjoy a beautiful selection of herbal teas surrounded by a hanging garden of orchids.

Our next stop was the UNESCO World Heritage port town of Malacca, a town filled with diverse architecture steeped in Malacca’s rich history. We stayed at the Majestic Malacca, a restored 1920’s settlement mansion, situated right across from the beautiful Malacca River. This river, long ago used for trade, is now filled with cruises running all day and night. It’s a really great way to see the town, though I’d still suggest walking too so you can admire the amazing street art. Come sunset time head to the Chan Boon Cheng Bridge and you’ll hear the call to prayer combined with the most beautiful view of pastel sunset skies. This was the kind of humbling experience that makes you simply stop, breathe it all in, and give thanks for being alive.

Everything about our stay at The Majestic Malacca was so unique and wonderful. We loved the signature cocktails made with their very own Tanqueray Malacca gin. Bob the bartender was our favourite and even made the kids the yummiest dairy free smoothies every day. The authentic Kristang dining experience (a blend of Malay-portugese) was just superb. They were ever so accommodating with our specific dietary requirements. Without compromising on flavour they brought the most colourful, delicious and aromatic food to the table. It was culinary heaven to say the least. The highlight for me was the signature spa experience. This was hands down the best I’ve ever had….seriously! Inspired by Traditional Chinese medicine the massage was based upon a person’s heating and cooling energies. Discovering that my body needed more heat, they used the nutmeg rice rolling technique, and I was completely amazed at how fantastic this was. I’m not sure anywhere else in the world does this so I’ll need to go back for sure! ;)

The natural beauty, the rich, diverse culture, the vivid colours of Malyasia will long live on in our hearts. So will our wonderful connections with our Wanderlust and Co family. I am forever grateful for this experience and to have shared this with my family.

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Magical Maldives

October 12, 2017

Photography – Bobby Bense | Helen Janneson Bense

Drone Photography – Courtesy of Grand Park Kodhipparu

Model/styling – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Grand Park Kodhipparu | Kanuhura – Maldives

Outfit Details

Swimwear – Gypset Lace up | Alena Luxe | Hush Hush | Ostuni Halterneck | Hartley Top + Bottoms

Jolie skirt

Strawberry fields forever skirt | Free Spirit crop

Hat

You can read my recent Interview on Indulge Maldives

Ok so we have officially found heaven on earth! The Maldives is honestly beyond breathtaking, it’s actually so unbelievably beautiful the views brought me to tears many times. From our seaplane arrival and parasailing over the atolls, to heart melting dolphin encounters and sunset cruises to castaway islands…these moments will live on in us forever.

We spent 10 days in this turquoise haven with our family, split between two amazing resorts – Grand Park Kodhipparu and Kanuhura. We somehow brought the sunshine with us and lucked out with an almost all clear, sunny time for our entire trip, which we didn’t expect considering we traveled in the rainy season. Honestly when it did rain we didn’t even care! It was still so warm, so beautiful, and our level of relaxation and family fun reached all new heights on this trip. For anyone on the fence about traveling during the rainy months, my tip is absolutely do it! It’s less crowded, less expensive, and you’ll have the best time guaranteed.

We spent our days soaking up the sunshine playing paddle ball on the beach, snorkelling, supping, jet skiing and island hopping in these crystal clear waters. We pretty much ticked off a whole lot of bucket list items, including simply being there!

Though many people think of the Maldives as the honeymoon destination, I felt like it was actually one of the best places we’ve ever traveled with our children. There was just so much to do and even when we were just relaxing on the beach I was so inspired watching their imaginative play. It’s so refreshing to see what children will come up with when immersed in a natural environment away from all the usual technological distractions. They were hundred percent happy exploring, and it felt so safe for them with no cars and so much beach to run and express their little hearts out.

One of our highlights was filming a wedding with Grand Park Kodhipparu. Bobby and I felt like we were getting married all over again. We set sail to a nearby sandbank, dressed in flowing chiffon, with an island style wedding awaiting us. We danced, we kissed, we strolled down the aisle and into the sunset together in one of the most romantic moments of our entire trip. Another stand out moment was our arrival to Kanuhura. We took a seaplane and we had no idea how incredible it was going to be. The turquoise view over the atolls were unforgettable. After our sea plane we hopped on a short boat ride and found a pod of dolphins that put on a show for us. We hadn’t even arrived yet and we were completely overcome with emotion from the natural beauty surrounding us.

I hope you all enjoy our photos and honestly if you have the opportunity to travel here, we all highly recommend it!

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Drone imagery © copyright Grand Park Kodhipparu

Island Style

September 22, 2017

Photography – Bobby Bense | Helen Janneson Bense

Model/styling – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Grand Park Kodhipparu | Kanuhura – Maldives

Outfit Details

Jewelry – Indie and Harper

Necklaces – Gold Half moon | Gold White Pebble

Prairie skirt | Lace Top (similar)

Basket | Raffia sandals

Gypset One Piece

Alena One Piece

Caletta Bikini Top + Bottoms

Hope Ruffle Bikini

Lucinda Dress

Iris Dress (similar)

Lace Dress (similar lace dresses)

Let our light and truth be seen, let us celebrate our differences, and recognise we are all one. One heartbeat. One tribe. One Love.

Reflecting on the trip of a lifetime to the magical islands known as the Maldives. It’s total bucket list stuff and I’ll be sharing so much more of this journey with you in the coming weeks right here on the blog. For now here are some of my favourite island styles and golden sparkling jewels from the one and only Indie and Harper. Jewels for the gypset at heart, always seeking, exploring, adventuring and celebrating life and the beauty that is all around us. Let’s open our eyes and our hearts, and feel the joy and peace that is our birthright, as we step into this magical space. This space where it’s the simple view of a sunset, the warm ocean breeze, the sound of birds singing or our barefeet against the sand, that so effortlessly take us there.

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

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

Helen Janneson Bense

Magical City of Lights

January 25, 2018

My Happy Place

January 13, 2018

W + Co Malaysia Travel Diary

November 15, 2017

Magical Maldives

October 12, 2017

Island Style

September 22, 2017

Embella Travel Diary

June 30, 2017

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Helen Janneson Bense

Magical City of Lights

January 25, 2018

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My Happy Place

January 13, 2018

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W + Co Malaysia Travel Diary

November 15, 2017

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Magical Maldives

October 12, 2017

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Island Style

September 22, 2017

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Embella Travel Diary

June 30, 2017

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