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

Wadjemup/Rottnest Island

March 31, 2017

Photography – Bobby Bense | Helen Janneson Bense

Model/Creative Direction – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Rottnest Island, Western Australia

Where to stay – Rottnest Island Accommodations

Getting there – Rottnest Fast Ferries

Getting around – Adams Coachlines

Great Food – Geordie’s Cafe + Art Gallery

Great Fun – Just4Fun Aqua Park

Island Adventure Boat tours – Rottnest Express

Outfit Details

One pieces – Alena | Sittana | Handers Hold | Singing Wells | Baja

Lace Kimono | Lace Dress

Anse Bikini Top + Bottoms

Towels – Eberlanzia | Gypset

Hat | Sunglasses | Aviators

Jewelry – Bodychain | Choker | Rings

This summer I’ve looked no further than my very own home town of Perth, and it’s easy travel destinations, for that beautiful turquoise inspiration and those endless summer vibes. Just a hop, skip and ferry ride away is the idyllic island known as Wadjemup/Rottnest. With some of the most breathtaking landscape I’ve ever seen, it’s home to the adorable Quokka, the cutest and friendliest marsupial you’ll ever meet. It’s the island of a thousand stories, told through the geographical history and formation of unique salt lakes and limestone coral reefs.

I highly recommend taking some time out for a visit to the museum to learn all about tragic history of the Aboriginal penal settlement, the military involvement in world war 1 and 2, and the early Aboriginal origins when Wadjemup/Rottnest was actually part of the mainland. This history is heartbreaking, though I do feel it’s important to hear, acknowledge and respect the true history and traditional owners of the land, especially when we go there to enjoy all that it has to offer us.

We stayed on the beach in North Thomson Bay, which was so quiet and serene, yet still close enough to walk or ride into the main strip. Here you’ll find everything you need – island information, general store, pharmacy, bakery and shopping. We started our days with a hearty breakfast sitting on our balcony overlooking the ocean. With our beach essentials all packed, we were on our bikes and round the island we rode, stopping at one glorious beach after the next. And with no cars allowed it’s such a wonderful and safe place for kids. And when their little legs get tired, or for the mamas with prams, there’s a hop on, hop off coach that will circumnavigate the entire island. My favourite spots were definitely Salmon bay and The Basin for snorkelling and swimming. Parakeet bay is always good fun with the whitest of white sand dunes and fantastic ocean views. Or try stand up paddle boarding at Just4Fun Aqua park. While the kids played on the floating bouncy toys I got my work out done and had so much fun at the same time. Make sure you stop off for breakfast or lunch at Geordie Bay for some of the most delicious and hearty, healthy food going around. As someone who has food intolerances and eats a largely plant based diet it was perfect for our family, although I brought my supplements to eat more healthy. Finish your perfect day in paradise watching the sunset at Fay’s Bay for those magical pastel unicorn skies.

Rottnest is such a quiet and peaceful haven, and it slows you down without you even realising it. All that fresh salty air, white sand and turquoise water will bring vitality and bounce back into your step. It’s invigorating, rejuvenating and relaxing all in one. We loved it so much and can’t wait to go back!

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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

Helen Janneson Bense

Embella Travel Diary

June 30, 2017

Chasing the Light

June 13, 2017

Every Shade of Blue

May 28, 2017

Wadjemup/Rottnest Island

March 31, 2017

Why Summer is The Best Season to Lose Weight?

Endless Summer Dreams

February 28, 2017

Holiday Vibin’

December 18, 2016

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Helen Janneson Bense

Embella Travel Diary

June 30, 2017

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Chasing the Light

June 13, 2017

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Every Shade of Blue

May 28, 2017

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Wadjemup/Rottnest Island

March 31, 2017

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Endless Summer Dreams

February 28, 2017

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Holiday Vibin’

December 18, 2016

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Tribe