jewellery

The Gift of the Moment

December 7, 2018

Photography/Videography – Bobby Bense

Model/Editing/Styling – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Fuji Island, Fiji | North Beach, Western Australia

Camera – Special Edition Taylor Swift SQ6 Instant Camera

Outfit Details

Ixiah Disarm Sequin Top + Pants

The Thrown Down Desert Scape throw + cushions

Jewelry – Anna Beck Hematite + Blue Sapphire Sama collection

Every day is a blessing, every moment a gift.

I’ve learnt in my 42 years of life to be grateful for all the simple moments with my loved ones, like preparing a meal, playing a song together, or a shared silence as we watch the sunset together. To be present and connect with them is what I am most grateful for. Every day brings new discoveries, a deeper connection, so much love and magic.

This festive season I’ll be creating keepsakes and capturing all my cherished memories with my Instax camera. This entire year we have been traveling with our Instax and each place, each adventure, each moment is not only etched in our hearts, but we have a little piece of it to look back on.

Today I’m going to share a little guide in this video below on how to use the new Instax SQ6. It’s actually super easy and so much fun to create. And I love the new special edition Taylor Swift camera. It will make the most perfect surprise gift for Christmas!

Here are a few tips and examples for shooting and using your Instax…

Ensure the light is behind you when taking a snap rather than shooting directly into the sun. Use the lighten ‘L’ mode if your image is turning out too dark, or ‘D’ mode is it’s over exposed.

Always ensure you don’t ever open the film compartment until you are ready to change the film. The light will destroy it. There is a counter on the bottom right of the camera that lets you know how many images you have left.

In a bright place you may want to suppress the flash. Just push the button underneath the self-timer. Ensure you push it again after taking your snap if you want the flash back on. Play around with the flash filters for some fun coloured filter options. They simply pop on over the flash.

Use the Macro mode when shooting anything close and in detail, like flowers, shells or amazing insects. You’ll need to shoot approximately 30-50cm away. For anything 2 metres or greater use Landscape mode.

If you want to have some creative fun, the double exposure setting is really cool. You can add 2 separate subjects into one shot. Simply set the mode button to ‘Double Exposure’ and snap your first shot. A few seconds later after the LED has flashed, you can take your second shot.

When in Selfie mode, ensure you can see yourself in the mirror on the front right of the camera. Hold the camera steady to prevent blurring, and at a distance approximately 30-50cm away from you.

For fun family pics that everyone can be in, attach your Instax to a tripod and push the self timer mode. Once you have your frame set up, push the shutter button. You’ll then get around 10 seconds to get into the frame before the picture is taken.

I hope this has inspired you to create and capture precious moments; to chase joy and beauty, and to give the gift of love and connection.

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

My Private Oasis

November 29, 2018

Photography/Editing/Model – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Fuji Island, Fiji

Cameras – Fuji Film XT3 | Waterproof camera XP130

Outfit Details

Rococo Sand Off Shoulder Dress

Poupette St Barth Giselle Broderie Mini Skirt | Crochet Crop

Jewelry – Anna Beck Multi-bar Charm + Delicate Satellite Chain Double Necklace | Hematite/Blue Sapphire Ring | Multi Stone Ring | Hematite/Blue Sapphire Bracelet | Hematite/Blue Sapphire Open Cuff

Accessories – Cocobelle Shoes, Belt + Bag – releasing soon | Boater Sun Hat

Only in my wildest dreams could I have imagined staying on my own private island. Thanks to Fuji film, it’s now possible to book a stay at this perfect island oasis. Every single corner of this island is waiting to be explored; a creative playground for those who love photography. You will be non stop snapping in this inspirational space.

From the moment I stepped off the boat my beautiful staff greeted me in traditional Fijian song, with a refreshing coconut drink, and the warm smiling faces that I would soon come to realise is a part of who they are. Every encounter I heard ‘Bula Bula’ with a smile that radiated straight from their hearts. Bula literally means ‘Life’ and is used to say ‘Hello’, though it feels like so much more than a hello. It feels like they are giving you good vibes and wishing you the best at the same time.

As I settled into my private villa and took in the million shades of blue from my infinity pool, I felt the serenity wash over me. I was on a solo trip, just me, on a private island. And though I had a team of staff to take care of my every need, I definitely felt the privacy I was craving. Many of you know I was unwell a couple of months ago, with a terrible flu that led me to hospital. I experienced some post viral fatigue and I had to stop blogging for awhile. This time away on my own was exactly what I needed to restore. Not only does traveling solo rejuvenate me, it empowers me. I build confidence as I govern my own path, facing my fears and uncertainties. I’ve come home stronger, clearer and feeling so full of vitality.

One of the many perks while I was at Fuji island was playing with Fuji’s new Mirrorless XT3 camera, along with their waterproof XP130 camera. I was really impressed with the XT3 image resolution whilst achieving low noise, and it’s super fast and accurate autofocus. And you’ll be blown away by the quality of video it captures. It’s the first mirrorless camera in the world to deliver such outstanding results. When you visit the island there will be a whole suite of Fuji film equipment, including these new cameras, just waiting for you, along with staff to help you capture your favourite moments to share. If you have ever dreamt of being a luxury travel blogger, this is a fantastic spot to capture some unique and otherworldly moments. The sunsets and sunrises paint the sky with their vibrant colour, while the ocean view forms a blend of azure and turquoise with the changing tides.

While you’re here you’ll have your own boat and captain to take you on snorkelling trips to explore the neighbouring islands. We did a quick drive by Castaway island where they filmed the classic Tom Hanks film. It was such a treat to see this as I love that movie! Wilson! lol ;) I had a wonderful snorkel and saw some beautiful, healthy coral and so many tropical fish. The colour and clarity of the water was probably one of the best I’ve experienced. I’m definitely planning another trip back to Fiji with the family! The island was well equipped with stand up paddles boards, kayaks and your very own hammocks. It’s so lovely to relax under a palm tree with those crystal clear lagoon views.

When I wasn’t mermaiding in the ocean, or lounging by the pool, I was eating. And wow! I don’t say this lightly, but I had the best meal of my life here. No joke! The chef knows what he is doing! He surprised me with each and every meal. I only mentioned to him my plant based dietary requirements and let him create what he does best. And OMG! I want his recipes! The vegetables were so fresh and the flavours so on point. I will always be dreaming of his incredible world class cuisine and would gladly go back just for this.

So now it’s time to pack your bags, book your flight and head on over to Fuji Island. Seriously though, it’s in my top 3 best places I’ve ever stayed and I highly recommend it. You will not be disappointed at all. Everything is included with your stay; use of the entire island, your 5 star luxurious villa, gourmet food, a huge range of cocktails + wine, daily use of the long boat with captain for island hopping/snorkelling, water sports, and all the fuji film equipment to capture your most cherished moments. For now the island is only available to book until December 7th so be quick! And have an awesome time!

Much love and gratitude xx

Charmed Life

May 31, 2018

Photography – Bobby Bense

Model/Styling – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Summer Island, Soneva Jani, Fairmont – Maldives | North Beach, Sorrento Beach – Western Australia

Outfit Details

Jewelry – PANDORA – (shop your favourites here)

Outfits – House of Harlow Gaines | Field of Dreams | Spell Imperial Lace Mini + Joplin Jacket | Camilla A Night to Remember | Blue Lagoon Skirt

From the beautiful Maldives to our favourite beaches here in Perth, my PANDORA jewellery has traveled with me and bestowed it’s charmed energies into my life. Ever since I discovered the brand, I have been completely obsessed with how fun it is to collect my favourite charms and create a personalised, layered look with my jewellery.  It’s amazing that such beautiful and intricate pieces are all-hand finished, with hand set stones. I love how easy it is to mix and match, whether you’re going for relaxed island style, a cool everyday look or fun, festival vibes. Each charm is like a little talisman that calls to my heart and soul in different ways. And the creative possibilities are really endless – I loved styling them on the new leather bracelets, silver bangles or as a pendant on a necklace.

Many of you already know I love jewellery, and I love to wear a lot of it. What you may not know is why I love it so much. Jewellery is such a personal experience for me. Every time I look at those heart shaped charms they make me smile and remind me to be true to my heart. I’ll instantly feel a sense of love and gratitude. I’ll often set specific intentions with each new piece of jewelry in my collection. These intentions hold energy, which creates an anchor and every time you look at them you’ll be reminded of that intention. It’s a beautiful way to help you stay present and focused on what matters most in life. Let me know if you try this and what intentions you set. It could be a self-love reminder, or for creativity, abundance, gratitude, strength, balance or whatever it is you need a little reminding of each day. I’ve found the new PANDORA charms, especially the feathers and tassels, have reminded me of the freedom I always feel when I’m listening to amazing music at a festival with my besties. It’s got to be one of the best feelings ever!

I had a blast on my recent wanderlust adventures and experimented a lot with all the PANDORA Rose and PANDORA Shine styles, going for some mixed metal looks. I love breaking away from traditional styling. I say be unique, be you, and wear jewelry the way you want to wear it! There is no wrong or right way; there is only your way. And it feels amazing when you create a look as unique and beautiful as you. Layer it up, stack it up, and feel the freedom of no rules.

I absolutely love this latest festival inspired collection from PANDORA and I hope you do too. You can check it out the new collection here and add a little extra heart and charm in your life.

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Pure Heart

May 13, 2018

Photography – Bobby Bense

Model/Styling – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – North Beach, Smiths Beach Resort – Western Australia

Outfit Details

Violet’s Vintage Skirt | Lace Bandeau | Lace Wrap top | Riviera cap

Santorini Dress | Summer Love Hat | Riviera cap

Anastasia Lace Skirt | Lace Wrap top | Riviera cap

Jade – Isabelle Lace Dress | Ivy White Scarf | Gatsby Headband (worn around waist) | Riviera cap

Jacob – Riviera cap

Props – Pretty Willow | The Zest Group

I love watching people create with all their hearts and bring to life their dreams. Purity Lace Designs epitomises everything I love about fashion and working together to share something beautiful with the world. It’s an inspirational label by a gorgeous mother and daughter duo, who have created some timeless, elegant pieces that absolutely flatter the female form in all her divine feminine glory. Nothing will make you feel more like a goddess than a little piece of their collection. Jade and I had such a lovely time styling their pieces in different ways; the scarves as wrap tops, the headbands as belts, and a little cheeky off shoulder with the Santorini Dress. Either way they are just so amazing!

Shooting with my children was so much fun and they even helped me style the set. We collected beautiful pieces from the lovely Zest Group and Pretty Willow to create our magical sunset tea party. The kids were so adorably cute and Jacob even suited up for the occasion and served us tea! What a sweetheart! Jade’s Isabelle Lace Dress was absolutely so gorgeous that I’m already wishing Purity Lace Designs would make it in an adult size ;) It’s become one of her wardrobe favourites. After many giggles, we watched the glorious sunset over the ocean and enjoyed our little tea party. And how amazing were these sunsets! Honestly if you get the chance to visit Smith’s Beach resort I think it might be my favourite place in all of WA!

Juggling motherhood and a full time business has always been a challenge for me, and I’m sure for many other mothers out there. Though I’ve realised in recent years the gift of living your purpose and passions, and how this impacts our children. They watch and learn from us, through modelling our behaviours, and I feel like by living to be my best self I will be teaching them to be exactly that. Every day they teach me, they remind me to follow my joy and to be authentic. This is what children do, and this is why they are so happy. We sometimes forget as adults to take care of ourselves, and follow what we love. Life is far more peaceful and enjoyable when we start living from our heart’s call. To all the mothers out there, please remember you are enough, more than enough, you are everything, and you deserve everything. You can be anything you want to be! And do anything you want to do! Believe and know you are worth the time and space to be heard and to live what you truly love. Follow that spark inside that energises you. See where it leads and know that you are also doing something wonderful for your children at the same time. Think of the gift you teach them through your own transformation. Sending out so much love to all the mother’s today! Happy Mother’s Day today and every day!

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Sunsets and Moonrises

May 4, 2018

Photography – Bobby Bense

Model/Styling/Editing – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Bawah Island, Indonesia

Outfit Details – Midsummer Star Jewelry

Necklaces – Cosmic Mandala | Snowflake Mandala

Bracelets – Cosmic Mandala | Celestial Star | Snowflake Mandala Moonstone | Star Mandala

Girl Next Door Skirt | Dana Top | Vamp Crystalize Push Up Bra | Just Dive in Scarf | Je T’aime Hat

Have you ever seen a sunset and a moonrise at the same time?! I never know which way to look as both views are so beautiful! I still find it absolutely phenomenal that nature produces this kind of magic! How lucky are we!

We were so humbled by nature’s beauty on our recent trip to Bawah; the golden sun flares shimmering over the iridescent turquoise lagoon and the majesty of the moon as it rose against the pastel glow of the sky.

What a night it was, decked out in my absolute favourite dainty moonstone jewels from Midsummer Star, in the most perfect setting. As we were getting ready for an island style dinner I felt called by the full moon. The next thing I know I’m back in a bikini and in the ocean for an evening swim! haha! ;)

As the biggest jewelry lover ever, my dresser is filled with Midsummer Star pieces from every one of their gorgeous collections. The intricate designs and shimmery moonstones speak to my soul and are some of my favourite sterling silver pieces. I get so excited for their new collection drops! And how well do they all pair with each other. It’s always so easy to style and stack them up.

And seriously Bawah is the most dreamiest place on this planet! We are gearing up for more island adventures tomorrow so keep your eye on my instagram and stories for all the behind the scenes! Until then lovers have an awesome week and hope you can feel all the good vibes I’m sending out. And make sure you check out Midsummer Star’s latest release! It’s insanely good!

Love and Gratitude,

Helen xx

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

Helen Janneson Bense

jewellery

The Gift of the Moment

December 7, 2018

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My Private Oasis

November 29, 2018

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Charmed Life

May 31, 2018

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Pure Heart

May 13, 2018

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Sunsets and Moonrises

May 4, 2018

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My Happy Place

January 13, 2018

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