summer

Rainbows and Rays

June 30, 2018

Photography – Bobby Bense

Model/Styling/Editing – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Fairmont Sirru Fen Fushi – Maldives

Outfit details

Dresses – House of Harlow Gaines | Sky Nadiyya

Swimwear – Camilla multi colour one piece | Camilla Salvador Summer one piece

Hats – Ecua Andino Custom Boater

Bags – Zara Cage bag

Our last stop on our amazing Maldives trip was to the newly opened Fairmont Sirru Fen Fushi. I didn’t think our holiday could get any better but it absolutely did. From rainbows to manta ray sightings, it was filled with so many magical moments that will be forever cherished.

It all started with most wonderful Mother’s day celebration. I woke up after the best nights sleep of my life and I owe it all to the incredible california king bed and the soothing sounds of the ocean. The bed was so comfortable, like a giant cloud, that I totally melted into. This was the first time I was challenged to get up for sunrise because it was just so cosy. Clearly the best bed I’ve ever slept in! But what a reward it was waking up at sunrise to spot 2 manta rays swimming past our villa. I was just coming out of a deep meditation when I opened my eyes to see these beautiful, gentle beings. They swam back and forth for over half an hour and it was honestly so overwhelming it made me cry.

After a wonderful breakfast at Raha market we headed out on a snorkelling trip with Fairmont’s resident marine biologist. It was so wonderful to see such an abundance of marine life and some very well preserved coral reefs. They really take care of their environment here and we love that! This was the trip where our daughter, Jade, saw a 1.5M shark and she wasn’t scared at all, she actually wanted to see more! I love how confident our children have become on all the adventures we’ve been on. I also love how well set up Fairmont was for keeping children of all ages entertained; not only an awesome kids club but also a teen centre. Jade being 12 going on 21 had so much fun here creating a traditional Maldivian mat on a loom. She went back each day to finish her project. Jacob’s favourite spot was definitely the giant trampoline with climbing ropes and slide. We loved how content they were to do their own thing, and it gave Bobby and I time to enjoy together.

After fun in the sun, an amazing in villa lunch with turquoise ocean views, I was able to have some luxurious nurturing time in one of their incredible copper bath tubs! My flower bath dreams came to life once again as they prepared the most beautiful bubble bath. Followed by a sunset dinner under the stars it was by far the most amazing mother’s day. They even created a bespoke vegan 5 course meal from their new Azure restaurant. I was totally spoilt!

One of the coolest experiences during our stay was learning about the new Coralairum they are building. This sculptural museum will be the first ever in the Maldives. It’s such a great environmental initiative creating an artificial reef to support a healthy underwater ecosystem. We were lucky enough to meet the artists behind this venture and we can’t wait to see what it looks like when it’s finished. It will be open for tours soon!

Even when it rained during our trip we were loving life. We went on the most amazing SUP sesh as a storm rolled in. It was so invigorating to be supping in the rain and watch the contrast of light and colour scatter across the sky and ocean. And of course without rain there wouldn’t be rainbows! What a magical sight to see rainbows across those iridescent turquoise waters.

One of the many highlights at Sirru Fen Fushi was the sunset dolphin cruise. Both Bobby and I have been on quite a few of these and honestly they never get old. We love seeing dolphins and the energy is pure joy. The best part for me as a mother was watching the joy on my children’s faces as they experienced this tour for the first time. They were squealing, smiling and super excited to see them flipping in the air.

If you’re looking for somewhere new and amazing to visit in the Maldives, make sure you add this one to your list. It ticks all the boxes and more. It’s perfect for families and honeymooners and it has plenty of activities on offer. And If you want to just relax, there is always that beautiful giant infinity pool that stretches across the entire island!

I love the Maldives so much and can’t wait to go back again. For now though we have an incredible trip lined up a little closer to home. In just two days time we will be hitting the road, motorhome style. Our direction is set to sunshine and ocean and everywhere in between. We can’t wait to share our trip so make sure you’re tuning into our instagram stories for all the bts adventures.

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

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

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

Helen Janneson Bense

summer

Rainbows and Rays

June 30, 2018

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Pure Heart

May 13, 2018

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Magical Maldives

October 12, 2017

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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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