western australia

I believe in Magic

November 4, 2014

“Magic exists. Who can doubt it, when there are rainbows and wildflowers, the music of the wind and the silence of the stars? Anyone who has loved has been touched by magic. It is such a simple and such an extraordinary part of the lives we live.” Nora Roberts

Whatever you believe in, that is what makes you the person you are, and all that you see in the world and those around you. Our beliefs govern our thoughts and our actions, the words that come from our tongues, the emotions from our hearts. Every moment we have an opportunity to question what we believe about ourselves and to reinvent our life. We have the chance to be anything at all. And this great gift is what can turn your days into absolute joy.

In the quiet gap where stillness lies, and there is only the present moment, allow yourself to question those beliefs that bring only stress and suffering. This is the space where the serious magic happens. Where we can choose to let go. Where we can dream and conjure, and choose what we want to believe in. I choose peace, love, light and the path of harmony each and every time. I choose to see magic in everything around me, and so I do. It only takes a moment of being in that quiet gap to allow the insight to arise, and let go of the ego that tries so hard to protect us. I say let’s be vulnerable and experience love and joy the way that children do (and we once did). And see the magic in everything, and most of all, see the magic that we are.

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Photography – Bobby Bense

Model/Styling – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Sorrento Beach, Western Australia

Outfit Details

Dusk Maxi skirt + Costa Fate Crop – Sum Leta

Distant Lover Belt

Marquesas Necklace

Rings – Avinas Jewelry – Aztec + Maya | La Luna Rose – Dotty Stacker + Aztec stacker + Triangle stacker | Five and Two | Aloha Gaia

Maya Cuff – Avinas Jewelry

Cookies and Cream Fedora – Ace of Something

Anklets + Angel ring – Embella Jewelry

Nails – Willow Byron Bay (Chemical Free)

New moon intention

October 24, 2014

With the new moon upon us, it’s a wonderful time to plant new seeds of intention. I’ve spent these waning weeks in reflection, gaining clarity, reassessing everything! Today I feel very clear as I set forth my intention to flow harmoniously with the pace of nature. I want to really experience all the moments of my life with peace and love, rather than thinking about how to get from here to there. And rather than a need to necessarily slow down, (which I kind of need too) it’s more about finding peace within the chaos. Adjusting my sails and moving at a more natural rhythm. I’ve spent some time looking within to dissolve those threads that drive me into stress. I’ve allowed those beliefs to show themselves and gently be defused. And now I’ve awakened clearer, lighter and with even more acceptance for myself. I’ve come to realise that I want to follow my joy and passion within each moment of my day. To honour myself for who I am and all that I value. To see my worth with all the blossoming love in my heart.

Now is the time to refine our intentions for each day that we live on this amazing planet. I encourage you to spend this new moon time imagining all that brings you happiness and fills your heart with joy. Follow your passions and let us all live a beautiful, kind and peaceful life :)

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Photography – Bobby Bense

Model/Styling – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Sorrento beach, Western Australia

Outfit Details

Adella Thin Strap Crop + Yoko Sheer Kimono – Tara Grace

Necklaces (Eden + Peaceful Buddha) + Bracelets (White feather + Eden’s Wrap + Buddha) – Guilty Jean Jewelry

Denim shorts (similar)

Belt

Hat (similar)

Rings – Torchlight Jewelry |Hunter Gatherer Jewellery (Eye + Thunderbird + Eagle) | Aloha Gaia | Ernest & Joe

Huntress Cuff – Torchlight Jewelry

Resonance of Love

September 8, 2014

“There is nothing more rare, nor more beautiful, than a woman being unapologetically herself; comfortable in her perfect imperfection. To me, that is the true essence of beauty.” Steve Maraboli

“Imperfections are not inadequacies; they are reminders that we’re all in this together.” Brene Brown

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” Marianne Williamson

“The more of me I be, the clearer I can see” Rachel Archelaus

Absolutely love these quotes from these divine intuitives. When I really need it most I draw upon daily inspiration by reading quotes from the above and my favourites like Rumi, Thich Nhat Hanh and Eckhart Tolle, and watching youtube videos and TED talks that inspire me and remind me of who I am. They bring me back to my heart space and that high resonance of love. This is where I want to be, and where I’m truly me.

Here are some of my all time favourite videos that bring me clarity and insight when I need it most and always make me feel wonderful –

Brene Brown The power of vulnerablity

Byron Katie The war with what is

Jill Bolte Taylor Stroke of Light

I hope this little inspiration post and sharing of my some of my favourites resonates with some of you and brings peace and love to your days.

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Photography – Bobby Bense

Model/Styling – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Sorrento beach, Western Australia

Outfit Details

Soraya Maxi – Amilita

Large Quartz Crystal ring – Kokopilli

Necklaces – Lola Pepper boutique | Chinta cafe | Myee Carlyle

Rings – Free People | Aloha Gaia | Ernest & Joe | Ichu Jewellery

Bracelets – Embella Jewellery

Hat

Anklets

Loving Life

July 4, 2014

“Dare to love yourself as if you were a rainbow with gold at both ends” – Aberjhani

I’ve been asked quite a lot recently about finding peace and love, so I want to share just a little in this post that I feel may be of help to some of you.

Each day I wake up I consciously choose to focus my thoughts upon LOVE. I focus my attention on all that I love, all that is working in my life, all that brings me joy. The more attention I give to it, the more I create and amplify my experience of this in my life. When I catch myself headed down a path of stressful worrying thoughts, I stop. I look at the layers that hold them in place. I provide these painful thoughts with the loving space they deserve. I question their validity, I imagine how I’d feel without them. I discover a blissful state of peace and lightness without them. I wonder if they are in fact really true and I look deeper at their roots. I dig these up and plant new loving, peaceful seeds in their place. Ones that will blossom and bring forth the great fruits of life. I feel a lightness wash over me as I empty out those stressful thoughts that really don’t need to be on repeat anymore. When we run the same painful programs over and over in our minds, we only cause more suffering to ourselves. We can choose what we wish to believe, and what we wish to think and feel. It takes some practice firstly to become aware of these thoughts, to question them, and to realise that you yourself are the one who can set free your mind and allow peace and love to flow in.

Each day practice the art of forwarding your focus to all that is magical, magnificent, amazing and wonderful. Focus on what you have with love and with gratitude. I guarantee you, the more you do this, the better you will feel, and the more awesomeness you will naturally attract into your life through the universal law of attraction.

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Photography – Bobby Bense

Model/Styling – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Sorrento beach, Western Australia

Outfit Details

Dress – Bambi Collective

Dorado Crystal Necklace – Heather Gardner

Handpiece + Armband – Heart Majestic

Ada Necklace – Lost Lover

Bikini – Triangl Swimwear

Rings – Global Princess | Ono Jewellery | Lunarsea | Minc Collections | The Fifth Element Life Mandala ring – Use discount code GYPSYLOVINLIGHT for all mandala rings

Embella bracelets + cuff

Hat

Ocean Therapy

June 25, 2014

As I walked along the warm, glistening sands, watching the turquoise water smoothly form into perfectly shaped waves, I listened to the crashing sounds and the quiet peaceful in between. It was there I felt the heart beat of the great mother.

The ocean’s movement has always reminded me of a mothers cradling arms, as it sways back and forth in the most natural way. Even the sound of the waves evokes this memory and lulls me into serenity. There is nothing more invigorating and healing for me than swimming in the ocean. To float within the great mothers womb. She nourishes, nurtures, replenishes, cleanses and energises us. The salt water and fresh air, bare feet in the sand…it surely is a perfect cure all. This is my therapy these days. My ocean therapy. It keeps me balanced in every way I need.

This post is dedicated to the our beautiful earth. To say thank you for housing us, providing us with resources and nourishment. For the gift of breath, life, love and joy.

Deepest gratitude and love,

Helen xx

Photography – Bobby Bense

Model/Styling – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Sorrento beach, Western Australia

Outfit Details

Leigh Dress – Tysa

Necklace + cuffs + turquoise ring – Gypsy River

Large Turquoise cuff, Silver band ring + Armour ring – Eastern Soul

Turquoise pendant – Soul Loving Jewelry

Belt – Free People

Rings – Gypsy Warrior | Global Princess | Heart Majestic

Small turquoise cuff – Scarlet Fashion

Hat – Catarzi

Lace Love

June 19, 2014

When it comes to all things lacey Spell really nail it every time! It’s probably obvious already from all my instagram pics and wardrobe that ivory laces are my absolute favourite. This dress, this cut, this lace….utter perfection. Quite possibly my favourite dress in my wardrobe right now. And WA girls if you didn’t already know Lexi & Roy is your one stop shop for all things Spell over here in the west.

I’m loving this dress styled without the nude slip, and belted/cropped over shredded skinnies and a biker jacket to roughen up the look. Add boots and fedora and a summer outfit transforms into winter. And of course a mountain of jewels ;)

Now that winter is finally well and truly here in WA, I’m embracing the spiral inwards as winter draws us into that introspective space. This is one of my favourite times to get really creative with my wardrobe and play with layers. My layering essentials – dusters, loose tees, a cropped bomber, the perfect skinny jeans, and a tailored vegan leather jacket. I tend more towards the neutrals – black, white, beige and grey during this season, with pops of colour thrown in to my accessories. A bright tribal bag, turquoise rings, funky coloured nails and statement necklaces. Fashion and style to me is about having fun. Wear what makes you happy, not what’s on trend. Enjoy the process of expressing your creativity through style.

And here’s a little something for those on a budget but wanting to add some lovely lace into their wardrobe. I’ve hunted and narrowed down some of my favourite lace dresses under $100 –

Sonnet Dress

Everdeen Maxi

Crochet knit lace dress

Ralph Lauren 3/4 sleeve Lace dress

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

Model/Styling/Photography – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Sorrento Beach, Western Australia

Outfit Details

Spell dress via Lexi & Roy

Necklaces – Free People + Embella Jewellery

Boots – Free People