Here at Cocobella, we are huge fans of Tess Begg and her Instagram feed, filled with beautiful beachy photography, healthy snacks and happy-snaps of friends and family. We chatted to Tess about some of the inspiration and behind the scenes info from 5 of our favorite shots.
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A typical day down at Bondi Iceberg pools, I spend most of my summer here (mainly because there’s hot showers after you swim, haha). It’s so relaxing taking a dip and sitting on the edge watching the ocean! My boyfriend Jonah and I went for a freezing swim, then spent the rest of the afternoon at Speedos Café, eating ‘til our hearts were content.
It wasn’t on this particular day, but moments to remember are definitely the countless times I’ve made Jonah take photos of me near the edge and huge waves have splashed up, wetting us all and he’s trying to save the camera. Funniest was when he was fully clothed!
We are mesmerised by the blue! Do you think this image captures everything your hometown of Sydney is about in the summertime?
It sure does! Bright sunny days and clear blue oceans is what it’s all about. Having these beaches close by certainly makes cooling off ten times better. I’m tied between Bondi or Bronte, as they both have amazing beaches and ocean pools for summer!
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As Autumn came along, so did all the amazing sunsets! It’s definitely the season of pink skies and I hadn’t seen it this pink is so long. I always watch the sun rise and set because it makes me feel so peaceful and happy. On this particular afternoon, I ran outside with my camera to capture the beauty.
Paddle-pop skies are really something, and we love knowing that you remember to look up! What other life mantra’s do you try and live by, day-to-day?
Veganism is something I’m very passionate about and it 100% shapes who I am right now. If you aren’t too sure what veganism is about, it’s a way of living which seeks to exclude—as far as is possible and practicable—all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose.
Throughout the past year I have learnt to become more compassionate and aware of the reality that surrounds us all. By simply putting other beings before yourself, you can really change the way you think and feel. It’s a whole new level of peace within. Something so simple can go such a long way.
On a day-to-day basis, I strive to live as ethically as possible, raising awareness about veganism by spreading a positive message, promoting a healthy wholesome lifestyle free of cruelty and showing people how easily it can be done!
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I had recently got my hands onto some frozen açai packets which are my FAVOURITE! I finished gym, went to the fruit shop to pick up some strawberries and passion fruit, came home and whipped up the tastiest/prettiest açai bowl – can we all agree pretty food takes it to a new level? Haha!
I’m a little crazy for acai, especially when paired with Cocobella, and it’s honestly the one thing I could never get sick of plus I can pack so much energy into one bowl (especially if it’s a pre/post workout meal).
Just… yum! What’s your dream breakfast? (we have a feeling we might be looking at it?)
Definitely! A vibrant smoothie bowl with açai hits the spot! Generally, three or four bananas, five or six dates, frozen açai, Cocobella coconut water and apple juice. Topped with coconut/fruit.
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I woke up at 4:30am, super tired, got changed into my gym clothes and left the house. It’s about a 3km walk to the beach. Jonah skated and I ran so we could catch the sunrise, only to get there and it was completely cloudy, but it decided to clear up eventually.
It’s so peaceful being down at the beach early, especially just listening to the nature that surrounds you. I decided to take a dip in the ocean, the waves were huge that day and the water was so bubbly and warm. After lazing in the sun we eventually left the beach and went over to grab some smoothie bowls for breakfast!
So serene and peaceful, anywhere near the ocean seems to be your ‘happy place’. Where else do you go to relax and unwind?
Besides the beach/ocean, my other happy place is definitely the gym. I could be in any mood, go to the gym, do a workout and walk out feeling content and happy. Weight lifting puts me at peace, as gives me something to work towards and I can solely focus on it.
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I’m smiling because:
- I’m at Speedos Cafe
- This drink “lazy summer” tastes freaking amazing… Think of banana, coconut and pineapple! I love eating here as they have amazing vegan options.
It was a beautiful sunny day down the beach, we were feasting on delicious food and I was keen on having a sunset swim after… It’s hard not to be happy 😉
We love a fresh and candid snap! You look super happy here Tess, what are your top 5 tips for staying so smiley?
We aren’t all happy 100% of the time, but we can always strive for it.
- I always look at the big picture, for example if something doesn’t go the way I expected… In most cases it’s not the end of the world.
- If I’m feeling down or angry, I like to look for a positive in a negative.
- Live how you wish to and do what genuinely makes you happy. When you follow your passion, you’ll find happiness within!
- Surround yourself with like-minded people who inspire you and create good vibes.
- Nourish your body with wholesome plant based foods that promote good health so you can feel good from the inside out. With good health comes happiness!
Thanks, Tess!
Check out more happy snaps over at @tessbegg
