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mahabis visuals // breathtaking views of the universe
Dec 09, 2016
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In light of the announcement of this years winners of Insight Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2016 competition, a fascinating exhibition held at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, we thought we'd share some of our favourite images from this years winners and runners-up.

From China to Norway, the exhibition features work by photographers from all over the world, all capturing the incredible nature of the universe that we live in but do not see.

Sit back, relax and take in these stunning images of the moon, galaxies, aurorae, and more.

mahabis guide // astronomy photography

photo: Black and White Aurora - Kolbein Svensson

photo: Twilight Aurora - György Soponyai

mahabis guide // astronomy photography

photo - The Rainbow Star - Steve Brown

photo: M94 Deep Space Halo - Nicolas Outters

photo: Binary Haze - Ainsley Bennett

mahabis guide // astronomy photography

photo: Baily's Beads - Yu Jun

photo: Maurolycus to Moretus - Jordi Delpeix Borrell

mahabis guide // insight astronomy photography

photo: Man on the Moon - Dani Caxete

mahabis guide // insight astronomy photography

photo: Antlia Galaxy Cluster Extreme Deep Field, 152 Hours - Rolf Wahl Olsen

The exhibition runs until June 2017 so why not head to the Astronomy Centre to see more breathtaking photography, or, if you're interested in entering next years competition, find out more here.

If you enjoyed reading our post, feel free to share via our ready-to-go tweet link.

Dec 09, 2016

mahabis visuals // breathtaking views of the universe

From China to Norway, the exhibition features work by photographers from all over the world, all capturing the incredible nature of the universe that we live in but do not see.

Sit back, relax and take in these stunning images of the moon, galaxies, aurorae, and more.

mahabis guide // astronomy photography

photo: Black and White Aurora - Kolbein Svensson

photo: Twilight Aurora - György Soponyai

mahabis guide // astronomy photography

photo - The Rainbow Star - Steve Brown

photo: M94 Deep Space Halo - Nicolas Outters

photo: Binary Haze - Ainsley Bennett

mahabis guide // astronomy photography

photo: Baily's Beads - Yu Jun

photo: Maurolycus to Moretus - Jordi Delpeix Borrell

mahabis guide // insight astronomy photography

photo: Man on the Moon - Dani Caxete

mahabis guide // insight astronomy photography

photo: Antlia Galaxy Cluster Extreme Deep Field, 152 Hours - Rolf Wahl Olsen

The exhibition runs until June 2017 so why not head to the Astronomy Centre to see more breathtaking photography, or, if you're interested in entering next years competition, find out more here.

If you enjoyed reading our post, feel free to share via our ready-to-go tweet link.

Written by Sarah Lopeman
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the best four places to relax Jun 26, 2017

Inner peace can be difficult to pin down sometimes, and in those moments, it makes sense to turn your gaze to the wider edges of the world. A sense of outer calm can grind inner calamity to a halt, which is why putting yourself in the way of quiet beauty will always help to bring out a softer clearer side. Take a look at our top four truly inspiring zen places across our planet…

Mount Kailash, Tibet

People say that Mount Kailash is the greatest mystical library in the world and for over ten thousand years, pilgrims have been making the journey to the holy mountain. The throne of Shiva, the place of pure nirvana and the home of the Chakra Samvara – these are just some of the reasons people believe Kailash to be the ultimate journey. Spiritualism aside, the rising shadow of the mountain, the snowy peaks and the sacred crystal-clear waters of Lake Manasarovar will cleanse you inside and out.

Lake Atitlan Guatemala

The ancient waters of Lake Atitlan have long drawn crowds of hippies all seeking a sip of that Mayan magic. Mountains, volcanoes and a haze of wildflowers form a ring of fire around the dazzling lake. Steer clear of the larger towns and instead hike to somewhere like San Marcos La Laguna to find the wild communities who will balance your chakras for you.

Mahabodhi Temple, India

Even if Buddhas and tourists flock the world over to come and gaze at the branches from which the Buddha reached enlightenment, even standing beside its boughs will fill you with calm. The Mahabodhi Temple in Bihar is one of the most sacred places in the world for Zen seekers. The soaring tower, the breath of incense and the sound of chanting add layers upon layers of calm, and the tree itself is grand in size and truly awe inspiring.

Halibut Cove, Alaska

A tiny beautiful community dwarfed by the splendor of the icy wilderness – Halibut Cove is sure to make you feel alive and completely present. Humpback whales fan their tails in the blue waters, birds soar overhead, and the trees are the deepest shade of evergreen. As the island is only accessible by boat or plane, you can be sure of total bliss and serenity during your stay.

If you enjoyed reading our post, feel free to share it via our ready-to-go tweet link.
how to celebrate midsummer the scandinavian way Jun 20, 2017

It is said that a midsummers eve should start with flowers and end in fire. After endless days of winter darkness, Scandinavians are more than glad to welcome the midnight sun that barely dips its head beneath the horizon before rising again. White nights are a time of softness and celebration, of relaxing long into the evenings. We take a look at how some Scandinavian countries choose to celebrate.

norway //

On June 21st Norwegians are the first to shrug off their winter inhibitions to make way for a festival of summer that welcomes magic and mayhem. On the eve of St Hans, Norwegians gather along the South Coast, to the pretty seaside villages for street parties, pancakes and wild strawberries in the harbor and to dress their wooden boats with flowers and branches of birch. Fires blaze well into the night and everyone soaks up the splendour of festivity past the strike of midnight.

iceland //

Hiking a volcano any time of day is an amazing experience, but hiking in the golden halo of night is something else. Icelanders sometimes choose to take a pilgrimage to climb the Hengill volcano. Step across scorched lava fields, ancient craters, and lush valleys until you reach the steamy hot springs of Reykjadalur. Sink down into the warm volcanic waters to refresh before hiking back down the slopes.

finland //

To celebrate the endless soiree of white nights in Finland, it seems that everybody rents a cottage in the forest. The midnight sun streaming through shadowy branches turns the world into an incredible place. Locals will often sit out on their porch well into the small hours or even take a boat out across the lake regardless of the stars prickling the hazy soft sky.

sweden //

While Norwegians are busy tackling blazes and blooms, down in Sweden they celebrate the White Nights with a little less Viking magic. The capital celebrates the red gold sky all night by having their open-air museum Skansen stay open late, by having al fresco dining scattered across the pavements until well past bedtime, and by having folk dancing around the Maypole on midsummers eve.

If you enjoyed reading our post, feel free to share it via our ready-to-go tweet.
dads. on downtime. Jun 14, 2017

We chat with some of our mahabis dads about their lifestyles, and how they like to relax. Between doing the school run and getting the kids into bed, it can be a challenge to find time to slip into your mahabis and put your feet up every once in a while. Read on to see how Jamie Day and Craig Howell manage...

Talk us through a typical day in your life...

"Before kids, I thought the day started around 8am. These day, by 8am I’ll be at work having already got the kids up, fed them and done the school run – how times have changed huh? A flurry of emails and some meetings later, and I find myself doing it all in reverse; getting the kids home, fed, bathed and into bed. Then, there’s a few hours to relax with my wife before doing it all again." - jamie

"I have a job than involves a lot of travel Monday-Friday but with that comes the flexibility. On the days when I am not at client meetings I work from home, therefore I have the opportunity to do the school run and spend time with Jonnie after school. If required I finish off any work once he has gone to bed." - craig

Craig's choice of mahabis: sala stone summer edition x ilen ivory sole.

How do you balance children and downtime?

"As a hands-on father, there really isn’t much of a balance. Life goes at 100mph, but to ensure I’m not driven mad by the endless dried out colouring pens (put those lids back on kids!) or half eaten apples, any downtime I do get is spent doing the things I enjoy." - jamie

"I know it sounds corny, but ultimately I see spending time with Jonnie and Donna as “downtime”. As I have a demanding job, at weekends it’s great to just slow down and relax at home or with friends" - craig

Jamie's choice of mahabis: larvik light grey x ilen ivory sole

How important is downtime to you, and how do you like to switch off?

"I think any modern-day dad will tell you they need some downtime to recuperate and be in a state to do it all again - even if it’s just for a few moments. When I have some time to myself, I like to spend it with my wife, or walking the dogs, or tapping away at my laptop with a bit of creative writing (before the kids come along and probably lose all my unsaved work!)" - jamie

"It’s extremely important as I think we all need a little “me” time to maintain a happy, healthy family environment. In my (limited) spare time I produce music and this is a great way for relaxing for me and allows my creative juices to flow." - craig

Why not check out Jamie's blog here and Craig's soundcloud here.
mahabis interviews // eddie garcia Jun 12, 2017

We chat to content creator Eddie Garcia, about his lifestyle as a photographer split between Geneva, Miami and London, and where he finds his creative inspiration. Check out Eddie's work here, and read on to find out more about he likes to unwind...

Before we begin, describe what you do in one sentence.

I’m a product designer turned photographer.

It’s actually a lot more complicated than that, because I don't just do (or photograph) one thing. I was always told to be careful not to become a jack of all trades and master of none. I've obviously gone against that and do a multitude of things to satisfy my creative needs. Photography has always been at the centre of it all though.

Talk us through a typical day in your life.

There’s no such thing as a typical day for me, but most of them include a lot of coffee, walking my dog, and taking about 2300 photos (seriously) - 95% of them end up on the cutting room floor.

Eddie wearing our nora navy x ilen ivory summer edition slipper.

How do you manage to make time to relax? How important is downtime to you?

Every morning I give myself one hour to enjoy my coffee, it’s an hour I get to not think or worry about anything. It’s extremely important, I wouldn’t be able to function otherwise.

How would you describe the ultimate way you’d choose to relax and unwind from a busy day…

I wish I could just go to a chalet in the Swiss Alps with a view of the snowy mountains every day. There’s nothing I find more relaxing than that.

Eddie wearing our larvik light grey classic x larvik grey

Which is your favourite place out of London, Geneva and Miami? Why?

This is impossible for me to answer. Miami is where some of my closest friends are, Geneva is where my family is (which means I get fed and spoiled every time I go) and London is simply home… for now anyway!

If experiencing a creative block, how do you recharge your creativity?

Travelling helps, I find that new cities are always the most inspiring. I usually get bursts of creativity when I see something I'm accustomed to done in a different way.

Three random picks from your bookshelf/ music collection. Go.

Adele and Ben Howard’s entire discography all day every day - Currently reading ‘TED Talks: The official TED guide to public speaking’ (putting my wishes out in the universe)

If you had an extra hour in the day, how would you spend it?

Probably planning how I can best used the other 24 hours in day - Or daydreaming, that’s more realistic.

Check out Eddie's photography here.