Lone Pine

Finally posting all the gorgeous photographs from a day spent at what I always refer to as my "Happy Place," Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, with one of my dearest childhood friends, her sweet daughter (my Goddaughter) & her cutie-pie of a son. It was one of those beautiful Queensland winter days with mild temperatures, a slight breeze blowing the scent of eucalyptus trees under your nose & the sun just peeking through the clouds enough to warm the animals & wake them up for visitors to glimpse & learn about.

Scroll down to see how it all unfolded...

Sulphur Crested Cockatoo

Corellas

Major Mitchell Cockatoo

Blue-Winged Kookaburra

Red-Tailed Black Cockatoo

Laughing Kookaburra

Black-Headed Python

Platypus

How do you know when you're a fashion blogger?

You stop to take a picture of your outfit in the reflection of a glass sliding door... you know, just in case you don't get a chance for a picture later...

Koala

Lorikeet Feeding Time

Yes, I did get "pooped" on from a great height... all over my hair... & yes, it was hilarious...

Baby Goats

Guinea Pig Cuddles

Baby Chick Cuddles

Feeding Sheep

Exploring Chicken Coops

After the Birds of Prey show...

Sheep Dog Show

Lunching among the Koalas... 

Loving the Beer Battered Fish, Crispy Chips & Side Salad!

Behind the Scenes Hijinks at the Koala Encounter Photos

Kangaroo Feeding Time

Rootopia (get it?!)

Energetic Koalas enjoying the cooler Winter weather...

Mary River Turtle

Flying Foxes

Tasmanian Devils

Dingoes

Posing on the long walkway by the Brisbane River in a gorgeous floral twill midi dress from Anthea Crawford, pattern-mixed with a patchwork cotton three-quarter-sleeved jacket from Tree of Life, sport-luxe black mesh & electric-blue iridescent suede kickboxing boots from Puma, black matte vinyl crossbody bag with gold hardware & khaki quilted backback (not pictured in its entirety) from Forever New.

Happiness in Koala Ears!

One sleepy little man, tuckered out after a long day...

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Brisbane in Wintertime

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Dress: Diana Ferrari stretch lace

Duster: H&M chiffon

Ankle Boots: Wittner patent leather

Bag: Forever New vinyl with gold hardware

Necklace: Karen Walker gold & silver

Bracelet: Karen Walker gold & silver

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I love Brisbane, particularly in the wintertime when the temperature drops enough to pursue outdoor endeavours & explore this great city by foot as the sun shines above. Here I am, posing against the stone wall (under the arch) at the Hector Vasyli Memorial* - at one end of the Victoria Bridge that connects Southbank Parklands to the Queen Street Mall - before walking across to Irish Murphy's Pub for a delicious "traditional" lunch with my parents. I'm wearing a gorgeous black & electric blue stretch floral lace dress with black jersey underlay (including tulle!) from Diana Ferrari, a yellow & electric blue psychedelic printed chiffon long-sleeved shirtdress-turned-duster from H&M, comfortably yet stylish shiny black patent ankle boots from Wittner with matte 40 denier Razzamatazz tights, black vinyl cross-body bag with gold hardware & khaki quilted backpack from Forever New. A matching gold & silver "bow" necklace & bracelet from Karen Walker was added to complete the look.

*For those who don't know, the Hector Vasyli Memorial was erected in 1918 to commemorate the life of a patriotic eleven-year-old Greek/Australian paper boy who was tragically & accidentally killed by a military service vehicle as he threw chocolates (purchased with his own pocket money) to returning World War I troops as they crossed the bridge during a welcome home parade. Every year since, the Greek Orthodox Community pay their respects to this special little boy on ANZAC Day by laying wreaths at the memorial. 

"...in the breast of a child he carried the heart of a man."

Traversing the bridge in their matching shades of black, white & grey...

Best Guinness Pie E-V-E-R!

Mother & Daughter Selfies on our favourite shady bench in Southbank Parklands, drinking coffee (mine's a Chai Latte!) & looking out at the sunlight dancing on the Brisbane River... PURE BLISS. For those who asked on Instagram, Mum is wearing a black coated cotton shift dress with unbelievable origami-style collar from Dogstar, crinkled grey poly-blend cardigan (tied in the middle to create shape) from Spicy Sugar that I found at a store called Fair Mart in Ipswich City Square & vintage "ice skater" brooch from a now-defunct store called Hobohemia in Paddington. It really is something particularly special.

Gotta love these pretty & festive biodegradable take-away coffee cups!

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