I escaped from the corporate world a few years ago and am lucky enough to now live very happily with my family in a 150 year old villa and lovely garden north of Auckland. I have a deep appreciation of vintage things and making things by hand - including knitting, crochet, embroidery, applique, dressmaking, and restoring vintage furniture, particularly art deco. I was lucky enough to have been taught many hand making skills by my parents and grand parents. I am grateful for a quieter life and to have learned to value family and friends over money and things.