dandycandi

I am a 23 year old Australian student studying sociology in hopes of becoming a social worker. I have some varied interests, such as waterskiing, sewing and painting but most are creative in nature.

I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis when I was 12 years old and have had some ups and downs but have managed to stay on top of it as much as possible and stay positive. I got my first tattoo in January this year of a cherry blossom branch. I got it to remind me of my own mortality and that life is beautiful. I think of this every time I see it in the mirror and smile.

I love tea and all things tea related. I collected tea pots at one stage, but have moved onto tea cups of late. I probably drink between 5 and 10 cups a day, plus coffee if I go out :)

I worked in hospitality for a few years before I went back to study and have always had a love of food. I have a wheat intolerance which makes eating some of my favourite foods difficult but I have learnt how to modify some things so I can still enjoy them! My sister and brother in law are chefs and own a cafe which I frequent whenever I get the chance. I love finding new cafes that have the wonderful atmosphere and I could spend all day in them reading, sipping a soy latte and nibbling on something delicious.

I also love Audrey Hepburn and my goal this year is to watch all of her films. I have seen a few but not all :) She was so beautiful and graceful and a just a wonderful person. I guess she would be one of my idols.

I like to surround myself with beautiful things that inspire me. Frames, beautiful bottles and tea pots and old books and trinkets that I have collected.

I love to opp shop and find beautiful kitchen or home items as well as clothing I can wear straight away or alter to suit my tastes. I am a fairly casual dresser most of the time, wearing jeans and a comfy T-shirt but love pretty skirts and tops and cardigans so am attempting to inject a few more of these items into my wardrobe to reflect this a little more.

I have found so many wonderful finds "Thrift" or "Opp" shopping and believe it is a more sustainable way to live. There are so many quality garments and items out there that you don't need to buy everything new. Some things, yes, but everything, no! It has become a trend of late, but I like that because even if the "look" is trendy, more people are buying sustainably and stopping production of goods we don't really need.

Due to my arthritis I tend to dress more practically as being warm is the best for my joints and comfortable shoes are a must, although I do suffer the pain of smalls heels on occasion :)

I enjoy creative things in general and more often that not, make gifts for my friends and family rather than buying them -depending on time constraints of course!

I love the look on said person's face when they open something that is personalised and not just some commercial junk that was made who knows where! I've made something, personalised and thought out and they all seem to love the end result!

I enjoy the whole process from idea brainstorming, to searching for supplies to starting the task to the finished project and then to the best part, the giving of the gift!!!

I sew, paint, glue, draw, and more. Sewing is a favourite at the moment but my crafting phases are many and not far between!

My favourite book of all is "To Kill A Mockingbird". I enjoy biographies and general modern fiction as well as the classics. I strayed away from magazines for a while but am a recent convert to "Frankie" and "Peppermint" magazines. I just love everything about both of these zines. Frankie I love for its "kitsch-ness" if there is such a word and its layout and design. Peppermint is an Australian zine about Eco fashion and lifestyle in which I have come to be more aware of in the last few years. Essentially, I just like reading.

I love Audrey Hepburn so my favourite film of hers is Breakfast at Tiffany's. I also like Roman Holiday, How to Steal A Million and then Sabrina in order of preference of the films I have seen of hers. I do love Brad Pitt so many of my favourites feature him. Legends of the Fall, Interview with a Vampire, Empire Records, Moulin Rouge, Dirty Dancing, Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill 1&2....all Tarantino film's really, Sweeny Todd, 10 Things I Hate About you, Mr and Mrs Smith.....

I like international films also. C.R.A.Z.Y. is a favourite, Life if beautiful and Amelie.

I love the series Brothers and Sisters, Firefly, Mad Men, Heroes and Entourage. I don't get a chance to watch them regularly due to my studies but often download them and watch them when I get the chance.

1. Tea
2. Sleeping In
3. A good soak in the bath
4. Waterskiing
5. Surprises
6. Summer
7. Sewing
8. Baking
9. Painting
10. Pretty fabrics
11. Cherry Blossoms
12. Orange and almond cake
13. A nice glass of red wine
14. Handmade
15. Vintage (ie.items 20 years or older)