I answer all your burning questions about myself and the blog here!
What kind of camera do you use?
I use kind of a multi-attack when it comes to photography for my blog. For the majority of the outdoor, photoshoot style pictures, I use a Fujifilm Finepix S3200. It had belonged to my Papa (he won it!) and my grandmother had given it to me after he passed away. Whenever I go to edit a new set of photos I have just taken, I sometimes like to scroll backwards through the camera and look at the photos they left on the SD card. There are pictures they took with friends at their home in Florida and at the golf course my Papa worked at. It makes me reminisce and think of good times.
The other camera I use (mostly for my Shenanigans Saturday posts, when I'm taking photos indoors at the bar) is a Kodak EasyShare V1253 Zoom. It's a pretty nifty camera, and probably would have served me well had I not inherited my Papa's camera, but it does really crappy detail shots.
I also use my iPhone 4 for Instagram shots.
Where did the name "A Coin For the Well" come from?
A Coin For the Well comes from the lyrics of a song called Reunited by Fan Death. It was also the title of their album. The reason I chose this for the name of my blog was because I was at a point in my life where Hello Kitty ruled my world. It was all encompassing. I wore Hello Kitty clothes, shoes, make-up, my apartment was decorated with Hello Kitty... I even got a Hello Kitty tattoo! However, I just felt dumpy all the time and invisible. Everybody dismissed me as the "Hello Kitty girl" and no one took me seriously. Basically, I wanted to re-vamp my style. I wanted something cute and whimsical, but different. Bolder. Not jeans and a t-shirt. I saw the video for Fan Death's Reunited and it inspired me to go that direction with my style. To take chances and to make mistakes, but to try something different. If you are interested in seeing the video, I posted it in my first blog entry.
I also like the name "A Coin For the Well" because it evokes images of someone wishing for something. I'm very superstitious and wish for things wherever opportunity arises. Birthday candles, wishbones, you name it, I wish on it! My favourite opportunity to wish is a scenario my mom told me about. It was to wish under a moving train (like under a bypass.) I always tell this to my friends and they've never heard of it, so perhaps it's something my mom made up. However, the 2 things I wished for (lots of Modcloth and to eat whatever I want and lose weight) both came true within a year of wishing for them. I ended winning several Modcloth contests and lost 30 pounds with my same diet. So try it!
Who designed your blog?
Joyce of Joyful Outfits!
What is your job/income? Do you blog full time?
My income is Ontario Disability Support Payments. I've been on it since I was 20 for bi-polar disorder. Having a regular job for me is tricky because my energy levels swing so drastically - when I'm manic, I take on many projects and when I'm down, getting out of bed can be impossible. I'm very fortunate with this set-up because I can be a full-time blogger right from the get go. Many others aren't afforded this opportunity.
How can you afford so many clothes?
I have a penchant for Modcloth but it is often out of my budget (unless they have special sales or promotions.) I find myself often turning to eBay and buying things that aren't my size. I buy anywhere from size 0-12 (I am a size 6) if I can find a bargain on it (under $20 shipped is typically my range.) From there, I either stuff myself into items with shapewear or creativity (if buttons gape, I try to put similar coloured camisoles underneath.) For bigger sized items, I alter them down with the assistance of my very decently priced seamstress. She charges between $1-4 for alterations and with her help, I've been able to nab higher priced items that weren't my size and change them into something wearable. I'm learning the hard way not to do this with shoes. Nothing I do will make a size 7 or a 9.5 fit my size 8 feet!
I also do regular old budgeting. I don't buy fast food. I eat a lot of potatoes, perogies, cereal and toast. Anything that's cheap. I also don't drive a car and my parents own my condo. They charge me the amount ODSP gives me for rent allowance so that the amount I'm given for living expenses can actually go to my living expenses. It's a nice set-up and I'm so grateful that I have such amazing parents!
What do you want to be "when you grow up?"
I struggle with this question because I feel like what I'm interested in, I have no talent or knowledge in. Ideally, I'd love to get a degree in history and textiles and work in a museum preserving and identifying historical pieces of clothing. That would be such a dream job for me!
Anything else you would like to know, feel free to e-mail me anytime!
