GP02: Getting to know // Latrina from Of Trees and Hues
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Latrina always features such wonderful fellow bloggers on her Creative Collective series, so for her guest post today, I thought that it would be a wonderful idea to flip things around and interview her for her own “Creative Collective” -type feature here on Coco/Mingo!
Tell me a little bit about yourself:
Hi! I’m a barista/photographer from Northern California who has a passion for design and traveling. I am the most happiest (and creative!) when I’m out exploring, whether along the Pacific Coast or deep in the woods. I feel as though traveling and experiencing nature is what drives and fuels my artistic abilities. When I’m not exploring, you can find me in local coffee shops with my husband, either reading a book or day-dreaming, or out & about with my camera!
How did you get into photography and design?
As a child, my favorite pastime was to sift through my grandmother’s photo albums. I loved the thought of capturing life’s special moments and knew one day I would want to do the same. However, it wasn’t until my teenage years that I became interested in photography as a hobby. I have had no prior schooling but have found practice to be the perfect tool!
As for designing — I had an early start! I was designing layouts and graphics since I was 13 years old. Wow! That thought sure makes you feel old. 😉 I have been fortunate enough to have a passion and knack for creative outlets and I am beyond grateful to be able to say that this is now my job.
Congratulations on Of Trees and Hues turning 1 year old, what an accomplishment! What has been your most memorable moment from this past year of blogging?
Thank you! Wow, what a year it has been. I am so truly blessed to have such a wonderful readership and support group who has made this year quite special! My most memorable moment is, well – there’s a few, I suppose. I’ve had such a privilege to work with some of the best & creative bloggers out there and I couldn’t feel more grateful! Being active in the blogging community is extremely important to me.
I would have to say taking on sponsorship is definitely another memorable moment that makes me giddy. You definitely know you’re doing something right when you have all these amazing people believing in what you’ve created! (a huge thank you to these lovely people – Of Trees and Hues wouldn’t be the same without them!)
What has been your biggest challenge this past year (on blogging)?
Balancing both blogging and my 9-5 job has been quite the struggle. However, creating a structured blogging schedule has helped immensely — I swear by my editorial calendar now!
Is there any advice/tips that you can pass along for bloggers just starting out?
Discover yourself!! I wrote a blog post about discovering who you are and I truly believe blogging can help you discover that. And once you find it, stick to your guns. Don’t blog about things that are “popular” – be true to yourself. You’re unique and we all want to know what YOU are inspired by, what are your favorites books, what you’re currently listening to, etc.
What is your favorite column on your blog and why?
Oh, wow! My Explore and Photography columns have always been my favorite because both are my passion, however, my recent column “Memory Lane” is definitely another – it’s a column where I reminiscence and share stories from my childhood. Not only is it a great writing exercise but it’s such a good way to connect with others. And it’s also going to make compiling my Memoir super easy! 🙂
You’re a wanderluster as well! Where has been your favorite place(s) that you have traveled to and why? And where would you love to go that you haven’t yet?
Oh man! You know better to get me started on traveling, Jessica. 😉 Where to start!? Moving to California two years ago was the best thing I could have done for my wanderlusting heart. There’s just so much beauty here! My favorite thing to do is to drive along the Pacific Coast Highway and stop whenever my heart beckons me to. I could spend hours sitting along the rocky edge of the mountains just gazing out into the deep blue.
Cute little towns like Half Moon Bay, Mendocino and Carmel are definitely some of my favorite places. They’re all so unique, with their own little Mom and Pop shops and are home to some of the best views I’ve ever seen! But, really – nothing comes close to Yosemite. I will literally tear up just talking about it – it’s that beautiful & majestic. If I would recommend you to go anywhere in this world, it’d be Yosemite.
Places I would like to explore someday: Ireland, Scotland, Iceland, Greece, Africa and Italy! Blogger’s travel vacay, anyone!? 🙂
Describe your happy place:
I can do better – I can show you. This is one of the spots along the coast I was telling you about. My husband and I just happen to stumble upon it during a road trip last year. There we were, driving along the PCH, and I spotted a small trail along the side of the road. We parked the car, and not knowing what to expect, walked through the tall brush and what we saw moments later, definitely took our breath away. Trails lined with wildflowers that created such a beautiful bouquet of scents. Past a few winding trails you reached a drop off along the rocks, and just a few jumps down, you were welcomed by the most breathtaking view you’ve ever seen. Since then, we have been back a few times, to sit and just absorb the hypnotic & majestic beauty of the ocean. We have drove three hours just to visit that spot, if that tells you just how much we love it!
One thing you’re obsessed with right now?
Thatch and Thistle Co. – a gorgeous Etsy shop run by my dear friend, Brynne. It’s full of packaging goodies, party & craft supplies and so much more! I just recently ordered the mini clothes pins in white and I am obsessed with them! Plus, she’s a gal who is doing what she loves… and doing it successfully, I might add! And I admire that.
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Thank you, Trina! And a big Congratulations on your 1-year blog-anniversary! We’re so excited to be celebrating this accomplishment by offering a huge GIVEAWAY (13 gifts from 11 bloggers!) – go check it out (if you haven’t already) over on her blog!
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All photos via Of Trees and Hues
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29 comments :
|Harmonyanddesign|
November 21, 2013 8:08AM
Me encanta esta sección.
Conocer un poquito más a las bloggers.
Besitos
Latrina (@oftreesandhues)
November 21, 2013 8:43PM
Muchas gracias!! Es muy amable. 🙂
Nikkol | Peter Loves Jane
November 21, 2013 8:13AM
Beautiful places, Latrina! I love the pacific northwest,too. I could drive the PCH for days 🙂
Latrina (@oftreesandhues)
November 21, 2013 8:40PM
Oh my gosh. Isn’t it just the most gorgeous area? I love it. 🙂 I may get a bit carsick every once in awhile… but it’s so worth it! 😛
Kelly Brito
November 21, 2013 8:53AM
What an awesome interview. I absolutely love her Explore series – I love traveling and discovering new places (plus, her photography is just breathtaking!).
Coincidentally, she’s being featured on my blog today as well -talking about being an awesome lady, uh!? 🙂
Latrina (@oftreesandhues)
November 21, 2013 8:30PM
Haha, I’m definitely a little giddy right now — I mean, being featured on both of you lovely ladies’ blogs! I really don’t know how I lucked out there. 😛 But honestly — I’m so grateful for you both.
Thank you for reading, Kelly! And continually to support. 😀 You’re the best!!
Emily
November 21, 2013 10:08AM
Thanks for sharing about Trina, Jess! I love getting to know more about the bloggers that I love following!
Latrina (@oftreesandhues)
November 21, 2013 8:39PM
Yay! I am so happy you enjoyed this, Emily. I just loved Jessica’s Qs! It felt so refreshing answering them… and to reminiscence a bit. 🙂
Jane Y.
November 21, 2013 10:18AM
definitely a lady with awesome talent and skills. photos are just beautiful! great q & a!
Latrina (@oftreesandhues)
November 21, 2013 8:38PM
Aww. Geez, you’re too kind! Thank you so much, Jane. <3
Angel Y.
November 21, 2013 11:23AM
Latrina is such a gem! I’m so glad she’s here on your blog today.
Latrina (@oftreesandhues)
November 21, 2013 8:37PM
Thank you so much, Angel! 😀
Kristyn @ Milk + Crown
November 21, 2013 12:18PM
The Half Moon Bay photos are what drew me to Latrina’s blog in the first place 🙂 So beautiful! Also, I so admire anyone who can keep a blogging schedule–oh gosh haha, that is on my to-do list!
Latrina (@oftreesandhues)
November 21, 2013 8:32PM
Oh my gosh, Kristyn. If you ever get the chance to… you gotta visit Half Moon Bay! Such a lovely, lovely town. And the beaches aren’t crowded and it’s just so clean & pretty. 🙂 Love it!
Thanks so much for following along with me, dear. 🙂 <3
Anna-Rosa
November 21, 2013 1:27PM
oh…what a nice interview! Lately I’ve learned so much about you guys, through your little “five weird facts about me” game and now I get to know Latrina just a bit more! Lovely photos too!
Latrina (@oftreesandhues)
November 21, 2013 8:37PM
Thank you so much, Anna!
I really enjoy little posts like this… or like the game we played… It’s so much fun to open yourself up & have fun. Plus — it’s always fun to learn something new about other bloggers!
I’m glad you enjoyed this. Ty so much for the kind words. 😀
Amanda
November 21, 2013 2:10PM
oh gosh, this is fantastic! love love LOVE Trina and her wonderful blog…thanks so much for sharing!!
Latrina (@oftreesandhues)
November 21, 2013 8:35PM
Amanda! I am so happy you enjoyed reading a little bit about me. 🙂 You’re too sweet, thank you!!
Corina
November 21, 2013 3:49PM
Oh girl, so nice to you know. A little bit more at a time 🙂 ps how awesome is your picture? the one that you’re facing the sea! luurv it!
Latrina (@oftreesandhues)
November 21, 2013 8:35PM
Hello, love!
Hehe, that’s one of my favorites too. It was taken in Carmel by the Sea. That’s the name of the town. How perfect, right? 🙂 It’s so charming!! And I can’t wait to go back.
Latrina (@oftreesandhues)
November 21, 2013 8:34PM
Jessica!! My bestie. I love you to pieces and I have to say.. .I am beyond excited and honored to be on your lovely blog! You’re just the sweetest and I’m so happy to have met you!
Your words… oh, you make my heart swell. I love you! xo
Stacia
November 21, 2013 8:54PM
This was wonderful, and I fell in love with her blog. I really appreciated a lot of the things she had to say. Thanks for putting this together!
Victoria | Oh So Pretty
November 21, 2013 11:32PM
Oh yay!!! Always love learning more about you, dear Trina!! Hey, I started designing when I was 13 too – back then, I used Paint Shop Pro (whatever happened to that?!)
Loved reading this, you’re so inspiring and yes to blogger’s travel vacay!!!!
Great feature, Jess! Hope you’re having an amazing time, love! xoxo <33333
Latrina (@oftreesandhues)
November 24, 2013 12:33PM
Haha, oh man. Paint shop pro… I definitely remember that! 😛 That’s back when I had a website on geocities, haha. Oh man — soo long ago!
Holly Marie
November 22, 2013 6:15PM
Such a wonderful post! I love reading about all the lovely people you interview. 🙂
alice-jane
November 22, 2013 9:26PM
I love learning more about Latrina! I love her blog and I love what she had to say about photography, blogging and more. It’s definitely important to find your blogger voice and I’m still in the process of doing that now.
Simona
November 24, 2013 6:06AM
Thanks for featuring her, she has a lovely blog!
Holly Marie
November 25, 2013 10:01PM
Aww, it is so nice to see Trina over here. I always enjoy learning about other bloggers. Great post!
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