Coffee with Creatives - May 5, 2025

Featuring

Tara Braatz of Tara Lee Interior Design

Rebecca Bertoldi of My Local Marketing Shop & 222 Marketing

EPISODE RECAP

Coffee with Creatives: A Rainy Spring Morning and More

Welcome, everyone! Good morning, and thanks for joining us on this rainy New England morning. As spring unfolds, bringing blooming flowers and shimmering trees, it's a time of transition and reflection. Today, we delve into community support, personal losses, exciting contests, upcoming events, and incredible DIY gift ideas.

A Note of Gratitude

First, a heartfelt thank you to everyone for their overwhelming support during a tough time in my life. Recently, I experienced the passing of my father, a moment that came as a shock. The kindness and warmth from friends, family, and this community have been nothing short of spectacular. From flowers to food calls, your generous spirit has been a blessing. I'm not at my desk, so bear with me as I manage this post from my phone. Yet, with your support, the road to healing feels less daunting.

"Let Mother Nature handle it." - Embracing the rainy days and allowing nature to do its part.

Our Thriving Community

We've been fortunate to cultivate a supportive community with Coffee with Creatives. This shared space is where we find not only creative inspiration but emotional strength as well. Just recently, another host, Tara, experienced a similar loss, making our connection even more poignant. Supporting each other through these shared experiences strengthens our bond.

A Mug Full of Memories

This morning, Tara shares her mother's favorite coffee mug, a symbol of comfort and memories during times spent together. It’s these small, cherished possessions that remind us of the joy and love in our lives. Speaking of mugs, I found a new one with the inspiring message "Remember who you are," a reminder to stay true to oneself—a key takeaway from Heidi's recent workshop on authenticity.

Witness Creative Flare

Tara exhibits a lovely creation hanging above her head, lovingly crafted for her mother. A testament to the artistic talents and gifts within our community. And as we look ahead, I'm excited to announce the launch of our first-ever contest. Head over to CoffeeWithCreativesCT.com/community for details. This month, you can win tickets to the annual concert hosted by Madonna Place, featuring the incredible band Sugar.

Spotlight on Sugar

Sugar is the band you don't want to miss—known for their funky and danceable tunes. They play at various venues like the iconic Wolf Den at Mohegan Sun and Nickerbocker in Rhode Island, offering a lively time that will make you move and groove. And this Saturday, we're excited for an evening of music, community, and a chance to support Madonna Place—a nonprofit committed to strengthening families.

Fun Fact: A Glance at Cinco de Mayo

Did you know that Cinco de Mayo is celebrated more in the U.S. than in Mexico? While many believe it's the Mexican Independence Day, it actually commemorates the Battle of Puebla. On this festive day, a whopping 80 million avocados are used to make guacamole—a favorite in any celebration!

Celebrating Mother's Day

Another celebration on the horizon is Mother's Day, coinciding with my birthday! It’s a special opportunity to honor our mothers, who sacrifice so much for us. This year, I'm all set with a thoughtful gift—a restored trinket for my mother. For those looking for ideas, there's a list of over 50 DIY creations linked in the description. Custom crafts like bracelets, candles, and herb gardens can make wonderful, heartfelt gifts.

"Times are a little tough right now, so if we need to make something, we can make something." - Crafting gifts with love and creativity.

Exploring Local Events

Looking for adventure? Consider the big craft fair at Mohegan Sun and the renowned Brimfield Flea Market. These events are perfect for discovering unique finds and enjoying local culture. The craft fair runs Saturday and Sunday, a lovely outing for you and your family. On the other hand, Brimfield is an essential extravaganza of antique collecting and people watching, an exciting day out you won't want to miss.

Networking and More

Networking enthusiasts can check out various groups and events, from the Rose City Networking Group to my AI event on May 22—aimed at integrating artificial intelligence to boost business efficiency. An ideal way to explore new tools and techniques. Our Northeast networking group also plans to host a meet and greet evening, a chance to connect and learn from influential members of the community.

Joining Our Show

Interested in being a part of Coffee with Creatives? Head to our website and fill out the guest form—your ticket to sharing insights and inspirations with our vibrant audience.

Wrapping Up

As we sign off on this post, remember to sprinkle kindness wherever you go. In our bustling world, a smile can mean the world to someone. Have a lovely week, and we look forward to connecting again next Monday. Your support is appreciated far beyond words.

"Be kind. You never know what anyone is going through."

Thank you, everyone, for your continued love and encouragement. Have a wonderful week ahead!