Coffee with Creatives - April 14, 2025
Coffee with Creatives - April 14, 2025
Featuring
Tara Braatz of Tara Lee Interior Design
Rebecca Bertoldi of My Local Marketing Shop & 222 Marketing
EPISODE RECAP
April 14th: A Bright Beginning and Creative Adventures
Hello, everyone! Happy Monday! As the week kicks off, the sun is shining, and it brings a promise of brightness and new beginnings. If you're like us, you might be wondering, "Can you believe it?" After a surprising bout of snow this past weekend, the warm embrace of sunshine feels more beautiful than ever. Connecticut forecasts whisper that some areas might touch 70 degrees today—truly a reason to celebrate the fleeting moments of warmth and greenery returning to our surroundings.
A Chat Over Coffee
We’re thrilled you’ve decided to join us today for "Coffee with Creatives." I'm Rebecca Bertoldi, your companion in the world of marketing, and alongside me is my wonderful co-host, Tarya Bratz, an interior designer specializing in residential and commercial spaces. Together, we're on a creative journey and we’re excited to share a little slice of that adventure with you!
Embracing the Local Scene
Our Day Out: Exploring Rustic Charm
Tarya and I spent a delightful Saturday venturing into the heart of our local countryside, starting with a visit to the charming Rustic Sunflower. Despite the cold and rain, the stores beckoned us inside, welcoming us with warmth and creativity. Displaying a remarkable collection of candles, decor, and spring wreaths, it was a treasure trove of inspiration.
"The store is a delightful stop for gifts and a perfect portrait of New England's countryside charm."
With a flair for design, Tarya couldn't resist the allure of new decor for her door. Meanwhile, I found myself enchanted by a selection of whimsically dangerous gnomes and homemade wreaths—perfect little touches for transforming my front porch.
Discovering Maria's Treasures
Our journey continued as we ventured into the expansive space of Maria's Treasures in Norwich. Here, we were met with an unexpected variety, from historical clowns and costumes to pearls and playful jewelry. I walked away with handfuls of vintage treasures, finding joy in recreating and repurposing some bracelets into necklaces—a testament to simple creativity.
The Spirit of Giving
Maria’s Treasures is not just a store but a beacon of support for local nonprofit organizations. Their unique approach in accepting donations and turning them into a community-driven venture is heartwarming. Those young or unmatched treasures we all own can find new life here, supporting great causes.
Crafting Beauty: A Centerpiece Story
In preparation for the coming Easter festivities, Tarya shared her latest creative endeavor: a beautiful Easter centerpiece. Using the base of a grapevine wreath submerged in water to enhance flexibility, Tarya transformed an everyday item into a stunning display. Featuring decorative eggs, faux eucalyptus, feathers, and birch bark, the centerpiece celebrated nature’s textures and whimsical designs.
Tips for Creative Nest-Building
Base Choice: Start with a strong base, such as a grapevine wreath.
Enhance Volume: Use paper or other fillers to elevate the base above the container.
Diversity of Textures: Incorporate different materials—eucalyptus, birch, feathers, and faux flowers.
Avoid Real Eggs: Opt for decorative eggs to ensure longevity.
Feel free to embrace your inner bird and gather eclectic pieces to fashion your ideal nest!
Easter Traditions and Revelries
As Easter approaches, it’s fascinating to see how traditions evolve yet remain uniquely personal. I find myself eagerly gearing up for another competitive Easter egg hunt at my mother's, where rivalry mixes with nostalgia.
For Tarya, Easter is synonymous with large family gatherings, often exceeding expectations in both warmth and connection. Each year a different part of the family takes the mantle of organizing, ensuring a delightful blend of culinary and aesthetic pleasures.
Community Corner: Supporting Those in Need
Unfortunately, life brings its share of challenges, and recently, our community faced a tragic house fire in Baltic. The family affected, comprising four adults and seven children, is in desperate need of assistance after losing all their possessions.
Donations are being accepted at the following locations:
130 Inland Road, Sprague
121 Chronicle Road, Willimantic
This heartbreaking situation underscores the importance of community solidarity. Let’s rally together to show this family the warmth and support of our collective spirit.
Upcoming Highlights: Events and Excitement
Anticipating Brimfield
The renowned Brimfield flea market is peeking around the corner in May, promising a festival of unique finds and treasures. Mark your calendars and prepare for an unforgettable adventure bursting with eccentric charms.
Entertainment at Mohegan Sun
Mohegan Sun boasts an exciting lineup of entertainment, including country favorites like the Zac Brown Band and Kane Brown. Dive into a musical journey that caters to diverse tastes and preferences in the arena of live performances.
Creative Pursuits: Interior Design Projects
The coming week promises a flurry of activity with a fascinating sunroom project in Middletown, perfectly set for transformation and photographic sessions by Friday.
As we wrap up our vibrant discussion, I urge everyone to embrace kindness and share positivity. Life's journey may be unpredictable, yet one constant remains—our ability to uplift one another through simple acts of compassion.
Let’s continue to support each other and create a community that thrives on shared joy and resilience.
Happy Easter, everyone! Thank you for joining us for our creative journey today. 🙂
