Coffee with Creatives - September 22, 2025
Featuring
Tara Braatz of Tara Lee Interior Design
Rebecca Bertoldi of My Local Marketing Shop & 222 Marketing
Welcoming Fall: Crisp Beginnings, Pumpkin Tales, and Creative Adventures
Good morning, friends! Happy Monday and welcome to the very first day of fall. Whether you’re all about pumpkin spice everything or just eager to break out your favorite cozy layers, come join us as we journey through the sights, flavors, and feelings of this new season. I'm Rebecca Bertoldi (your marketing buddy), and along for the ride is Tara Brods (your go-to interior designer). We're sharing stories from our weekends, tips for embracing fall, fun community events, and even a little creative inspiration if you want to spruce up your own home—or just enjoy some wholesome autumn vibes.
Let’s jump right in!
Table of Contents
The First Day of Fall: Morning Chat & Cozy Layers
There’s something special about the shift from summer to fall. The air gets crisp, the leaves start to turn, and it’s suddenly acceptable to wrap yourself in soft sweaters and scarves. Rebecca kicked off the conversation with her signature warmth:
"Good morning and happy Monday, the very first day of fall. My name is Rebecca Bertoldi. I am your friend in marketing."
And Tara, bringing a designer’s touch, added:
"Good morning, everyone. It's so nice to see you on a crisp Monday morning. My name is Tara Brods and I'm your interior designer. Welcome."
The weekend left us refreshed and ready for change, even if it has gotten a bit “crispy” outside.
A wooded path with leaves just beginning to turn, sunlight weaving through the branches—there’s nothing like that first chill in the air to make fall feel real.
The Great Pumpkin Debate: Pumpkin Spice, Seeds, and Carvings
No fall blog would be complete without a little pumpkin talk. For some, pumpkin spice is a must; for others, a maybe-not. The truth? Not everyone loves the same pumpkin treats!
Rebecca confessed her pumpkin-spice struggles:
"There is something in pumpkin spice that gives me heartburn. I don't know what it is... even tried to make my own pumpkin spice creamer and I got the same effect. So I do like it, but it has to be very minimal."
Tara? A little more traditional:
Pumpkin pie only on Thanksgiving
No pumpkin in her coffee
Pumpkin seeds, though? Maybe time to try
And let’s not forget pumpkin carving—a highlight for both:
Our Favorite Pumpkin Carvings
Tara:
Her all-time favorite was carving E.T. (“pretty creative!”)
Artistic spin: sketches and painted pumpkins with her niece, turning carving into a fun family tradition
Rebecca:
Proud of her “minion” pumpkin, made freestyle without a template
Learned the hard way: Carved pumpkins do NOT last in the California heat!
“You can't have carved pumpkins outside in California because they just, like, almost melt.”
Pumpkin carving tools, bright orange pumpkins, and painted designs—whether traditional or artistic, carving is a classic autumn pastime.
Weekend Adventures: Local Fairs, Music, and Hidden Gems
Fall weekends were made for adventures. Whether you’re hitting up local fairs or soaking up live music, there’s so much happening as the season changes. Here’s how our weekend shaped up:
Tara’s Weekend
Friday: Enjoyed music at the barn in Gratten, catching the band “Don't Tell Lisa.”
Saturday: Visited the Big E, a huge regional fair.
“A lot of walking. Six miles we walked… But it was nice. A lot of people have gone.”
If you haven’t been to the Big E, it’s worth a visit:
State buildings showcase local culture (Connecticut pizza, regional products)
Easy drive, just about an hour to get there
Rebecca’s Weekend
Friday: Lunch in Middletown with clients—a rare chance to pause and catch up
Saturday: Jewelry-making fun with friend Laura and her kids
Sunday: Thrift shopping with her mom, discovering mystery jewelry vases at Goodwill
A bustling fall fair: families, food stands, local crafts, music drifting through the air.
Treasure Hunting: Jewelry Finds and Repurposing
Who doesn’t love a good thrift store hunt? Rebecca unearthed a vase full of surprise jewelry at Goodwill—an unexpected jackpot for her creative side.
“They have these ready-to-go mystery vases full of jewelry… There's so much to work with. I pulled out a couple pieces for myself and others to repurpose for making new jewelry.”
Here’s the haul:
Beachy necklaces and shell pieces
Earrings (fixer-uppers included)
“Noisy things,” like big statement leaf pendants
A bracelet reminiscent of her wedding favors
Total spend: $30
But with the potential to repurpose or even sell some treasures, it was more than worth it!
Colorful spread of jewelry—beads, necklaces, earrings, vintage finds—all ready to inspire new creations.
Interior Design Life: Fall Projects and Home Updates
Tara gave us an inside look at her busy week in interior design. With cooler weather, it’s the perfect time for home updates and creative projects.
Current Projects
Nor Stonington:
Tackling a tight living room space for a client who loves hosting parties.
Steps so far:Popcorn ceilings replaced
New can lights installed
Fresh paint and sanded floors
Currently shopping for furniture to maximize space
East Hampton (lake house):
Designing a living room and master bedroomShower curtain design in progress
Hunting for perfect fabrics
Chair Upholstery:
Rescue mission for some well-structured vintage chairs:
“They need to be reupholstered… now that the weather is cooler, it's easier with the paint and I'm not, you know, not 100 degrees on pavement.”Furniture Makeover:
Once the paint dries, Tara plans to dive into her barn and refresh some forgotten pieces
Upcoming Events
Mohegan Sun:
Design event at the end of the week—always exciting!Baby Shower Decor:
Collaborating with McKenna’s Florist to bring unique floral designs for an upcoming baby shower.
“If you need any flowers for any occasion, that is definitely your go to.”
Before-and-after home makeover: fresh paint, cozy fabrics, reclaimed vintage furniture ready for new life.
Favorite Fall Spots: Food, Foliage, and Family Time
What’s fall without apple cider, donuts, and a drive through fiery foliage?
Must-Visit Fall Places
Clyde’s Cider Mill
Hot apple cider & fresh apple cider donuts
Locally made goodies
That classic fall atmosphere
“You can sit there—the only problem is bees like to find you there. But it's all because of the hot apple cider…”
Berry Farm near Middletown
Famous for strawberry rhubarb pie (Thanksgiving essential!)
Burger Heaven (Middletown)
Way more than burgers—wraps, acai bowls, and healthier options
“Not what we're used to seeing around here. Different varieties. Definitely stop by!”
Rows of cider donuts stacked high, warm cups of cider waiting, local jams and salsas crowding rustic tables.
Autumn Drives & Leaf Peeping
Even if the colors aren’t at their peak yet, the urge to explore is real.
“Of course the leaves… going to see some foliage. I don't know how it's gonna be this year without as much rain, but we'll see.”
And for those who miss New England’s fall—like Rebecca did while living in California—there’s real joy in coming home for leaf season.
“I brought Kyle back to New York… always wanted him to hit the peak leaf season. One year we just missed it, and he still thought it was amazing. That’s when I realized how lucky we are to have real autumn here.”
Panoramic shot of mountains dusted with orange, gold, and deep red—autumn in full swing.
Family Traditions
Don’t forget family in all the fall fun! Rebecca spent quality time with her mom, who’s famous for feeding the local deer in Griswold:
“She's got animals coming through there all the time—a parade of deer. She feeds them every day, and they're going to be like, walking up on her deck soon, asking, 'Hello, why aren't you out here feeding us?'”
Dreams for home improvement grew, too (drive-thru windows for deer, anyone?).
Friendly deer at the edge of the woods, maybe waiting for treats—a perfect slice of small-town autumn.
Business Buzz: Upcoming Events and Growth
Fall is also a busy season for business owners. Growth, change, and learning never slow down!
Rebecca is in the thick of team changes—juggling tasks as her business expands:
“There’s so much growth happening right now… I’m trying to keep up.”
Plus, she’s started a new Business Acceleration Program to help her see marketing through a different lens.
“A lot of times, when you’re doing your own marketing, you’re too close to it. You’re not seeing it from the viewer’s perspective. This program is going to help.”
Local Event: Scaling for Success Business Series
Chelsea Grat Bank is hosting a business series:
Starts tomorrow, runs through October 21st
Topics: financial forecasting, vision strategy, managing cash flow, funding growth, and more
Held at the Chelsea Gratin headquarters (Peconic Road)
Free! Great for anyone looking to grow their business
Rebecca plans to join next week’s session on “funding your growth,” something very relevant as she builds her company.
Classroom setting with businessowners learning together, notebooks open, smiles all around.
Holiday Prep: Creative Inspiration for Decorating
Fall isn’t just pumpkins and cider—it’s the perfect time to start planning (and getting creative!) for the holidays.
Tara brings her design expertise to the table:
“If you’re out there and you need your holiday, you know, your house decorated for the holidays, please reach out! Wreaths, centerpieces, whatever you need, I’m here to help. Even if you don’t want to decorate your Christmas tree, I’ll come decorate it for you.”
Imagine your home with a magazine-worthy Christmas tree—elegant, creative, and ready to wow family and friends. Maybe you’re past the toy-and-tinsel stage, or maybe you’re just looking for something new.
Rebecca suggests:
“Maybe we could have some fun with tree decorating—a contest or something. That would be so neat to do!”
If you want tips or hands-on help, Tara’s ready to make your holiday dreams a reality.
Living room aglow with twinkling lights, a designer-decorated tree, and festive wreath on the door.
Kindness and Community: Wrapping Up
We started this fall morning together with warmth, laughter, and a lot of stories. Whether you’re looking for new places to visit, inspiration for your home, or just a friendly voice to start the week, we’re glad you joined us.
Let’s close with a favorite message:
“Always remember to be kind. A smile goes a long way. You never know what anyone’s going through.”
So—go out, embrace the crisp air, the changing leaves, and every creative possibility this season brings. If you need some marketing magic or help making your house feel like home, Rebecca and Tara are just a message away.
A group of friends raising apple cider cups, smiles on every face—fall is better when shared.
Links and Resources
Clyde’s Cider Mill - Local cider and donuts
Burger Heaven (Middletown) - Healthier eats, wraps, and more
Chelsea Grat Bank Business Series
McKenna’s Florist - Flower arrangements for any occasion
Mohegan Sun Events
East Hampton Design Inspiration
Goodwill Thrift Finds
Join the Conversation!
Ready to decorate, try a new recipe, or visit someplace new this fall? Share your thoughts, tips, and favorite autumn adventures in the comments. And don’t forget—if you want help bringing a little seasonal magic into your home, Tara’s excited to help (magazine-style Christmas trees included).
Happy Fall, everyone! Enjoy your week. Be kind, stay creative, and celebrate every golden moment.
“It was so nice having you with us. Take care and enjoy your week. Bye for now!”
