Coffee with Creatives - September 29, 2025
Featuring
Tara Braatz of Tara Lee Interior Design
Rebecca Bertoldi of My Local Marketing Shop & 222 Marketing
Coffee with Creatives: Celebrating National Coffee Day, Fall Vibes, and Heartfelt Stories
Welcome, friends! We're thrilled to have you join us for this recap of "Coffee with Creatives" with your friendly hosts, Rebecca Bertoldi (your marketing buddy) and Tara Brot (your go-to for interior design). Today’s post blends laughter, stories, local deals, creative inspiration, and heartwarming moments. Grab your favorite mug—we’re diving deep into another Monday morning in New England, complete with all the quirks and warmth of the season.
Table of Contents
Welcoming Fall in New England: Pumpkins, Mums, and Porch Decor
Anniversary Adventures: Comedy Shows, Tacos, and Thoughtful Gifts
Tag Sale Treasures: Jewelry, Decor, and Creative Inspiration
A Designer’s Week: Working with Clients and Shopping Adventures
Kickoff: Happy Monday, Happy National Coffee Day!
Good morning, everybody! On this bright Monday in New England, the show kicked off with Rebecca and Tara—two friends who are as excited about coffee as they are about creativity. Today was extra special, not just because it’s Monday, but it’s National Coffee Day! That means deals galore at places like Dunkin', Starbucks, and more.
“Speaking of National Coffee Day, let’s dive into our coffee cups.”
Whether you’re reading this in your kitchen, your office, or snuggled on the couch with your own mug, remember: coffee isn’t just a beverage—it’s a ritual that connects us.
Sipping from Artful Mugs: The Morning Ritual
The hosts shared their mugs: Rebecca with playful polka dots, feeling artsy after a weekend adventure, and Tara tuned to the mood and season.
Isn’t it funny how a simple cup can set the tone for your day? A polka-dot mug, a bold color, or a favorite shape—these little details spark joy and inspire creativity. Next time you choose a mug, let it reflect your mood. It makes every sip special.
Welcoming Fall in New England: Pumpkins, Mums, and Porch Decor
Sunshine broke through the New England humidity, promising fall’s arrival. The conversation turned to the beloved rituals:
Setting out mums and pumpkins
Debating how early is too early for pumpkins
The hunt for the best deals on plants—big Costco mums for only $17!
“I was afraid to buy pumpkins too soon, but I think it’s coming soon. We’ll be in good shape.”
Buying a little pumpkin and knowing it might not make it to Halloween? That’s part of the fun! And if you’ve ever scoured local spots for just the right color mum, you’re not alone.
Tips on Seasonal Decor
Tara, with her designer’s eye, shared how changing the siding of her house made selecting porch decor easier. Neutral “non-color” siding like creams and grays mean you can add any pop of color you want, from bright mums to bold garden ornaments.
“Non-colors in the design world are creams, grays, blacks—anything really neutral. So your color is a non-color. You can add anything to it!”
So if your home has a neutral exterior, go ahead—get creative! Add reds, yellows, oranges, or mix them all for a cozy, vibrant porch.
Porch Stories & Design Tips from Tara
Tara brought us into her family’s history, reminiscing about her mom’s white-and-black house with a cheerful yellow door. A funny story:
Tara’s dad, a carpenter, built the house himself.
Her mom couldn’t decide on a new door, so they painted the old one yellow, expecting she’d want a new one.
The yellow door stayed! It's still there today.
When Tara’s mom recently gifted her a yellow mum, it was a sweet continuation of these playful family traditions.
Anniversary Adventures: Comedy Shows, Tacos, and Thoughtful Gifts
Rebecca celebrated her first wedding anniversary this weekend. The festivities began with:
Comedy night (humidity and all, with hair going wild!)
A cozy dinner date at Valare’s, a locally owned spot with delicious, budget-friendly fare.
“I got these Piggy Smalls Tacos—pulled pork, apple slaw, pickles. So good. It was like, really good.”
Rebecca and Kyle skipped the photos—sometimes you just want to be present. But local favorites like Valare’s and Prime 82 are great options for anyone looking for good eats in North Franklin.
Gift-Giving: Blending Traditions and Personal Touches
Rebecca shared the story of choosing a paper-themed gift (the traditional 1st anniversary material):
She met a caricature artist through a marketing class and commissioned a drawing of her and Kyle in Star Wars outfits with their Block Island wedding backdrop.
Kyle’s gift broke tradition but tugged at the heartstrings—a light-up 3D photo of Rebecca and her Nana. Cue the “ugly crying”!
“He decided to make me cry instead. This is a picture of my nana… It lights up in different colors and when you move it, she’s kind of 3D.”
The lesson? Thoughtful gifts that blend favorite themes, memories, and creativity bring the biggest smiles.
Tag Sale Treasures: Jewelry, Decor, and Creative Inspiration
Saturday’s adventure was a trip to Rebecca’s aunt’s massive New York tag sale—a treasure hunt for decor, jewelry, and old friends. Tara and Rebecca browsed for hours, finding inspiration in unexpected places.
They picked up:
Decor pieces (including frogs, though Rebecca’s “broke them already”!)
Unique jewelry with potential for breaking apart and repurposing
Charms and bracelets capturing dreams and stories
Rebecca described picking out chunky, gold-toned pieces and leaf necklaces—noting how design choices depend on personal style and color preferences.
“I do well with beefier things just because I’m a bigger woman and yeah. So again dipping my toe into some of these more skin-tone flattering colors.”
They even found a metal tie with an Egyptian sphinx, harkening back to Tara’s mother’s love of Egyptian art.
For creatives and DIYers, tag sales offer affordable ways to build new projects, experiment with style, and satisfy that urge for unique finds.
A Designer’s Perspective
Tara sees jewelry and decor not as finished pieces but as raw materials and building blocks for new creations. Layering, stacking, and mixing them up brings fresh energy to her work.
“I’m always looking for like the ugly or the crazy situations so I can stack them. I love stacking jewelry.”
Rebecca admires Tara’s ability to see the possibilities, not just the finished product!
Family, Nostalgia, and Healing: Touching Stories from Tara
The conversation shifted as Tara shared personal stories from her childhood:
Manic Monday memories—being 10, dreading gym classes, and hearing her mom play "Manic Monday" by The Bangles to lighten the mood.
Growing up in Baltic, Tara enjoyed a close-knit neighborhood, playtime, and the loving support of her parents and brother.
“I’m very grateful for my parents raising us the way they did. A good home life, a good hill to play on with all the kids, play kickball, come home for dinner.”
Art classes were Tara’s refuge, the favorite part of every school week.
Remembering Erica
Tara told the moving story of her cousin Erica. Both born within a month of each other, they grew up like sisters—calling on the phone, going to festivals, sharing everything.
Erica got sick at age eight and passed away unexpectedly. Tara described how butterflies came to symbolize Erica’s presence, appearing during meaningful moments.
She recently discovered a forgotten photo of Erica that almost went to the trash—a sign, she feels, that Erica is still near.
“Hug your family, your friends. You never know. Life is precious. Erica is with me and our family, and I just love her so much.”
Signs from Loved Ones: Butterflies, Cardinals, and Memories
Rebecca and Tara spoke about the signs we receive from those who’ve passed—whether butterflies, cardinals, or a favorite flower appearing unexpectedly.
For Rebecca, her Nana’s presence often arrives as a cardinal or a “random snapdragon” blooming on the deck, unplanted and vibrant.
“If we’re open to noticing them, we’ll see how much our loved ones are really around us.”
The hosts found comfort in these moments, especially after losing their fathers this year and leaning on one another.
Sometimes, it’s the scent of cigars, a bird, a flower—whatever catches your attention and reminds you that love is around, even if in small, surprising ways.
A Designer’s Week: Working with Clients and Shopping Adventures
Tara shared a peek into her busy week as an interior designer:
Working with clients at Cardi’s Furniture and helping them navigate choices (like picking the right fabrics if you have pets or kids—warranties recommended!)
Measuring furniture is key—what looks small in a showroom can be massive in your living room!
“This client was shopping without me and almost got a 90 inch sofa which would not have fit at all… Now we have a sofa, oversized chair, rug, coffee table, TV stand, two side tables. I’m super excited for it all to come in.”
Tara’s design process includes:
Sourcing lamps, artwork, decor from HomeSense and HomeGoods
Building spaces that reflect her clients’ personalities—not just filling rooms with stuff
Rebecca joked about how shopping is fun, but for Tara, it’s a skill and a living. Store associates even recognize her from frequent visits!
“They probably think I have a major shopping problem. But that’s okay. That’s what they thought when I was in New London.”
Upcoming Fairs & Events: Mark Your Calendars!
The fall and holiday season in New England is packed with events, and Tara and Rebecca have the inside scoop:
Craft Fairs & Markets
Mansfield Drive-In Flea Market (Sunday! Find Tara selling unique pieces)
Mohegan Sun Holiday Craft Fair (Nov 6th–8th)—Go Friday for the best selection and fewer crowds
Woodstock’s “Rose Cottage” event (October, “the Pink House”)
Vintage Fair in Providence
Little City Thrifty (Vintage Fair, tickets are affordable, great vendors—find more info here!)
“If you’re planning on going to the Christmas craft fair, bring your patience… and be there early enough to get in the door because it can be crazy.”
These events are perfect for:
Finding handmade gifts and local treasures
Enjoying fall and holiday vibes
Meeting artists, vendors, and creative folks
Keep your immune system and patience in good shape—big fairs can be crowded, but the finds are worth it!
Wrapping Up: Positivity, Patience, and Kindness
Rebecca and Tara concluded with a reminder that’s perfect for any Monday—or any day:
“A smile goes a long way. You never know what anyone’s going through. They may walk around smiling and joking, but they may be going through something. So just remember to be kind.”
Whether you’re hunting for pumpkins, searching for decor, celebrating anniversaries, or remembering loved ones, the best moments happen when you approach each day with kindness and creativity.
Takeaways for the Week
Embrace seasonal rituals—coffee, decor, celebrations
Seek out local gems—restaurants, tag sales, fairs
Get creative with your finds—repurpose, layer, and mix
Treasure your family stories and small signs of love
Approach challenges with patience and a smile
More to Come
Stay tuned for more creative adventures, heartfelt stories, and local tips. If you spot Rebecca or Tara at a fair or market, don’t be shy—say hello!
Share your own signs, creative finds, and favorite coffee mug in the comments below. We’d love to see what makes your Monday morning a little brighter.
“See you next week. Take care. Bye. Bye. Have a great week, everyone.”
Have a wonderful week, and remember—your creativity and kindness make the world a warmer place!
If you’d like info on upcoming events, designer consults, or creative classes, drop us a note or check the links above. Cheers to all the creatives out there!
