Coffee with Creatives - September 8, 2025
Featuring
Tara Braatz of Tara Lee Interior Design
Rebecca Bertoldi of My Local Marketing Shop & 222 Marketing
Welcoming Fall with Coffee, Creativity, and Community: Coffee with Creatives – September 8th Recap
Welcome, friends, to a fresh blog post inspired by another heartwarming episode of Coffee with Creatives—your Monday morning boost of creativity, laughter, and honest conversation. This week’s edition, taking place on September 8th, comes with crisp New England air, pumpkins galore, cozy interiors, flea market finds, some real talk about health, and creative updates you won’t want to miss.
So grab your favorite mug (bonus points for fall themes!) and settle in as we share a detailed, behind-the-scenes look at what went down, what’s coming up, and how the simple joys of everyday life can spark big inspiration.
Table of Contents
Monday Mornings, Fall Vibes, and the Art of Pumpkin Placement
Fall Decorating Adventures: Pumpkins, Plants, and Michaels Magic
A Cozy Fall Welcome
“Thank you for being with us on this Monday morning. It feels like fall outside in New England, but the sun's shining, so that's good.”
There’s something about those first weeks in September—the crunch of leaves, a new briskness in the air, and the gentle nudge back into routines after Labor Day. This episode instantly sets the scene, with sunlight streaming through while pumpkin spice everything quietly takes over the world. Whether you’re a full-on fall fanatic or holding onto summer, there’s a universal excitement in the air.
Meet Your Hosts: Rebecca & Tara
Let’s introduce (or re-introduce) the friendly voices behind Coffee with Creatives:
Rebecca Bertoldi – Your go-to friend in marketing, always ready to spark new ideas and keep you inspired.
Tara Bross – Interior designer extraordinaire, ready to share tips, stories, and a big heart for creative living.
These ladies bring warmth, camaraderie, and an easy, chat-over-coffee feel to every episode, making you feel right at home.
Monday Mornings, Fall Vibes, and the Art of Pumpkin Placement
The talk kicks off with all the fall feels—from the return of favorite mugs to the first pumpkins of the season.
Rebecca beams:
“I have my pumpkins out. I took them out…They are all out.”
Tara admits she loves autumn, even if she’s not a huge fan of what comes after. There’s playful back-and-forth about the joys of snow before Christmas (“I want spring to come!”) and the rare magic of a true white Christmas in New England.
Pro tip from your hosts: Don’t let the season sneak by without taking a little time to decorate your space. Even small changes—a pumpkin on your porch, a fresh mug in the cupboard—set a creative tone for everything you do.
Snow, Christmas, and Thoughts on Winter’s Arrival
The conversation drifts into memories of white Christmases, the realities of living where snow is inevitable, and the people who keep the roads clear.
Rebecca points out:
“I just feel bad for everybody that plows. If they have a white Christmas and they're out there moving the snow around, they're not with their families.”
That gentle reminder: For some, the things we wish for are extra work for others, and empathy always matters.
Mug Show-and-Tell: Butterfly Wings and Bookworm Joys
It wouldn’t be Coffee with Creatives without a little mug envy and some show-and-tell! Tara shares her butterfly-adorned mug, while Rebecca unveils a 3D book-themed mug—a special online find she was excited to add to her growing collection.
Rebecca mentions she also got one for her friend Joy, a fellow book lover, and how sometimes online purchases don’t quite match the pictures (but the fun is always in the reveal).
Why Mugs Matter:
They’re little expressions of personality and joy
A great way to celebrate the season (bring on the pumpkins and leaves!)
They spark conversations—what’s in your hand this morning?
A Candid Conversation: Living with Lyme Disease
The tone shifts, as Tara bravely opens up about her ongoing battle with Lyme disease. It’s a story not often heard in glossy, Instagram-ready design feeds, but it’s honest, real, and incredibly important.
She shares:
“I actually have been positive for Lyme disease… I have been extremely down sick. It has affected my thought process, focusing, joint pain…”
Tara’s journey with Lyme isn’t a one-time thing; she’s faced it six times, starting at age 14. She describes the misdiagnoses, the frustrating search for answers, and how every round brings different symptoms—from speech issues to pain and exhaustion.
The message is clear: Health struggles can be invisible, and just because someone looks okay doesn’t mean they aren’t fighting a tough battle.
Supporting Each Other: Building Lyme Disease Awareness
Rebecca jumps in with real empathy and a call for community support:
“If anyone has any special Lyme gurus in their life, Tara would love to meet them…”
They talk about the real challenges—lack of insurance for specialists, limited resources, and the huge difference it makes to simply not be alone. They invite anyone with leads, tips, or a listening ear to connect and to help spread awareness.
“Please always remember to be kind. A smile goes a long way.”
Standout quote:
“I am here if you ever want to talk. As I've been through it so much, and here I am again going through it again… I just ask that, you know, my clients, the viewers, just bear with me when I'm trying to speak and retrieve my words. It's been a little challenging, and I'm out there working and trying to push through this…”
Flea Market Finds: The Story of the Piano Keys
Creatives see the world in objects, textures, and unexpected treasures. This week’s show-and-tell? A vintage set of piano keys from the Brimfield Flea Market.
Tara recounts:
“I came around the corner and there was three pieces of, you know, artwork such as these piano keys, and two were sold and this one was still calling my name… But I did purchase it and it is in my home at the moment. What am I going to do with it? Not too sure yet.”
The piece isn’t just decor; it’s a conversation starter, a tribute to music, and a reminder that inspiration can come from anywhere—even a heavy, unconventional artifact that leaves you pondering how to hang it without taking down the whole wall!
It’s these treasures, Tara says, that may one day find their way to her future store, but for now, they’re part of the ever-evolving story of her home.
Fall Decorating Adventures: Pumpkins, Plants, and Michaels Magic
Rebecca shifts gears into full-on fall decorating mode, confessing her love for browsing Michaels (but warning that she should probably have a shopping supervisor!).
She shares her quest for glass pumpkins—orange, purple, green—all the colors of the season. The kind that light up and bring cozy magic to your porch or mantel.
“If anyone is making those out there, I would like some. But yeah, I spent, you know, time at Michael's on Friday… If I go to Michael's, I should be supervised. I should not go alone.”
New planters, natural-looking fillers, and even some “faux” plants are in play as she works to bring her outdoor space into fall glory—without all the watering woes that come with those cute but thirsty planters! Once her new front-of-house arrangement is finished, she promises to share pictures.
Home Goods & Lottery Dreams
Who doesn’t daydream about a Home Goods or Michaels shopping spree after a lucky lottery win? Rebecca admits she snagged a Powerball ticket in Massachusetts, the seeming land of a million-dollar winners—sadly, her ticket didn’t win this time.
“My home goods trips and Michael's trips have to be limited right now because I didn't win the lottery. But someday, someday, someday…”
We’d all love to go wild in the home decor aisles—maybe next time!
Creative Projects in Motion: Websites, Makeovers, and More
Amidst the decor, mugs, and laughs, there’s plenty happening on the work front for both hosts:
Rebecca just launched a new client website and is preparing for her big 90-day “Marketing System Kickstart” program. It’s designed to help solopreneurs (designers, coaches, wellness pros) set up a lead-generating, consistent marketing system.
Tara is hard at work in Stonington, transforming a living room and dining room. From fresh paint and new lighting to refinished floors and modern furniture, it’s a total refresh.
“They have Todd working at the moment—painting and getting stuff done. Windows, sliding glass, door trim. You name it, it's happening…”
Later, Tara’s dashing to Palmer Street in Norwich, coordinating the finishing touches with her handyman and prepping for professional photos so she can showcase her latest project—maybe even with an open house for all.
Lighting Up a Space: Design Decisions and Personal Style
Design isn’t just about filling a room—it’s about understanding the style and personality of the people who live there. Tara delves into the art (and sometimes, the challenge!) of picking out the right lighting for a freshly renovated space:
“Trying to figure out what their style is because it is a gutted room… but I'm sure we'll figure it out and get that rolling.”
The process involves balancing her own taste with the client’s—sometimes bringing in a modern touch, sometimes mixing in that signature Tara flair. The real reward? Climbing the “mountain” of trust together and creating a space that truly feels like home.
Celebrations and Secret Projects on the Horizon
Between all the design and decor talk, new events keep rolling in. Tara gets a call to plan a November baby shower at The Spa at Norwich Inn—an opportunity to flex her creative muscles and meet new clients with big dreams for their special day.
She hints at a “big surprise” project coming soon (lips sealed for now!), teasing her excitement for new creative challenges and the fun of building trust and friendship with clients.
Teaching and Learning: Meta Ads Secrets Lunch & Learn
Rebecca’s not just building websites; she’s teaching too! She invites everyone to her upcoming class at the Norwich Chamber office:
“Three Secrets Meta Ads Doesn’t Want You to Know”
If you’re running Facebook or Instagram ads and not getting the results you want, this class promises to pull back the curtain, demystifying why things might not be working and how to fix them.
Date: Wednesday, September 10th, 11:30am – 1:00pm
Where: Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce, or see their events page
Cost: Free for Chamber members, just $15 for non-members
Format: Lunch & Learn, with plenty of time for Q&A
Rebecca promises lots of actionable insights—perfect for small business owners, solopreneurs, and anyone ready to take their marketing up a notch.
Looking Ahead: Holiday Decor and Wildlife Encounters
With fall in full swing (and winter right around the corner), the creative mind never truly rests. Tara’s got plans to whip up fresh wreaths for holiday doors but admits that Lyme disease has slowed her down a bit.
Rebecca jokes that her partner Kyle is eager for the change because the grapevine wreath currently on the door seems to attract (and house!) animals. They share a story of a bird sneaking in—and then, a classic New England moment, a bat flying into the house on a dark autumn evening!
“My son was probably eight years old. And it was dark out… He was downstairs playing, and he's like, ‘Mom, there's a bird in the house.’ And I was like, ‘A bird at seven o'clock at night?’ It was a bat…”
With nerves of steel, Tara managed to save the bat (and the day), with only slightly traumatized cats watching in awe. Proof that in creative homes, you never know what excitement is coming through the door!
Closing Thoughts: Kindness, Community, and Creativity
The episode ends with genuine words that resonate well beyond coffee and crafts:
“You never know what anyone's dealing with. Please always remember to be kind. A smile goes a long way.”
Whether you tune in for decorating ideas, marketing tips, heartfelt stories, or just the sense of connection, Coffee with Creatives is a reminder that creativity is part of everyday life—and so is kindness.
Highlights & Takeaways
Decorate with Intention: Small seasonal swaps can bring new life to your space
Support Matters: Health challenges are more common than we realize—reach out, listen, and help where you can
Share What Inspires You: Flea market finds, favorite mugs, unexpected conversations—let your home tell your story
Keep Learning: Professional growth is ongoing—classes and masterminds expand your world
Embrace the Unexpected: From bats in the living room to big design reveals, life’s surprises often become the best stories
Be Kind: Everyone has something they’re carrying. Your smile or understanding can make a big difference
Join Us Next Monday!
Thank you for sharing your Monday morning (and this blog post) with us. We hope it inspires you to look around, notice the cozy details, and say yes to a little more creativity in your life. Got fall finds, decor tips, or stories of your own? We’d love to hear them!
Until next time—stay warm, be creative, and, as always, be kind.
Have a safe and colorful week! ✨
About Coffee with Creatives
Coffee with Creatives is your weekly chat for design, marketing, small business, and the everyday life that happens in between. Hosted by Rebecca Bertoldi and Tara Bross—friends, creators, and real women living in New England.
Want to catch the next episode live? Stay tuned on Mondays!
“A smile goes a long way. Thank you for joining us this week, and we look forward to being with you next Monday.”
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