Farmers Markets Are Around The Corner
Bernadette Gerrity is the Vice President of Café Aroma and the third-generation torchbearer of her family’s beloved coffee legacy.
Happy Tuesday! We’re getting so close to our move in date and the anticipation is killing me. I am yearning for a blank slate and more space. FB marketplace and the auction sites were kind to me last week with a few stellar finds. Most notably a chrome canopy bed frame for $3. I’ll share more pics in the coming weeks <3
My parents are coming into town for Easter which just so happens to line up with needing to film a cake recipe that will be perfect for the holiday. The goal is a matcha mochi cake…so keep your eyes peeled for that.
I had this insane blood orange espresso tonic for breakfast on Saturday and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since. There’s just something about a tonic that is so satisfying once the weather hits 60 degrees. 🍊
If you’ve been looking for picnic charcuterie inspo, look no further than this spiced up version. It packs a welcomed punch and lends to the ability to build lots of funky bites. It features Cloud23 hot sauces which are SO good.
If you love spice and are looking for a refreshing bev to wash it down with, an agua fresca is for you! The recipe below features tangy lime and hydrating watermelon.
I’m thrilled to have Bernadette of Cafe Aroma on the podcast this week! She’s truly such an inspiration and so passionate about coffee. I could’ve talked to her for hours. Check everything out below + some fun favorites of the week!
Bernadette Gerrity, Vice President at Cafe Aroma
Bernadette Gerrity is the Vice President of Café Aroma and the third-generation torchbearer of her family’s beloved coffee legacy. As the granddaughter of founder Roy Gerrity, Bernadette stepped into the business in 2018, working alongside her mother, COO Edilia “Dee” Gerrity, aunt and CEO Ruth Santuccio, and cousin, VP of Sales Sal Santuccio. Since joining, she’s led the charge on creative strategy and brand innovation, overseeing all marketing efforts while remaining fiercely committed to the original vision her grandfather crafted—right down to the brand’s iconic packaging.
Under Bernadette’s leadership, Café Aroma has seamlessly blended nostalgia with modern culture, becoming a quiet staple in cool downtown circles and beyond. She’s breathed new life into the brand through buzzy community activations, fashion-forward collaborations, and a sharp social media presence—all while keeping the brand’s roots front and center. Most recently, she spearheaded the launch of Café Aroma Especial, a sleek and elevated new product line that marks a bold next chapter for the family business.
IG thecafearoma | cafearoma.com
Listen to the episode:
Spotify | Apple Music | Substack
Recipes
As the weather warms up we are entering prime picnic weather, so may I present to you your new favorite spicy snack board. Almost every element has some degree of spice to it but fear not, there’s lots of crunchy veg to cool off your palette. Give it all or a few elements to try. Think hot sauce spiced crackers, hot habanero whipped brie, sweet jalapeño compound butter, spicy fig jam, etc. I could go on and on!
Now if you’re a fan of spice you know that a fruity drink is a necessary balancing counterpart. This drink does just that, it is hydrating and so delicous!
Weekly Favorites
This seems to be everyone’s favorite white tee and I’m afraid I’ve gotten roped in as well. Why is it so hard to find a 100% cotton tee that’s not $100+?? I preordered.
I was a *huge* Vera Bradley fan when I was younger. I even had a whole VB themed bday party…the love ran deep. I’m so thrilled with their most recent rebrand and how they are part reverting, part modernizing the design system that made them a cult classic in the first place. I’m currently eyeing this cord organizer in the tomato print.
If you missed last week’s newsletter, we’re moving into a gorg victorian house at the end of the month. I’ve been going crazy souring vintage furniture but new items are always nice to throw in the mix as well.
This chair is just so me it hurts and I will be buying it, I promise.
I got introduced to Pojagi curtains during a late night Pinterest scroll and now they are all I want for our front window.
We currently have a runner in our kitchen and tbh it is the bane of my existence because Harlow loves eating her food on it. So I figured why not run it back with a runner that will be much easier to clean lol.
In preparation for this move (down the block), I cleaned out my closet over the weekend and wow does that feel great. So naturally, I’m eyeing 3 clothing pieces to add to my closet now that I have so much space. I have a feeling I’ll actually pull the trigger on these wishlist items. Butter yellow baggy jeans, striped cotton pants (donni dupe?), and this FP one piece that will either be fabulous or not hold anything in.
Farmers market season is quickly approaching! I just learned out this tool where you can look up your state + time of month and it’ll tell you what you can expect at the market. So helpful for planning recipes and limiting how overwhelming it can be.
Two media favorites: a scrumptious read all about loquats & Bon Iver’s newest album SABLE, fABLE
ICYMI
xx,
Lauren (Hodgen)
Dear Citrus Diaries Host | @ citrusdiaries.studio
Citrus Diaries Studio | Creative Director
If you’re interested in working together, drop me a line: hello@citrusdiaries.com 🍊
the chair is a must 🍊