The other week I offered up my yard for a friends gathering before the summer diaspora due to family vacations. The plan was to order in food and we would each bring a drink or small snack to nibble on while we waited for the delivery.
I found myself at the grocery store deliberating on what to make as a snack. I had too many things I wanted to make and I was driving myself crazy zipping from one end of the store to the next and not to mention I was making this errand exponentially longer than it needed to be.
I stood contemplating in front of the frozen cornucopia of appetizers that we all love from TJ's. Why did I need to edit it down? Was I willing to make it all?
YEP.
Well, then. I thought, just make it. I obviously wanted and needed to feel that excitement of having people over, making their favorites and relaxing by the fire pit while we nibble and chat. I grabbed the samosa's and went back to the veggie isle.
They were pleasantly surprised and we all dug in. The night was such a success, even though the fire pit wouldn't turn on. ( Luckily I was able to fix it the next day.) The roasted marshmallows would just have to be for another day, or rather, the kids will love them.
So here's a few ideas that can be the icing on the cake for your next gathering:
How to Plan an Unforgettable Party? These trays will add a sleek modern touch to any snack table. |
Don't have time to run to the craft store and office supply? This kit has it all done for you. All you need is water. Your guests will LOVE walking away with a stylish remembrance of the evening. |
Have a fire pit? Awesome. If not, no worries, just pull out your camp stove or even gather around your kitchen gas stove. Roasting marshmallows has a magical way of getting us all in a good mood. Set up the prep station with these trays: |
You'll never go back to buying bath bombs after this... it's so easy and fun. Here's the recipe I follow:
You will need a mixing bowl and gloves make it less painful if you have cuts on your hand! Directions: Mix/Shake the food coloring with the water, set aside. Mix all dry except Citric Acid. Now add the colored water. Mix till incorporated and like crumbly wet sand at the beach. And now you can add the Citric Acid and it won't react too much with the water. Press tightly into the mold. Remove carefully and dry overnight. Ready for use or package up! Display in your bathroom with these gorgeous trays: |
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We have six times more stuff than the generation before us.
This is where my less is more really shows. We shouldn’t need a storage unit. I feel strongly that what’s out of sight is out of mind and you tend to forget about what is in that storage unit. Then it begs the question of why do we need one at all?
Of course, there might be moments we need storage when moving or other transitional times, but not long-term storage. I was thoroughly surprised a few years ago when a friend casually said that she picked up something out of her storage unit. The back story that you're missing is that she has a large house and a garage. It really surprised me.
If we consciously think about each object that enters our house, do I really need it? Does it have that something special? Does it fill a niche that’s needed? then our home can be a source of calm for our busy lives.
This also brings up the notion of why I love experience gifts so much as well, here's a short video I made that I think you will like.
Thanks for dropping in, take care!
Jennifer
]]>I'm honored to share my story in The Story Exchange, a nonprofit platform to showcase the often-overlooked entrepreneurial women around the world.
Their team has been sharing the personal and professional stories of women business owners since 2011, because they believe women are a powerful economic and social force.
Read the full article about me on THE STORY EXCHANGE.
]]>We have all been transformed over the past year.
DIY gives us a chance to learn something new and have fun at the same time. It's way more affordable than getting on a plane and hitting the tropical beaches [we can do that soon I hope].
3 kits available now: Heart Votive, Votive, Picture Holders.
LOCAL PEEPS:
Free delivery (within 10 miles of 90039) or pickup available.
Loved the inspiration from John Rampton at Entrepreneur. Read the full article here.
]]>
It's been such a strange and tough year. Browse our home decor collections and check out our clearance items that are waiting for their forever home.
We could all use a Home REFRESH.
]]>OR Click on this link if you would like a FREE Canva template you can use.
1: Change your name on both pages
2: Upload a pic of the item your ordered
3: Drag that photo of your item into the frame on the second page and it formats it for you to fit inside!
4: Download and share!
Phew, no worries. Warm up the hot cocoa.
____________________________________________________________
Copy and past this if the above link doesn't work.
https://www.canva.com/design/DAEQsusJIhk/lIoe56Jgz-cXBybmtA1vLQ/view?utm_content=DAEQsusJIhk&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=sharebutton&mode=preview
Here's a preview of what the templates look like:
YEP, FREE SHIPPING for EVERYONE TODAY ONLY.
Don't miss out, FREE Shipping on any size order.
Perfect timing right? You can place your order in time for the holidays with no stress, and it will be in your hands already beautifully wrapped and ready to hand over to that sweet someone in your life.
That's the rock star treatment our email list has been getting this entire holiday season. You can sign up now and lock in your VIP deals and never miss out again.
I'm hoping that Grammy might send more cookies, were running low...
Sale only on December 7th 2019 12am-11:59 PST.
and promise me to TAKE ACTION.
]]>AND THEN PINKY PROMISE TO TAKE ACTION.
Yes, giving Tuesday is:
"a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. ...give - each Tuesday and every day - whether it's some of your time, a donation, or the power of your voice in your local community. "
But this year I'm trying to focus on TAKING ACTION.
Small or Big. Words are fabulous. But then the true magic happens when we take action on those words.
Times are tough for many people this year. So even if you don't have $ to donate,
So, enjoy a free gift with every purchase today!
⭐ AND don't forget your VIP gift from me this holiday season... ONLY AVAILABLE TO EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS PRIOR TO ORDERING.
FREE GIFT and FREE GIFT WRAPPING on all your orders placed 11-27-2020 thru 12-25-2020.
Sale only on December 1st 12am-11:59 PST.
Much love and thanks for being here with me,
Jennifer
PS. I'm still stalking my mailbox, hoping for Christmas cookies...those crescent ones are my fav! What's your favorite Christmas cookie?
I'd love to know, email me.
Jennifer
]]>Wanna forget how awkwardly different the HOLIDAYS are this year?
Then you gotta check out our home decor accessories, because then you'll be obsessed with your table layout and what you're gonna serve up and never mind it's the same four people you saw at breakfast.
We need to CELEBRATE. And what better way thru supporting small business and no big box store complications.
This is the kind of sale I like, no fuss. Go online: click click and then it gets mailed to me without any hassle.
And then there's more time for important stuff: like eating grammy Crump's Christmas cookies... oh I mean hanging out with my family.
I sure hope she's sending us cookies in the mail... reminder to self: check the mail daily and maybe I can hide them, or at least my favorite ones!
FREE GIFT and FREE GIFT WRAPPING on all your orders placed 11-27-2020 thru 12-25-2020.
Want to be a VIP with us? Just join our email list! Simple as that.
FINE PRINT: Sale only on November 30th 12am-11:59 PST.
We all need to fall in LOVE with our home all over again.
With our home decor accessories you'll be excited to stay home even during a pandemic.
Most all of our sales are during the holiday, so NOW is the time of year to shop Zatka without hesitation!
BOGO 1/2 off Sale, shop early so you don't worry about shipping issues.
AND don't forget your VIP gift from me this holiday season...
FREE GIFT and FREE GIFT WRAPPING on all your orders placed 11-27-2020 thru 12-25-2020.
Want to become a VIP? Click here and gain instant access.
Sale only on November 27th 12am-11:59 PST.
]]>
enjoy a FREE GIFT ...
AND as a bonus:
FREE GIFT WRAPPING!
It's that time of year to totally take advantage of all the VIP perks of joining our journey of getting that HOME REFRESH we all need and want.
Want to be a VIP with us? Just join our email list! Simple as that.
]]>Experiences make the best gifts...
]]>Join our virtual workshops or purchase a concrete DIY kit to do on your own. I've expertly assembled all the materials you need, except the water, and give detailed instructions with pictures. We made it super simple for you.
You'll find the virtual workshops listed under the color drop down menu, select your color + virtual workshop and add to cart!
Halloween may be different this year, but it doesn't mean it has to be any less fun.
Get their crafty hands busy making DIY concrete home decor projects.
And pretty please, share your creations and spooky DIY parties with the hashtag: ZatkaDIY
Let's add a little fun, we all could use it, that's for sure!
Jennifer
PS.
Elevate your home decor on a budget.
We are all looking around our homes and trying to find ways to spruce things up and add new life to the same four walls. I've created a great go-to list of ideas as well as resources to help you take your decor to the next level.
Let's all strive to thrive!
Here ya go! Pull up your sleeves and go for it.
1 :: Shuffle around your decor.
Many times we have an excess of things to display. Dig those treasures out of the closet and shuffle around what you already have. Aim to reduce clutter and hold back some items to rotate out at a later date again.
2 :: Learn new skills: DIY cement votive kit from Zatka Decor.
I have created the perfect kit to provide the distraction you or your kids need. It's been wildly successful with orders available locally with free curbside pickup and shipments across the country.
3 :: Get new prints made of the family.
I'm the worst at making the time to hang new pictures. But how refreshing would it be to walk up and down those stairs with new pictures of my sweet family staring back at me! Get off Netflix and go click a few buttons on your online photo store of choice!
4 :: Add a note writing station & get fab handmade cards from Tiny and Snail.
These two sister's will blow you away with their creativity and will have you dancing in no time. Follow them on Instagram as well. They have such refreshing designs and provide inspiration during all the roller coaster moments life can send our way. I've just placed a big order and can't wait to get to it!
5 :: Add fresh new greenery with Flora & Frills.
My mom's birthday was recent and Joy from Flora & Frills made it such a special day. I live over 3,000 miles away and she was able to send that special touch to remind her how much we miss her and love her. See you soon hopefully mama!!
6 :: Spice it up! Salt and Pepper cellars from Zatka Decor will raise your cooking level.
We're all spending a ton more time in the kitchen and dining room together. Spice things up and get salt and pepper cellars. Now if there was something to make the cleaning up more fun! We have also started selling plants with our planter so that you can have an instant garden.
7 :: Relax & Rejuvenate with Crazy Love Bath & Body.
Another fab duo this time husband and wife team. These two used to do outdoor markets like me but now we both have shifted online. Their Dancing Sunrise body lotion is now a staple in our kitchen after washing our hands so much! Next I need to try out their donut shaped bath bombs I ordered... I'll probably need it after spring break is over this weekend!
So, now it's time to TAKE ACTION!
Let's all create a space in our lives to nurture us and allow us to connect. You're not alone... let's do this together. Join me on Instagram too, I often have good tip in the stories.
]]>I have a creative solution for you with our newest DIY Picture holder kit.
So it's only a week and a half away.
Now you can go back to searching on Pinterest for more meal planning ideas and at home exercise routines.
Take care and until next week,
Cheers.
Jennifer
DETAILS ::::
The kit provides all the supplies you need for a set of 6, minus water! It can hold pictures, your favorite bread recipes and loving cards from distant family and friends.
The added bonus of this DIY Home Decor project is that your house or your mom's house will get a little revamping without breaking the budget!
This kit is geared to be the easiest and a small scale project. You get detailed instructions with pictures to guide you along the process.
We can get creative together and good things can happen.
LOCAL FREE CURBSIDE PICKUP AVAILABLE !
(any ship fees will be refunded if accidentally charged at checkout)
Kit includes :::::
Cement, 6 Paper clips, 6 Glass votives, Instructions, and a Hashtag to share on Instagram!
One simple click and you've nailed a perfect gift:
Modern Home Decor : Home Decor DIY : Modern Home Office : Home Decor ideas on Budget : Modern Homemade Decor : Living Room Decor : DIY Activities : DIY Kits
]]>
These are some of my favorite ways or tools to center myself. Over the years I've taken classes and learned from various workshops from Kaiser, workplace seminars and even podcasts. Here is my list:
Sounds too simple to be true right? I'm currently trying to teach this to my kids- it's slow progress but I've found for myself it's the fastest and most effective frontline approach. Yep, just take a deep breath and slowly release. You can take it a step further and do easy mediations that can be found online but I have to admit I never keep any consistency at this practice, and yes it takes practice.
Let me explain. Life before Covid 19 this would mean setting up a time to hang out with a friend. Today it looks more like setting up virtual meetings, making phone calls or even a quick email note. I personally have found that these plans make little anchors of something for me to look forward to. The anticipation of that fun evening does wonders for uplifting my mood. And all those small moments of running into people out in daily life can be replaced by a quick, "Hey my friend, how are you? Just wanted to say I was thinking of you today." You just might make them feel warm and fuzzy at just the right moment, you never know!
Yep, I censor myself. The definition of censorship:
the suppression or prohibition of any parts of books, films, news, etc. that are considered obscene, politically unacceptable, or a threat to security.
I just spiral into despair if I'm constantly reading the news. It's a threat to my security. Now that a little time has passed, I limit it to a specific time of day and only a few minutes.
I get unbelievable amounts of satisfaction for getting things done, to check it off the list. But it's way to easy to go overboard and make the list too long so my tip is to make ONE task the priority while things are stressful. There is huge value in doing a brain dump and getting all the 'things' out of your head but it's critical to also then map out onto a calendar when that task is due. You don't want overload.
I don't wake up with a mantra like many people say to do, but I've been really trying to repeatedly remind myself of this one thing when I get overwhelmed: (There is a great post you can bookmark here)
“Your beliefs become your thoughts,
Your thoughts become your words,
Your words become your actions,
Your actions become your habits,
Your habits become your values,
Your values become your destiny.” by Gandhi
What's flying around in my thoughts will absolutely affect my actions and I have to get out of negativity if I want positive things to come my way.
No joke. What's your favorite smell? Bottle that up in a spray bottle and have it around. Feeling a bit down? Spritz your room or even yourself. I love lavender so I've mixed a few drops of lavender oil with water into a small 3oz spray bottle I got from Target. It gives me a temporary but lovely respite.
The smallest of actions or words can mean the world to another person. The key to this one is not to expect any recognition but just to do it.
What a better way to wrap up my blog post, with a huge hug. I miss you all and hope you are well. It means the world to me that you are on this journey with me, THANKS.
XOXO
Do we share any favorite mindset tools? Let me know! I'd love to hear from you. jennifer@zatkadecor.com
]]>You're spending a ton of time inside and trying to keep your sanity and also find ways to spruce things up and add new life to the same four walls. I've created a handy go-to list of ideas as well as resources to help you take your mindset and decor to the next level.
]]>You're spending a ton of time inside and trying to keep your sanity and also find ways to spruce things up and add new life to the same four walls. I've created a handy go-to list of ideas as well as resources to help you take your mindset and decor to the next level.
Let's all strive to thrive!
Here ya go! Pull up your sleeves and go for it. Take some action!
1 :: Shuffle around your decor.
Many times we have an excess of things to display. Dig those treasures out of the closet and shuffle around what you already have. Aim to reduce clutter and hold back some items to rotate out at a later date again. I did this with the kids toys and it works with your decor as well.
2 :: Learn new skills: DIY home decor.
You get energized when learning new skills. Blow off the brain fog and get busy with your hands. I have created a concrete votive project and a concrete picture holder to provide the activities you or your kids need. It's been wildly successful with orders available locally with free curbside pickup and shipments across the country.
3 :: Get new prints made of the family.
I'm the worst at making the time to hang new pictures. But how refreshing would it be to walk up and down those stairs with new pictures of my sweet family staring back at me! Get off Netflix and go click a few buttons on your online photo store of choice! (Shutterfly, Snapfish or deluxe option Artifact Uprising)
4 :: Add a note writing station & use fab handmade cards from Tiny and Snail.
These two sister's will blow you away with their creativity and will have you dancing in no time. Follow them on Instagram as well. They have such refreshing designs and provide inspiration during all the roller coaster moments life can send our way. I've just placed a big order and can't wait to get to it!
5 :: Add plants and bring nature inside.
My mom's birthday was in April and Joy from Flora & Frills in South Carolina made it such a special day. I live over 3,000 miles away and she was able to send that special touch to remind her how much we miss her and love her. See you soon hopefully mama!! If you don't have a local connection, try ordering online with shops like Bloomscape. I have also started selling smaller succulent plants with our planter so that you can have an instant garden.
6 :: Spice it up! Salt and Pepper cellars will raise your cooking level.
We're all spending a ton more time in the kitchen and dining room together. Spice things up and keep them handy with salt and pepper cellars. Now if there was something to make the cleaning up more fun!
7 :: Relax & Rejuvenate with Crazy Love Bath & Body.
Another fab duo this time husband and wife team. These two used to do outdoor markets like me but now we both have shifted more online. Their Dancing Sunrise body lotion is now a staple in our kitchen after washing our hands so much! Next I need to try out their donut shaped bath bombs I ordered... Don't forget a little 'me' time really goes a long way!
So, now it's time to TAKE ACTION!
Let's all create a space in our lives to nurture us and allow us to connect. You're not alone... let's do this together. Join me on Instagram too, I often have good tips in the stories.
]]>We now have gift cards as well. We can't go to the birthday parties, anniversary dinners out or even hug our mama's and papa's but we can still shower them with love in other ways.
]]>Or even just a little distraction...We have what you are looking for. The added bonus is that your house will get a little revamping without breaking the budget.
This first kit (I plan on releasing more soon) is geared to be easy and a small scale project. You get detailed instructions with pictures to guide you along the process. We also have extra supplies to make more projects.
I'm also researching the possibility of offering live workshops that we could be makers together!!! Drop me an email, text, DM, whatever, if you would be interested.
You are not alone.
We can get creative together and good things can happen.
Kit includes:
Cement, Wooden stir stick, Paper clip, Glue Stick, Felt feet, Glass votive, Gloves, Disposable cup, Instructions, Mailing box: keep the cardboard, don't throw away, and a Hashtag to share on Instagram!
]]>
Oregon treated us well and now LA graces us with a bounty of adventures. What's the way to your heart?
]]>You crave to gift someone that 'just right' gift. You want them to know how much they mean to us.
We want to help you find the prefect gift for that hard to shop for person.
Here's a few tips on how to go about it, thanks to Reddit, highshelfofsteam:
https://www.redditgifts.com/blog/view/12-ways-find-perfect-gift-anyone/
Let's start with a good ol' definition, thanks to Wikipedia:
"Mise en Place is a French culinary phrase which means "putting in place" or "everything in its place". It refers to the setup required before cooking, and is often used in professional kitchens to refer to organizing and arranging the ingredients (e.g., cuts of meat, relishes, sauces, par-cooked items, spices, freshly chopped vegetables, and other components) that a cook will require for the menu items that are expected to be prepared during a shift."
Now don't lie, I know all of you have started a dish and realized, oh man... I don't have any butter [or something of critical value]. And my kids will attest that you can't make chocolate chip cookies without chocolate chips!
So, yes, it's about PRE-paring. Take the time to go thru and measure it all out. Each ingredient is sitting patiently waiting for their time in the spotlight. [And this also prevents you from forgetting an ingredient, which, um, I've NEVER had problems with of course...]
NOW this also goes for your equipment too. Rummage thru that junky drawer and find all your cooking tools before you start, not while the garlic is burning and causing the fire alarm to go off [again, it's NEVER happened to me...I heard a friend once did this.]
NOW can you imagine how the stress level of cooking has gone from a 10 to at least a 5? Or maybe a 6 for my husband... he always like to rush around. I don't mind because he's such a great cook.
So I challenge you to get into the kitchen and get your Mise en Place groove on, turn on Spotify and rock out your next meal with your family and friends.
]]>Crazy to think a cactus can make something so COLORFUL and SWEET !!
Transcript of video:
Today we're going to show you how to make prickly pear juice. I'm Jennifer DeKoeyer Crump and I'm the designer at Zatka Décor.
As you can see our prickly pear cactus is ready to be harvested. There's so many fruits this year. So we're going to get our kitchen tongs out, protect our hands and fill up a bucket, I want to leave a lot of extra room. And we're going to use our garden hose and we're going to fill up our water bucket and all that water is going to agitate and all of the prickly pears will be bouncing off each other and knocking off those thorns. It helps with handling, gets rid of a lot thorns.
Carry those tongs back inside and we're going to individually cut off the skins of each of the prickly pears, I prefer to take the seeds out. That's why we're going through these steps. And once you take the skin off, put all of them in the blender and get out one of your metal sieves or any fine sieve that you have. Could be cheese cloth as well. But a regular, you know, kitchen noodle strainer is going to have holes that are too big for these seeds. But I grabbed my spatula here and I like to give it a once over. Push the pulp thru the strainer and now we have a lot of the seeds leftover, ready to be composted. And don't forget, there's a lot that can be on the bottom, just hanging on there. Now we're ready to pour into your container of choice. And I like to go about 50/50 you can always give it a taste test. It's a little too thick to go straight, but you can as well. Add a little ice and filtered water and you're ready to start.
And this is a perfect late summer treat for us. My kids love it. And It's a naturally sweet juice, but it's also a great mixer. So you guys have a great weekend and this is Zatka Decor, giving you tips on garden and cooking.
Check us out on Instagram as well.
Thank you
@zatkadecor www.zatkadecor.com
]]>Hello my friends. It's no surprise with our launch day approaching that I've been busy in the studio, but I've also been busy re-organizing the studio as well.....
]]>
We all love a before and after, so here we go:
Fast forward many months and I'm re-organizing again. This time removing an old refrigerator that made more space for the bikes. But what I'm most excited about is the work I did just behind the studio. I cleaned out roof tiles, grass and weeds [along with a devilishly strong fig tree] to make room for more bench workspace!
We all love a before and after, so here we go:
]]>
What's this blog gonna cover?
Take sneak peaks into what we are up to in the studio. Maybe it's a recent travel adventure that inspires me, a trip to a local garden - shout out to the Huntington Library gardens - always inspiring me and if you're ever in LA for a visit you should check it out.
Or you might see the process behind the scene; it takes a lot of experimenting to land the great product to join the line.
And don't be surprised to see inspiring words or images to keep us motivated.
Join us, chime in, take a looky loo. Join us on the journey.
Cheers,
Jennifer
]]>