Category: Everyday wins

8 Simple Self-Care Habits That Actually Make a Difference

Posted on by Kick Writers

Open up any media platform and you’ll likely see messages about intermittent fasting, intense workouts, and pricey wellness products. However, your self-care journey doesn’t need to be expensive — or overwhelming.

In fact, the small things often make the biggest difference. These are the changes that stick and lead to real benefits over time. So, if you’re looking for sustainable ways to feel more energized and balanced, start with these simple self-care habits.

1. Hydrate First

Yes, coffee is tempting — but start your day with water. Hydration supports energy, digestion, and focus. To make it easier, use a fun tumbler or a water-tracking app like HydroCoach. That way, you’ll build the habit without overthinking it.

2. Be a Morning Person… Sometimes

You don’t need to wake up at 5 a.m. to have a mindful morning. Even a few minutes of quiet coffee, a light stretch, or a short walk can reset your mindset. As a result, you’ll feel more grounded heading into the day.

3. Doodle or Color

Let your creativity out — no pressure, just play. Doodling reduces stress and anxiety, according to research. If drawing isn’t your thing, grab an adult coloring book and give your brain a break.

4. Stretch It Out

Especially if you sit at a desk for long hours, stretching throughout the day is essential. A quick stretch improves circulation, resets your posture, and can even help you sleep better. Try setting a timer to remind yourself to move.

5. Eat a Nourishing Meal

Eating well doesn’t have to be complicated. For example, meal kits like HelloFresh can make healthy meals easier and faster to prepare. In addition, they reduce decision fatigue and grocery waste.

6. Sit on the Floor

Change your position, change your posture. Sitting on the floor encourages body awareness and activates muscles you don’t use in a chair. Try kneeling, squatting, or stretching your legs while watching TV or reading.

7. Unplug Regularly

Scrolling is easy — but disconnecting is powerful. Instead of more screen time, take a walk, read a chapter, or sit outside and breathe. Even ten minutes offline can improve your focus and mood.

8. Treat Yourself — Your Way

Self-care isn’t all green juice and journaling. Sometimes, it’s a nap. Other times, it’s saying yes to dessert or buying something that sparks joy. Whatever brings you happiness, make space for it.

Self-Care Should Fit Your Life

At the end of the day, simple self-care habits are most effective when they reflect your real needs. Don’t let social media trends define what wellness means. Instead, listen to your body, start small, and do what works for you.

P.S. Need to pick up wellness supplies? Open the Shopkick app to see which items earn kicks — a small bonus that makes everyday shopping feel a little more rewarding.

4 Easy Productivity Tips to Refresh Your Routine This Season

Posted on by Kick Writers

Do you ever feel the urge to reset when a new season rolls around? Same here. Whether it’s swapping in fresh recipes or reorganizing your space, that seasonal shift often brings a wave of motivation.

But instead of overhauling everything, let’s focus on one area: productivity.

Because one of the best feelings is ending your day knowing you spent your time well. Maybe that means crossing off your to-do list, sneaking in a workout, or enjoying family time. No matter how you define it, that “A+ day” feeling is worth chasing — and with a few tweaks, it can become your new normal.

Here are four easy productivity tips to help you get started.

1. Focus on the Small Picture

Big-picture goals can feel exciting — and overwhelming. That’s why it helps to break them into bite-sized wins.

Want to organize your closet? Don’t aim to do it all at once. Start by sorting just your t-shirts. Then group seasonal items. Those mini wins build momentum and help you make real progress one step at a time.

2. Set Three Daily Goals

Long to-do lists can be draining. Instead, focus on three key priorities for the day. For example:

✔ Go for a walk
✔ Submit a project
✔ Attend a soccer game

If you hit those three? Success. Everything else is a bonus. This approach helps reduce stress and increases your chances of actually feeling accomplished.

3. Create Screen-Free Boundaries

We all spend more time on screens than we’d like. Rather than going cold turkey, try these simple boundaries:

  • Charge your phone outside your workspace

  • Use app timers to limit distractions

  • Create “no phone” zones, like the dinner table or bedroom

Cutting screen time just a bit can lead to clearer focus and more meaningful moments.

4. Block Your Time

Structure your day into focus blocks. Group similar tasks together so you can give each one your full attention:

  • Morning: family time, morning walk

  • Mid-morning: reply to emails

  • Midday: deep work or a creative project

  • Afternoon: errands or admin tasks

Time-blocking prevents multitasking and adds calm structure to your day.

Bonus Tip: Reward Your Wins with Shopkick

Want to turn those productive errands into free rewards? Download the Shopkick app, where you can earn kicks (aka points) just for walking into stores, scanning items, uploading receipts, or shopping online. Then trade those kicks in for gift cards to your favorite stores.

It’s an easy way to stay productive — and make it more rewarding, too.

Your Seasonal Reset Starts Now

Remember: productivity doesn’t mean doing more. It means doing what matters, with intention. Start small, stay consistent, and define your version of a great day.

Have a productivity tip that works wonders for you? Share it with us on Facebook or Instagram — we’d love to hear it!

5 Winter Plants That Thrive in Cold Weather

Posted on by Kick Writers

Just because summer has ended doesn’t mean your garden has to! Plenty of beautiful, hardy plants flourish in the colder months — making winter gardening a rewarding (and surprisingly low-maintenance) hobby. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just getting started, these five winter gardening plants are perfect for adding a little life to your cold-weather landscape.

1.  Coneflower

First, meet the coneflower — a perennial that can bloom even in winter, as long as you care for it properly after it goes dormant in the fall. With a rainbow of colors to choose from, you can plant a clean monochrome garden or make a bold statement with a multicolored mosaic.

2. Catmint

Next up, catmint! This vibrant pink plant is surprisingly winter-hardy — but it does require a bit of patience. Catmint needs a full year of sunlight and watering to establish itself. After that, it thrives on its own through the darker, drier months and asks for very little in return.

3. Winterberry

As the name suggests, winterberry was made for the season. Its bright red berries pop after the plant drops its autumn leaves, giving your garden a fresh burst of color when everything else fades. In addition, you can clip its branches for winter arrangements or festive wreaths.

4. Winter Pansies

These slow growers are absolutely worth the wait. With the right care, winter pansies can bloom for up to 5–7 months — even in freezing temperatures. If you want to brighten up gray days, this cheerful plant delivers with vibrant color and hardiness.

5. Lily-of-the-Valley

Last but not least, Lily-of-the-Valley is a winter classic. Delicate and timeless, this plant thrives in cold climates and loves the shade. Native to the Northern Hemisphere, it brings dainty blooms to your garden when you give it partial sun or full shade.

Ready to Start Your Winter Garden?

All in all, winter gardening plants are easier to care for than you might expect. So, if you’re craving a connection to nature this season, try planting a few of these hardy beauties. They’ll reward you with vibrant color, texture, and charm — no matter how chilly it gets.

P.S. Stocking up on supplies? Download the Shopkick app to earn kicks (aka rewards) while you shop for gardening tools, décor, and more!

Date night outfit ideas on a dime!

Posted on by Kick Writers

As a mom of three boys, date nights with my husband are rare and cherished. But when the stars align and we get a night out, the first question that pops into my head is: “What am I going to wear?!” 

 

Between business casual workwear and athletic gear for evening sports events, my closet isn’t exactly stocked with designer dresses. And let’s be honest — my budget doesn’t allow for splurges on Jimmy Choos or a brand-new little black dress. So what’s a girl to do? 

 

Here are my favorite budget-friendly tips for pulling together a fabulous date night look without breaking the bank. 

 

1. Get Inspired on Pinterest 

A few minutes scrolling Pinterest can work wonders. I often find outfit inspiration that helps me reimagine pieces I already own. It’s amazing what you can create with a little creativity and a fresh perspective — sometimes I even rediscover hidden gems buried in my closet! 

 

2. Swap with Friends 

Sharing wardrobes with a friend or sister is a game-changer. Even if you’re not the same size, accessories and tops can be mixed and matched. It’s a fun way to double your outfit options without spending a dime. 

 

3. Shop Secondhand 

Thrift stores, garage sales, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay are treasure troves for stylish, gently used clothing. You can find amazing pieces for a fraction of the cost — and sometimes even score designer items! 

 

4. Remix Old Favorites 

Let’s be real — your partner probably doesn’t remember what you wore last date night. So why not recycle an outfit with a twist? Add a new cardigan, swap out shoes, or throw on a scarf or belt to give it a fresh feel. 

 

Go-To Outfit Ideas 

Now that you’ve got some styling strategies, here are a few outfit combos I love using pieces I already own: 

 

Jeans + Sexy Top

Pair your favorite denim —skinny, boyfriend, or colored— with a sparkly or sleek top. My go-to? Dark grey skinnies and a black shimmer blouse. Finish with heels or flats, depending on the vibe. 
Pro tip: Shop for affordable finds at Target or Walmart — and earn free gift cards with Shopkick while you’re at it! 

 

Monochrome + Jacket 

All-black or all-gray outfits are chic and slimming. Add a denim jacket for a casual look or a blazer for sophistication. Feeling bold? Try a leather jacket and a colorful scarf for extra flair. 

 

Show a Little Skin 

Date night is the perfect excuse to wear something a little flirty. Off-the-shoulder tops, open backs, or shorter skirts can add just the right touch of glam. Save these styles for special nights — not the PTA meeting! 

 

Confidence Is Key 

No matter what you wear, the most important thing is how you feel in it. The sexiest outfit is one that makes you feel beautiful, confident, and fabulous. 

 

Want more style tips or ways to earn rewards while shopping? Follow us @shopkick and share your favorite date night looks!