Tag: Staycation

5 Easy Backyard Projects to Complete This Summer

Posted on by shopkick

Travel plans and vacation may be cancelled this summer, but that doesn’t mean you can’t create an outdoor oasis at home! While it’s a bummer that we’re not jetsetting to our next adventure, we can’t wait to make incredible memories at home this summer. Here are 5 easy backyard improvements to get your home staycation ready. 

1. Give Your Furniture a Makeover

Re-sand, paint, or stain your outdoor furniture! Whether you want to spruce up an old table or you’re getting a little tired of your current patio set, this is a super affordable option to make your furniture feel brand new. Pro Tips: be sure to sand off any rust, remove loose paint, and consider your climate when choosing new paint. 

2. Upgrade Your Light Fixtures 

Light fixtures may seem like a small detail, but they can make a big statement. Swap your old fixtures for new ones, or paint them along with your furniture to give them a new look. We love this tutorial from Confessions of a DIYer! If you’re feeling fancy, you can even automate your lighting so it’s on a timer schedule. 

3. Start a Garden

Is “backyard to table” the new “farm to table?” We think so! If you’re a beginner gardener, we recommend starting with tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and green beans. Not ready to take on fruits and veggies yet? Start an herb garden and use your herbs in summer cocktails! We recommend trying this Cucumber Basil Gimlet with your homegrown basil and cucumbers. 

4. Power Wash 

Is it just us or is there something insanely satisfying about watching buildup on your outdoor spaces be washed away? Plus, power washing can make any sidewalk, patio, or piece of furniture look brand new! You can opt to rent a pressure washer from most improvement stores, or you can invest in one to always have on hand for any cleaning needs. 

5. Add Solar Lighting 

Outdoor lighting will allow you to enjoy your outdoor oasis long after the sun has gone down. Solar lighting is a win because a) you don’t need to worry about finding an outlet and b) no electricity needed! Your electric bill will thank you. We love these blown glass solar lanterns from Home Depot and this path lighting from Lowe’s! 

There you have it! 5 simple projects to create the ultimate backyard haven this summer. Don’t forget that you’ll earn kicks with every dollar spent online at Home Depot and Lowe’s through your Shopkick app!

Adventure for Every Budget

Posted on by shopkick

My friends and I frequently talk about traveling together. We love to see where our bucket list destinations align just as much as we enjoy learning about newly discovered gems close to home that will make a staycation feel special with a hint of luxury. After any of our conversations, I feel equally as inspired to book a flight as I do to purchase a hammock or candles to make my nights and weekends in feel more like a hotel stay. My takeaway is always this: Traveling is possible on any budget; sometimes you just need a few ideas!

$99 or Less:

I live in the Northeast, so a walk outside during the first signs of spring always feels like a vacation – it’s such a treat! After spending so many months inside, now is when I start to spend as much time outside as possible. My favorite thing to do outside? Read! In my opinion, the best way to completely enhance any book is to read it in a hammock because I always feel like I’m at the beach rather than in my backyard.

$100-$349:

With its history and location, San Antonio, Texas is 100% on my radar! I think this would be such a fun spot to go with family or a group of friends. Plan to visit the Alamo and stroll along the River Walk to explore great eats and views. Orlando and Los Angeles are both great options at this price point too! And, when you book with Booking.com or Hotels.com, you can earn 10 kicks per $1 spent from today through Tuesday, April 16.

$350-$999:

I visited New Orleans, LA for the first time last year for my birthday, and this southern city blew me away! The food, particularly the beignets, is delicious, listening to jazz live is not to be missed (Preservation Hall was my favorite spot!), and there is plenty to see by wandering around the French Quarter. New York, Austin, and San Diego are forever on my radar too!

$1000+:

If you’re dreaming of heading abroad, now is the time to book your trip with Booking.com and Hotels.com! Consider traveling to Macchu Picchu, Peru to see the Lost City of the Incas; see the Sydney Opera House and say, “G’day, Mate!”, in person; expect to find sun, sand, and sea in Lagos, Portugal; book what looks like it would be the most beautiful trip of them all – Fiji!

Whatever your budget, traveling doesn’t have to stay on your bucket list, especially when you can book through Booking.com or Hotels.com through your Shopkick app and earn 10 kicks per $1 spent through April 16! Make a trip a reality this spring; you deserve it!