How to Choose the Perfect Hypoallergenic Apple Watch Band

Choosing the ideal Apple Watch band involves considering tens of factors. In addition to your personal style, the watch band must be comfortable and safe to wear. This is where a hypoallergenic Apple Watch band comes in. These hypoallergenic iwatch bands deliver comfort, style, and skin-friendliness in equal measure.

So, this article discusses what hypoallergenic watch bracelets are and the best options to buy at sharkwatchband.com or your favorite store. We’ll also share important tips for choosing a skin-friendly watch strap and how to care for it.

Understanding Hypoallergenic Watch Material

A hypoallergenic watch strap is an Apple Watch band with anti-allergic properties. These straps essentially prevent skin irritation after reacting to moisture and bacteria. They can protect sensitive skin against unwanted side effects like itching.

Usually, silicone/rubber straps contain hypoallergenic properties, making them excellent for active lifestyles and sensitive skin. However, you can also find other watch materials with anti-allergy properties. Some popular options include:

  • Nylon
  • Leather
  • Ceramic
  • Titanium

Perfect Hypoallergenic Apple Watch Band

Guide for Selecting Hypoallergenic Watch Straps

1.    Watch Material

Certain watch strap materials can cause skin irritation. Nickel, for example, can react with allergic skin. Metal alloys, which can cause rashes and discomfort, should also be avoided. Remember that some metal alloy watch straps can contain nickel.

2.    Comfort

Always consider how comfortable the watch band feels on your wrist. For example, confirm if the strap has a breathable design to prevent moisture buildup. The best hypoallergenic watch straps also use an adjustable design to ensure comfort.

3.    Watch Clasp and Buckle

A watch clasp or buckle is a mechanism that fastens the iWatch to your wrist. Therefore, ensure the clasp isn’t only comfortable and sturdy, but the material must also possess hypoallergenic properties. Again, avoid metal alloys and nickel.

4.    Ease of Cleaning

Most Apple Watch fans often overlook this feature when choosing a watch strap. A reliable watch band must be easy to clean. This prevents possible bacterial buildup, which can cause skin irritation.

Top Hypoallergenic Watch Bands

1.    Sport Band

The timeless Sport Band is an excellent choice for active lifestyles. This band uses high-grade silicone that’s both gentle and comfy. Silicone is also recognized for its outstanding sweat and water resistance capability. Additionally, it’s available in varying styles, complementing many fashion tastes.

2.    Sport Loop Band

Nylon is the material of choice for Sport Loop Bands. This material is known for its breathable design, which allows air to circulate on your wrist during heavy workouts and prevents moisture buildup. Moreover, Sport Loop Bands are lightweight and durable.

3.    Braided Solo Loop

Braided Solo Loop Bands are also excellent choices for active people with sensitive skin. These breathable bands are covered with thin interwoven silicone thread to ensure sweat and water resistance. Braided Solo Loop also uses stretchable material with no metal clasp or buckles.

4.    Full Grain Leather

Full-grain leather is the ideal choice if sophistication is your preference. This iWatch watch strap uses premium-grade cow leather material that’s comfortable and friendly to your skin. The classic pin buckle also uses friendly stainless steel for a relaxed and secure fit.

Tips for Managing Skin Sensitivity

Managing skin sensitivity entails more than just buying a hypoallergenic watch strap. It’s vital to care for your strap to prevent skin irritations. Below are some tips:

  • Clean the band regularly: Use a clean, damp cloth to clean the strap regularly. This prevents dirt and oil buildup. Remember to avoid using harsh chemicals while cleaning.
  • Prevent sweat buildup: Don’t wait until the end of your workouts to wipe out sweat and water spills from your watch. Moisture can be a haven for bacteria breeding..
  • Buy multiple straps: Lastly, buy multiple straps and swap them out depending on the occasion or activity. This is also an excellent way to reduce wear and tear.

Conclusion

Finding a good Apple Watch band for sensitive skin can seem daunting. But with the simple tips above, you can quickly make a confident and long-lasting choice. If you have sensitive skin, use watch band options like silicone, nylon, and leather.

10 things to love about East Liberty

Oh, East Liberty. What to say about you, my first neighborhood in Pittsburgh? Plenty of people have plenty of opinions about the neighborhood: where it’s been, where it’s going. I’ve heard the stories about where we were in the late 1800s (first traffic light in Pittsburgh, what’s up), the 1950s and then what happened after Urban Renewal. I know we have a long way to go, and that it hasn’t always been an easy ride.

But I do know that I felt welcomed into East Liberty almost immediately. My walk through the neighborhood to work every day made me fall in love–the people, the sights, the sounds. We’re still a neighborhood where folks sit on their porches in warm weather, and I like that. I wanted to write 50 things that I love about this place, but I limited myself to ten. Ten things that I truly love about my neighborhood.

Top 10 Things to Love About East Liberty (aka S’Liberty)

1. Restaurants
In how many neighborhoods can you go from Parisian to modern American to burgers to Ethiopian to Caribbean to Waffles, back to Ethiopian to Pan Asian to pizza? And soon, we’ll have barbeque AND a hot dog shop. And that’s all in one square mile! Eleven different restaurants from which to choose, including the only two Ethiopian restaurants in all of Western PA. I love being able to visit a different restaurant every day for a week.

2. Green stuff


I can think of few neighborhoods in this city with as many new trees as we have in East Liberty. Trees are everywhere! I’ve only started to learn how important they are for us. And not only do we have trees, but we have rain gardens. Lots of them. And clean ups. And mulch madness days. And rain barrels I love living in a place dedicated to caring for the environment.

3. Shadow Lounge/AVA
Title Town, live bands, happy hours…I love Shadow Lounge and AVA. I love even more that Justin and Tim are committed to East Liberty. Shadow’s been in the neighborhood for ten years strong, and I’m so thankful that it’s there. Drinks with friends after work, or a benefit for the local farm, you can do it at Shadow and AVA. And stick around for jazz or a poetry reading.

4. PULSE – The Pittsburgh Urban Leadership Service Experience


The reason I’m here. I moved to the city to take part in the Pittsburgh Urban Leadership Service Experience (PULSE). We have over 20 alumni living within half a mile from the house, right in the East Liberty/Highland Park area. PULSE taught me so much about myself and the city. P.S., PULSE will provide over 20,000 hours of service to the City of Pittsburgh this year. Isn’t that amazing?

5. Super markets
I live within walking distance of four full-size grocery stores: Giant Eagle Market District, Giant Eagle, Whole Foods and Trader Joes. How many other neighborhoods can boast that? No matter what I need, food-wise, I can get it quickly. I can even stop by my number six favorite thing about East Liberty…

6. Target
Target’s huge food selection (for a Target, anyway) makes FIVE grocery stores within walking distance. And I can buy shoes. And pick up a DVD. And then buy new nail polish. All at the same time! Not to mention if I have a big shopping order, I get to use the cartalator for my fancy, space-age-looking cart. The store also takes up 1/3 of the space of a regular Target, since the parking is underneath. Urban design FTW.

7. My very own LYS (Local Yarn Store)
I’m not afraid to admit that I love knitting. I love it, love it, love it. It was always hard to find good yarn, though, because I grew up in a place without a yarn shop. I had to go to a big-box craft store. Which was fine, until I knew what I was missing! Natural Stitches (it’s in the Village of Eastside plaza with Staples and Trader Joes, on Penn Avenue) is amazing. They have all kinds of yarn. Needles (and hooks, for you crochet-ers). Books. Patterns. Classes. But best of all, there are always people knitting there, and willing to help you learn something new. So welcoming!

8. East Liberty Presbyterian Church


Many thanks to the Mellon Family on this one. This church is absolutely beautiful, inside and out. Have you checked out the courtyard? I saw a performance from their musical/acting school in the courtyard last summer, and I was struck by its beauty. And the stained glass in the sanctuary. And the tall—no, gigantic—ceilings. It’s just beautiful, no other word for it.

9. A green roof bus shelter
Have you ever seen plants growing on the roof of a bus shelter? Intentionally? The first (and currently only) green roof bus shelter in Pittsburgh is on Penn Avenue, right across from ELPC. It’s educational, it mitigates (a bit of) stormwater, and it just looks cool. It’s got a solar panel, a cistern bench and tons of signage so you can learn all about green roofs and the kinds of plants that are on the roof.

10. Union Project
Other neighborhoods might try to say Union Project is in their neck of the woods, but I’m going to claim UP for my own. Union Project is a community arts and enterprise space. The building itself is beautiful. And over the past decade or so, UP has been restoring the beautiful stained glass windows in the great hall by teaching the community to do it. Now, the windows are complete and really make the space beautiful. What other buildings in Pittsburgh can boast yoga classes, ceramics, hula hoopers, a church service and a wedding in the same week? Not too many.

***

Maggie Graham is a nonprofit communicator in love with the City of Pittsburgh. She’s lived in East Liberty since joining PULSE in August of 2010. When she’s not tweeting about her neighborhood or empowering women through Propelle, Maggie knits, bakes and explores the City.

10 Things to love about Pittsburgh’s Park Place

Yes, Park Place is an official neighborhood! But I didn’t know it until I moved in here and was welcomed by my neighbors.

On most city maps, you’ll see us lumped in with Point Breeze, but we are on the other side of Frick Park, running mostly along South Braddock and its side streets from Forbes Avenue to Penn Avenue. (Here’s a Google Map of the neighborhood boundaries.) We often partner with our neighbors from Wilkinsburg and Regent Square on everything from free renovation workshops for homeowners to block-watch meetings with local police.

One of our main characteristics is accessibility….it’s on the way to everything in the East End, and thousands of people pass through our neighborhood by car, bus, bike or on foot every day. We have an active neighborhood association and we know how to throw a good street party!

One of my favorite things about our neighborhood is how much Pittsburgh history I’ve learned since moving here, which you’ll see from my favorite neighborhood spots.

1. Frick Park

Ask most of the residents what they like about our neighborhood and the proximity to Frick Park comes up over and over again. This is what attracts people to the neighborhood in the first place. The park is always bustling with people exercising and walking their dogs, and by cutting through it, we can get access to more bike-friendly roads. It’s like having a 561 acre backyard! Except you don’t have to mow it.

2. Bowling Greens

One of the hidden gems of Frick Park is the Bowling Greens, home to the Frick Park Lawn Bowling Club of Pittsburgh. It’s quite a sight to watch them on League Night. Sometimes we hang out just to watch. If you want to try out lawn bowling, the club offers a free open bowling night every Thursday evening.

3. Animal Nature

Animal Nature is the neighborhood pet supply store. Owners Wolf and Rachel are serious about providing safe products for your pets. Wolf explains, “We want you to know when you walk in our store, that every product is free from ingredients that could be harmful to your pet. That way you can spend your time thinking about what your pet likes, instead of scrutinizing the labels.” Check out the What We Don’t Carry and Why section of their website. In addition to the awesome products and services, it’s just a fun place to hang out! At any given time you walk into the store, you might see one of their rabbits, cats, or dogs lounging around. They also have two pet chickens. The day I stopped by, two little girls were training a pet rat to jump over a stick using Cheerios! And it was working!

4. The Old Heidelberg

The Old Heidelberg on Braddock Avenue is one of the most distinctive apartment buildings in Pittsburgh. It was built in 1905, and designed by Pittsburgh architect Frederick Sheibler. People love living there. Resident Adriana Helbig told me, “I like the old world charm. The building has a lot of historical significance. A lot of architectural details that add to it and each apartment is unique. Everyone in the neighborhood knows one another and is welcoming. Everyone seems to rally around social issues and smart urban development. All kinds of people live there from families to students to artists, and it just makes for a positive Pittsburgh experience.”

5. The Park Place Picnic

This year we celebrated the 25th annual Park Place picnic. Organized by neighborhood volunteers with the help of donations from local businesses and Citiparks, we put out a killer potluck spread, have live music and lots of entertainment for the kids. Yes, that’s a bounce house in the background! One of my favorite things about Park Place is the neighbors and their can-do attitudes. Mary Hupe, featured in this photograph holding her grandson, has been organizing parties and block watches for decades. She loves to entertain us with stories about handwriting flyers and delivering them personally to every house. (This makes me personally very grateful for our neighborhood Facebook page!)

6. The Original Location of KDKA

The first official broadcast was made on election night in 1920, right here in Park Place! Even though the site is currently unmarked (there allegedly used to be a historic marker here), we know when we walk past the Wendy’s on Penn Avenue that we are walking past history.

7.East End Food Co-op

What’s it like to have the East End Food Co-op is your neighborhood grocery store? Always fresh, organic produce, a relaxed shopping atmosphere, and a steady calendar of lectures and events to celebrate and learn about food. I never loved grocery shopping so much until I moved here. The Co-op’s Annual Meeting will be held on Saturday October 13, 2012 from 5-7 at the Environmental Charter School.

8. The Environmental Charter School

The Environmental Chater School recently completed a beautiful restoration of the historic Park Place School, built in 1903 (Another interesting historic tidbit….author Annie Dillard attended elementary school here). ECS has a special mission to teach their students the importance of environmental stewardship and they use Frick Park as their outdoor classroom. Their K-3 students will be starting here in August.

9. Greater Park Place Neighborhood Association
Greater Park Place Neighborhood Association and the food! In addition to our annual summer picnic, events throughout the year always include amazing, homemade food…and if you have dietary needs, you’ll be in heaven. I’ve never been to a Park Place potluck where there wasn’t a vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free or nut-free option—all carefully labeled with separate serving spoons! And yes, many of the people eat meat, too.

10. Nine Mile Run Watershed Association

You’ll see a lot of rain barrels connected to Park Place gutters and the reason is we know we have to do everything we can to protect Nine Mile Run, which flows through Frick Park. Among its many projects, NMRWA sells locally produced rain barrels that will not just prevent flooding on your property, but also help to protect the watershed from too much run-off, thus preserving our beloved park.

TIPS FOR CREATING A LUXURIOUS BATHROOM STYLE

We all love the look and feel of a luxurious bathroom. However, most of us only experience this in luxurious hotels, but this does not mean that you cannot experience it in the comfort of your home. In fact, creating a luxuriously styled bathroom is a process that begins with the little things. Little choices, such as the type of toilet paper you use or the candles you light, will set your bathroom apart from others. In this post, we’ve put together 5 tips for creating a luxurious bathroom style whether you are creating a new space or renovating an existing one. Read on;

LUXURIOUS BATHROOM STYLE

1. Upgrade the lighting

Lighting is one of the most valuable tools that you can use to create an inviting space. Light is essential for creating a relaxing and calm feeling in any room, including the bathroom. To make your bathroom feel luxurious, consider adding some soft lighting to the area. A high-quality LED light or a pendant lamp will add luxury to even the simplest of bathrooms.

2. Commit to quality

Keeping with the theme of lighting, always choose high-quality items when renovating your bathroom space. Look for products that were made with care, from quality materials. These may cost you more upfront, but they will pay off in the long term as these are items that will last a lifetime. The same can be said for bath linens, toilet papers, and so on. Choose items that are high-quality, such as organic cotton or silk items and your bathroom will feel like a real treat for you and your family.

3. Embrace high-quality and stylish faucets and showerheads

Getting the right fixtures for your bathroom is essential. Choosing quality faucets and showerheads can make your bathroom more luxurious. On this note, install the Homelody duschsystem which you can purchase on homelody. These faucets feature a sleek and modern design that provides the designed luxury without sacrificing durability. Best of all, Homelody showerheads and faucets are available in different styles and finish options to provide a chance of picking one that will match your bathroom style.

4. Settle for the right flooring

Choosing the right floors for your bathroom can make a world of difference. For a start, choose a flooring material that is truly luxurious, such as ceramic, marble, or stone due to their durability and beauty. Do not forget that the material you pick must tolerate water and moisture and resist mold. Moreover, it should be slip-resistant to protect you from slips and falls. So, do your research keenly to ensure that you and your family are safe.

5. Add some art and seating

Having a luxury bathroom does not mean that you do not want to be creative. In fact, adding some art and seating to the space will make it feel more welcoming and comfortable. Therefore, turn your bathroom into a relaxing haven with a dressing table mirror, comfy cushioned chairs, artwork, and cabinets to organize your bathroom essentials.

Conclusion

These are just but a few tips that will help you create a luxurious bathroom style. There is nothing wrong with just doing your favorite colors, but it would be better to incorporate more than one element for the ultimate luxurious look. So, incorporate all of these, and rest assured to see a world of difference!

Canvas Backpacks for Travelers: The Perfect Carry-On Companion

Do you plan to go on a journey that involves navigating busy streets or uneven terrains? Consider getting a canvas backpack. These bags are super comfortable even when carrying heavier items, and their internal organization systems are top-notch. The material quality is also durable and sturdy to withstand daily tears and abrasions.

When choosing a canvas backpack for travelers, there are multiple things to consider. The best bag must tick the right boxes, like size, comfort, and functionality. In this article, we’ll share tips to help you choose the right backpack for travelers.

Why Canvas Backpacks Are Ideal for Travel?

There are several reasons why canvas backpacks are ideal for travelers. First, these bags are built using high-quality materials, giving them the desired roughness and versatility. Most times, canvas backpacks use leather and woven nylon materials, which are known for their durability. You can take these bags to countless adventures without worrying about sudden tears and scratches.

Other reasons to choose a canvas backpack include:

  • Resistance to weather conditions like sun, rain, and wind.
  • The reinforced stitching ensures the bags can handle heavy loads.
  • Multiple compartments and pockets for increased storage.
  • Anti-theft zippers and hidden pockets for increased security.

The Perfect Size for Carry-On Travel

When choosing a canvas backpack for travelers, always consider the size and other things like airline weight restrictions. Most airlines restrict canvas backpack weights to 15lbs and 22lbs. The United States, however, focuses more on size compliance than weight.

But even if the airline accepts bigger and heavier backpacks, a bag that weighs 40 or 50lbs can be challenging to carry around. Therefore, a smaller backpack is lighter and easier to carry. The 20L to 35L range is the ideal size for travelers.

Comfort and Functionality

Don’t underestimate comfort when choosing a canvas backpack for travelers. A good backpack must feel light and comfortable on your back. Therefore, consider choosing a backpack with thick and breathable padded straps. This should cushion your shoulders with prolonged use.

While at it, pay keen attention to the load distribution. The best canvas backpacks often have waist or sternum straps to transfer weight from your shoulders to your hips. That can be a game-changer if you’re going on longer trips.

Other things that can increase comfort include:

  • Load lifters for distributing weight and improving stability.
  • Back panel ventilation to prevent excessive sweating.
  • External attachments for better organization.
  • Choose lighter bags because they are less straining to carry.

Style That Travels Everywhere

Style and versatility should rank high when comparing canvas backpacks for your long travels. Always choose a style that you can take anywhere. You can go for a classic and simple design that blends nicely with casual and formal outfits. Neutral colors like black, brown, and grey can also match any outfit. And yes, a water-resistant finish will be handy if it starts to rain.

Choosing the Right Canvas Backpack

It’s evident that choosing a canvas backpack for travelers requires extra care and consideration. Getting everything right can go a long way towards enhancing your adventurous spirit. A good bag must provide the right balance between your practical needs and travel style.

Meanwhile, don’t underestimate the bag’s material and build quality. The last thing you want is a surprise tear while hustling your way through the airport. Therefore, ensure the backpack material and stitching are top-quality. Most importantly, let your practical needs guide your purchasing decision.