PADUCAH — Get the leash! We’re off to another cooler start, but highs will reach the low 90s.
We’re keeping an eye on tropical storm Francine, the remnants of it expected to reach the Local 6 region on Thursday. Perhaps buy some puppy raincoats in advance.
Are you ready to fall in love with this Florida beach house? If you love Florida and beautiful beach houses as much as I do, this new house tour is especially for you.
With architecture by the renowned architect, Geoff Chick of Geoff Chick & Associates and interior design by Home Design Group, this newly-constructed beachfront home boasts stylish coastal interiors with a timeless color palette, but what really will leave you in complete awe is the architectural details and the location, which overlooks a private beach on the Gulf of Mexico.
Find a quiet spot to enjoy this Florida beach house. This tour deserves your full attention! 🙂
See other amazing Beach Houses by Geoff Chick and Associates:
– Seaside Florida Home.
– Florida Oceanfront Beach House.
– Florida Dream Beach House (Click-worthy!!! 🙂 ).
“In the heart of HWY 30-A, this beach home stands proud over Eastern Lake on the Gulf of Mexico.” – Geoff Chick & Associates
Beach House Exterior Paint Color: Sherwin Williams SW 7005 Pure White – Body & Trim.
You fall in love with this home the moment you look at this view. Inside, you are also amazed by the stunning interiors. The whitewashed Pecky Cypress coffered ceilings appear to draw attention even more to the turquoise waters.
Marble tile backsplash stretches up towards the high, coffered ceilings with pecky cypress wood inlays in this chef’s kitchen.” – Geoff Chick & Associates
Scroll to see more & Click on items to shop:
Counterstools: Palecek Conrad Counter Stool, 24″ – Others: here, here (Best Seller), here, here & here.
Flooring: Local store – similar here – Others: here & here.
Backsplash: Moderno Marble Meander – Stone Waterjet Tile – Others Similar: here, here, here, here & here.
Range Hood: Custom Sloped Design Custom Handcrafted Brushed Stainless Steel Range Hood with Brushed Brass Straps.
Range: 48″ Wolf Range – Others: here & here.
Grey Kitchen Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Horizon.
Kitchen Lighting: Visual Comfort Agnes Pendant.
Countertop: Calacatta Drift Marble, Honed.
Sink: Lancaster Apron Kitchen Sink.
Faucet: Newport Brass Kitchen Faucet.
Window Shades: Custom – similar here.
“Perfect Gulf views all day long… Floor to ceiling French doors flood this great room with light bounced off the sugary sands of the Gulf of Mexico.” – Geoff Chick & Associates
Shop this Look:
Dining Table: Custom – similar: Basile Dining Table – Others: here & here.
Chandelier: Lucia Chandelier.
Black Bowl: Orion Handcrafted Terracotta Bowls – similar.
Dining Chairs: Palecek Fritz Rope Arm Chair – similar style: here – Others: here, here & here.
“Kick back and relax in this plush living area…. A marble fireplace accentuates the high coffered ceilings with Pecky Cypress wood inlays.” – Geoff Chick & Associates
Shop this Look:
Interior Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Distant Gray.
Chairs: Linen Swivel Chairs.
Rug: Exquisite Rugs Capistrano Hand-Knotted Rug – also available here – Others: here & here.
Coffee Table Decor: Palecek Jaden Urn Short White.
Floor Lamps: Montenegro Floor Lamp.
Curtains: Belgian Flax Linen Unlined Curtain – similar.
Window Hardware: Somorset Hidden Connection Room Darkening Curtain Rod – similar.
Side Tables: Boyles Brass Side Table.
Sofas: Custom – similar here & here – Others: here, here & here.
Planters: Made Goods Perris Outdoor Planter – Others: here & here.
“This primary suite is equipped with all the essentials for a dreamy night’s sleep… Hidden window treatments and an oversized shower room are ready to help you unwind and hit the beach running.” – Geoff Chick & Associates
Bedroom Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Distant Gray.
Bed: Custom from Emerald Wood Furniture – Available through the designer.
Table Lamps: Adock Table Lamp.
Scroll to see more & Click on items to shop:
“Sitting room envy… Pecky Cypress coffered ceilings and gold accents warm up the space.” – Geoff Chick & Associates
Chandelier: Connery 50″ Ring Chandelier, Matte White.
Sconces: Selfoss Large Sconce, White.
Rug: One-of-a-kind – Others: here & here.
Lumbar Pillows: Custom with Lee Jofa fabric – Available through the designer.
Swivel Chairs: Slope Linen Swivel Chair – similar – here – Others: here & here.
Side Table: John-Richard.
Coffee Table: Small Bleached Teak Root Coffee Table – similar.
Sideboard: Siah 79” Solid Wood Sideboard.
Lamps: Made Goods Bethany Lamp.
This bathroom deserves a pin (they always help the blog, so thank you!)! Besides the stunning ocean view, it features blue-gray custom cabinets with a window-seat between vanities.
Sconces: Covet Tall Box Bath Sconce.
Mirrors: Custom – Others: here & here.
Faucets: Newport Brass Secant Widespread Lavatory Faucet, Chrome.
Sinks: Kohler.
Hardware: Mission Cabinet Pull – similar.
Floor & Shower Tile: Honed Marble Tile 12×24 – similar.
I have found my dream bathroom! The shower is located between the tub and large windows, offering closed-in ocean views. What a dream!
Bed: Palecek Woodside King Bed – Others: here & here.
Pillows: Queen Of Spain Pillow.
Quilt: Pick-Stitch Handcrafted Cotton Linen Quilt & Shams – similar.
Nightstands: Camilla 2 Drawer Side Table Chiffon White Lacquered.
Rug: Murano Hand Knotted Silver/Blue Area Rug – similar.
Draperies: Custom – Available through the designer.
Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Distant Gray.
Bathroom Cabinet Paint Color: Sherwin Williams Samovar Silver.
Sconces: Precision Bath Light.
Faucet: Newport Brass Secant Widespread Lavatory Faucet, Chrome.
Floor Tile: Slate Field Tile in Blue – similar.
Sink: Kohler.
Toilet: Toto.
Guest Bedroom Paint Color: Sherwin Williams First Star.
Bed: Modern Farmhouse Platform Bed – Custom fabric – similar.
Nightstands: Taylor Bedside Chest.
Lamps: Olsen Table Lamp.
Rug: One-of-a-kind – similar here – Others: here & here.
Featuring three built-in beds in a row with built-in nightstands between each bed, this space is perfect for guests and kids’ sleepovers!
Sconces: Painted No.2 Wall Sconce, Blue Bird.
Cabinet Paint Color: Sherwin Williams Samovar Silver.
Shower Tile: Liquified Glass Subway Tile 3×12, Sequioa – Similar Style: here, here & here.
Faucets: Metropol Single-Hole Faucet.
Sconces: Keeley Tall Pivoting Wall Sconce.
Artwork: Amy Fogg.
“Bright and airy… Guest bedroom goals!” – Geoff Chick & Associates
Bedroom Paint Color: Sherwin Williams SW 7646 First Star.
Bed: Bilbrook Standard Bed, White.
Lamps: Regina Andrew Joan Table Lamp.
Nightstands: Mr. Brown Belmont Bedside Table – Others: here & here.
Rug: Beige Marble Striped Wool-Blend Area Rug – similar – Others: here, here & here.
Offering plenty of space and style, the guest quarters are perfect for those extended visits that you can expect to have when owning a beach house like this.
Swivel Chairs: Bernie Upholstered Swivel Armchair.
Cabinet Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Horizon.
Backsplash: Local stone – Others: here (New!), here & here.
Powder Room Paint Color: Sherwin Williams Adrift.
Wallpaper: Cowtan & Tout Tajan Wallpaper – Available through the designer.
Woven Dancing Basket: Etsy – similar.
Besides offering so much storage space, the green backsplash tile adds a splash of color and freshness to this laundry room.
Beautiful Tiles: here, here, here & here.
Ah… this view! Can we frame it and look at it all day? 🙂
Outdoor Dining Chairs: Daughtery Outdoor Dining Side Chair.
Dining Table: Pomona Concrete Round Outdoor Dining Table.
“The best way to spend your day… Custom waterfall pool and sundeck overlook your private beach access on the Gulf of Mexico.” – Geoff Chick & Associates
Outdoor Chaise Lounges: RH – similar here – Others: here & here.
There is no need to go on vacation when you have the beach in your backyard.
Outdoor Chairs: Sundial Outdoor Swivel Chair – Slipcovered.
This infinity pool was designed to make the water look on the same level as the ocean, creating a seamless feel when you are in the water.
The house has direct access to a private sandy beach.
This beach house is not only beautiful, but its design and elevation were strategically placed to keep the house safe and secure while coexisting harmoniously with its environment.
Windows Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Aegean Teal.
Durable materials like concrete, metal, and natural stone have been incorporated into the exterior of this beach house to enhance its longevity and resilience.
Imagine yourself walking on this sandy beach, feeling the warm sand under your feet and the warm ocean’s breeze surrounding your body. You are calm, you are at peace, and you don’t care about the world. Be present. Be there for a little longer…
It’s so wonderful to have your presence here and be able to share this home with you. I hope this home brought you a sense of enjoyment and peace as much as it did to me.
Wishing you all a Blessed week, my friends. May you feel healthy, victorious and peaceful. Love you all! – Luciane @HomeBunch
Click on items to Shop:
Thank you for shopping through Home Bunch. For your shopping convenience, this post may contain AFFILIATE LINKS to retailers where you can purchase the products (or similar) featured. I make a small commission if you use these links to make your purchase, at no extra cost to you. Shopping through these links is an easy way to support my blog and I appreciate and I am super grateful for your support! I would be happy to assist you if you have any questions or are looking for something in particular. Feel free to contact me and always make sure to check dimensions before ordering. Happy shopping!
“Dear God,
If I am wrong, right me. If I am lost, guide me. If I start to give-up, keep me going.
Lead me in Light and Love”.
Have a wonderful day, my friends and we’ll talk again tomorrow.”
with Love,
Luciane from HomeBunch.com
I like to travel alone, I think I’ve said that in several articles already.
However, I also enjoy it very much when I travel with friends. We have to tell the truth, if you go on a cruise with a nice group of friends you will definitely have a great time.
The only downside of group cruises is that the cabins are very small. So, sometimes you might find yourself lacking a bit of personal space, or you may have to make some compromises to organize the space in a way that’s comfortable for everyone.
I’ve been on several cruises with friends and we often shared a cabin, so I want to give you some tips that can help you have a fantastic vacation.
Before sleeping together, it would be good to discuss the habits of each person in the cabin so that you have a good understanding of what to expect.
Some people go to sleep later while others go to sleep earlier, some people need total darkness to sleep while others want a little light, and some people watch television or read a book before sleeping. In short, habits that precede sleep can be very different.
Discuss them with your friend before the departure to try to reach a compromise.
There is only one bathroom in cabins on cruise ships, despite the fact that 4 or sometimes even 5 people can sleep in a room.
I know sometimes it may not be enough, which is why you should try to have a common schedule you can follow.
For example, if one person in the cabin gets up before the others, they can use the bathroom right away so that they can then leave it for the others.
CRUISE TIP: If you really need to use the bathroom but the one in your cabin is occupied, you can use one of the public bathrooms on the ship. They are usually very clean.
As I have already mentioned, cruise cabins are very small so avoid bringing too much stuff, especially if you have to share the space with other people.
I recommend you read the article on the 7 cruise packing mistakes everyone makes (and how to avoid them).
In addition, you could bring something to better organize the space—for example an over-the-door organizer or some magnetic hooks. You can find them in the list of cruise essentials.
Even if you share a cabin, still try to respect your friends’ personal space.
Do not spread your belongings all over shared surfaces, and try to keep everything tidy in your space.
In addition, be mindful of your friend’s need for privacy. Don’t go through his/her things and avoid entering the bathroom when someone is already in there.
In terms of activities, the best thing you can do is to coordinate and plan ahead.
My friends and I usually decided the night before on what to do, the excursions, sights to see, and the activities we wanted to participate in.
This way, you can take everyone’s preferences into account and do things that everyone likes.
You and your friends may have known each other for several years and have a lot of confidence, but everyone still needs to respect cabin etiquette.
For example, everyone should clean up after themselves, keep the space tidy, and not leave items lying around.
If you bring food to the cabin, keep it on the table. Avoid leaving it on beds or shared surfaces to maintain cleanliness.
Also, read the 10 things you must never do in a cruise cabin (can get you banned).
It’s no secret, on a cruise hidden costs are quite common and it’s easy to make the final bill rise.
You should talk about expenses in advance, in order to avoid arguments over who should pay.
For example, on cruise ships, the items in the mini-bar are not included and come at an additional cost. Who should pay for them if something is missing at the end of the cruise?
In addition, tell your friends to avoid these 10 things that are always overpriced on cruise ships.
Respect for silence is another key thing. Everyone likes to have fun and party but in the end, a good night’s sleep is essential.
Decide with your friends on a set bedtime, after which everyone should remain quiet.
Sleeping in a bed different from your own can be difficult during the first few days, so be sure to check out these tips for getting a good night’s sleep on a cruise.
Most cruise lines have no quiet time rules or policies but have respect for other passengers. If you return late to your cabin, avoid running or talking loudly in front of the other cabin doors.
The last thing I want to tell you to have a great vacation is also to give yourself some free space.
Going on a cruise together does not necessarily mean spending 24 hours together.
Respect your friend’s independence, you can do a different thing while he/she may prefer something else.
Spending some time alone will do you good, you will still have plenty of opportunities to have fun together.
MENTOR, Ohio–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Avery Dennison Corporation (NYSE: AVY), a leading global materials science and digital identification solutions company, will speak to the investment community during its 2024 Investor Day today in New York, NY.
Avery Dennison senior management will host a briefing from 9:30 a.m. to approximately 11:30 a.m. Eastern time, discussing company and industry trends and future opportunities during the presentation and answering questions thereafter. The event will be webcast live, and a replay will be available on Avery Dennison’s Investor Relations website at www.investors.averydennison.com.
About Avery Dennison
Avery Dennison Corporation (NYSE: NYSE:) is a global materials science and digital identification solutions company that provides a wide range of branding and information solutions that optimize labor and supply chain efficiency, reduce waste, advance sustainability, circularity and transparency, and better connect brands and consumers. Our products and solutions include labeling and functional materials, radio frequency identification (RFID) inlays and tags, software applications that connect the physical and digital, and a variety of products and solutions that enhance branded packaging and carry or display information that improves the customer experience. Serving an array of industries worldwide ” including home and personal care, apparel, general retail, e-commerce, logistics, food and grocery, pharmaceuticals and automotive ” we employ approximately 35,000 employees in more than 50 countries. Our reported sales in 2023 were $8.4 billion. Learn more at www.averydennison.com.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240918384700/en/
John Eble
Vice President, Finance and Investor Relations
investorcom@averydennison.com
Kristin Robinson
Vice President, Global Communications
kristin.robinson@averydennison.com
Source: Avery Dennison Corporation
Let me tell you the story of how meditation changed my life.
When I was a teenager and into my early 20s, my mental health was a mess. I was the most emotional man of all time—I’m pretty sure I still am. I would get emotional over anything. For instance, I remember this one time when my ex and I went to see a classical music festival. A lovely Welsh opera singer sang *Nessun Dorma*, and I burst into tears to the extent that people around me were looking at me like, “What the hell is wrong with this guy? Why is he crying so much?”
I also had terrible social anxiety, to the point where if anyone spoke to me, I’d turn red-faced and get heart palpitations. Little did I know at the time that I was suffering from Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), one of the most complicated and hard-to-treat mental health conditions. It wouldn’t be for another 10 years until I received my formal diagnosis of BPD. Because of that, I spent a long time trying to manage my mental health with this undiagnosed condition…
…Like most people with serious mental health conditions, my life was dominated by my BPD. I searched far and wide for a solution—everywhere from my doctor’s office to therapists to all sorts of self-help books. Then I came across meditation.
I’d tried many different ways to improve my mental health before finally came to meditation.
Meditation was different because it was just about *being*—just about observing. It was so simple. I started meditating by observing my breath, as many people do. Basic anapanasati, or mindful breathing meditation, was how I first got into it. What I remember most about meditation at that time was that it was a reprieve. It was a way to stop all the emotional noise in my mind and just breathe and *be* for a few minutes. It was an escape, and it gave me peace.
At that point, I didn’t know there were many different meditation techniques with unique benefits. So, all I did was mindful breathing. It wasn’t until I visited a quaint little bookstore and stumbled upon Lama Surya Das’s *Awakening the Buddha Within*—a wonderful book in which he chronicles his journeys to Tibet to meet the Dalai Lama—that I realized there are, in fact, different forms of meditation, such as vipassana, anapanasati, metta, and so on.
Once I understood that meditation wasn’t just mindful breathing and that there were all these different techniques, it was one of the most inspiring and exciting times of my spiritual life.
I dug into various books, learned all sorts of techniques, and studied everything I could about meditation. I used myself as a sort of self-help crash-test dummy. I’d try different meditation techniques without knowing what effect they might have, and I’d note their benefits and any side effects.
Through this process, I eventually launched my blog, TheDailyMeditation.com, which is all about the different meditation techniques. And it was here that I really discovered the secret to changing your life with meditation.
If you want to change your life with meditation, you have to go beyond just mindful breathing. You have to realize that meditation is like a whole smorgasbord of different techniques—things like mantra, Kundalini, chakra dhyana, vipassana, somatic, and so on. Each technique offers different benefits and is ideal for various stages of your life, depending on where you are. The key to a truly life-changing meditation practice is understanding these techniques and their benefits so you can choose the right one at the right time.
How do you do that? You have to get a little analytical.
Let me explain how I approach my meditation practice. For my own practice—and for the practice I teach to my student in my private meditation lessons—I like to get analytical. I become aware of my state of mind, my mood, and the thoughts I’m experiencing each day. I take note of them, and then I prescribe the best meditation technique based on where I’m at.
For example, let’s say I’ve had a stressful day at work, and my mind is racing with thoughts because of how busy I’ve been. If your mind is racing with busyness, the solution is simplicity. That’s when you’d prescribe simple mindful breathing because simplicity counters the complexity in your mind.
Or maybe you’re feeling unsupported or lonely, and you’re angry at others for not giving you enough support. The solution to that is meditating on compassion and connection. You’d practice loving-kindness (metta), karuna, or tonglen meditation to foster a sense of connection and recognize the compassion others offer.
Another example: perhaps you notice tension in your body that’s affecting your mood. The solution here is to become less reactive to physical sensations. Body scan or somatic meditation techniques would be ideal for this.
A successful meditation practice requires you to be aware of your mind—what emotions you’re experiencing and what thoughts are dominating. Thoughts are thematic; sometimes they’re judgmental, sometimes they’re preoccupied with work. Once you’re aware, you can prescribe the meditation technique that best addresses your current state. Doing this daily allows you to continually improve your mental health and well-being. You’ll go far beyond mindful breathing, exploring the full spectrum of meditation, and gain a deeper appreciation for the practice. Most importantly, you’ll change your life and achieve peak mental wellness.
That’s how meditation can change your life.
I hope you found this helpful. Please leave a comment—it helps me feel connected so I know I’ve made an impact.
The iPadOS 18 rollout isn’t going exactly as planned.
Apple has reportedly pulled iPadOS 18 for M4 iPad Pro devices, per MacRumors, over an update that is causing issues for some iPads.
According to reports on Reddit and Apple’s official Community portal, iPadOS 18 is “bricking” select M4 iPad Pro devices (bricking is slang for rendering the device completely useless as it cannot be turned on anymore).
New iPad mini might be coming soon
“At some point during the update my iPad turned off, and would no longer turn on. I walked away during the update so I’m not sure when it broke. I tried all of the reset options but nothing worked. I just took it to the Apple Store who confirmed it’s completely bricked, but they said they had to send it out to their engineers before they can give me a replacement even though I have Apple care,” wrote one Redditor.
Mashable Light Speed
“I updated my iPad Pro M4 to iOS 18. It did not go well, the iPad won’t turn on, hard reset doesn’t work and it doesn’t show up on my Mac,” wrote a user on Apple’s forums.
The issue doesn’t seem to extend to all M4 iPad Pro devices as some users have reported updating to iPadOS 18 without issue. Still, Apple has temporarily pulled the update for all M4 iPad Pros.
“We have temporarily removed the iPadOS 18 update for M4 iPad Pro models as we work to resolve an issue that is impacting a small number of devices,” Apple told MacRumors in a statement.
It’s unclear whether the affected iPads can be fixed with a software update, or whether they have to be taken to an Apple repair centre. For now, owners of M4 iPad Pro devices will not get the option to update to iPadOS 18, which should prevent further issues until the matter is resolved.
Last year, the Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan, a historic event in the design and furniture industry, celebrated its 61st edition. The Leftloft agency collaborated with artist Gio Pastori to create a vibrant collage campaign that transformed design into a unique language.
The campaign featured 26 visuals, each representing a letter of the alphabet and a fundamental furniture type: “A” for “Armchair,” “B” for “Bookcase,” “C” for “Chair,” and so on. This playful approach, inspired by the work of Italian designer Bruno Munari, served as a reminder that design and its language are omnipresent.
The joyful identity was characterized by geometric shapes and bright, almost primary colors—green, purple, yellow, pink, red, and sky blue. Gio Pastori’s use of collage brought an artistic touch, revisiting the roots of design. The interplay of volumes, lines, and unexpected perspectives animated the furniture designs and the visual representation of Milan.
With over 2,300 participating companies, the Salone del Mobile showcased the diversity of furniture types. The communication campaign, titled “Do You Speak Design?”, emphasized the need to organize furniture taxonomies through an encyclopedic and almost educational approach.
The campaign included various materials such as press visuals, web banners, social media creations, and posters for an extensive advertising effort. This innovative approach not only highlighted the creativity of the design community but also reinforced the idea that design is everywhere, waiting to be explored and appreciated.David Pasquali, co-founder and creative director of Leftloft, expressed the agency’s vision: “We felt the need to put order into taxonomies […] through an encyclopedic, almost didactic approach.”
You may not even realize it, but Google Analytics is a silent partner behind many of your favorite websites. Curious about the numbers? Well, researchers have found that over 44 million sites use Google Analytics to measure their success. To put its popularity into an even clearer perspective, 84% of all websites using analytics tools opt for Google Analytics as their preferred choice. There’s a good chance one of them is yours, which is exactly why we created Google Analytics For WHMCS, to offer you a streamlined way to access all your valuable WHMCS insights.
If asked what Google Analytics For WHMCS is designed for, the shortest we can come up with is that the module sends your WHMCS details into Google Analytics, delivering an extra layer of data on customer behavior and engagement.
Let’s put it this way: what if you could enrich your Google Analytics experience with information about your clients’ interactions in WHMCS? Such observations would certainly lead you to fresh and valuable conclusions about your company, as every action revolving around the ordering process usually means something that may affect your business strategy. With Google Analytics For WHMCS, you gain access to detailed statistics on a wide selection of such WHMCS activities, and this knowledge in conveniently available to you in your Google Analytics account.
Retracing the customers’ steps
It’s definitely not enough to just say that the new module is a gateway to sharply enhanced insights into your customers’ habits. We do realize you need us to be more specific about that, so here’s the range of actual actions and events that you are able to track after taking Google Analytics For WHMCS on board:
The power of visualization
Every piece of business-related news travels even faster when properly displayed. We took that simple truth into account when working on Google Analytics For WHMCS. As a result, our module’s dashboard offers a variety of graphs and statistics, providing clear visualizations of your clients’ actions, page views and the counts of both new users and the ones that are currently visiting your website.
More options to unlock
Speaking of powerful integrations, the module gives you the opportunity to take advantage of Google Tag Manager. The tool allows you to easily manage tags on your website, without technical know-how or constant updates to the code. If you’re looking for smart ways of boosting the effectiveness of your marketing campaigns, this might be the path worth pursuing.
There’s no doubt that understanding your audience is vital if you want to focus on catering to your customers’ needs and driving business growth. Harnessing the advanced capabilities of Google Analytics For WHMCS brings you closer to these major goals by offering the holistic view of your buyers’ actions. Why not enjoy it, and benefit from even more informed decisions about your daily undertakings?
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Google Analytics For WHMCS – Let your data speak volumes!,
Whether you’re sporting an older model or you just picked up one of the latest Apple Watches, you’re probably eager to put it on every day as part of your tech kit and wardrobe. But did you know that you can make your Apple Watch even better? With the right accessories, your Apple Watch can be customized to fit your style and needs perfectly. From a new stylish Apple Watch band to a charger that keeps your Watch powered up all day long, there’s something out there for everyone. To help you take your Apple Watch to the next level, we’re diving into the best Apple Watch accessories to suit all budgets in this buying guide.
Anker
The latest Apple Watches don’t come with power adapters, which seems to be a common theme with most new smartwatch and smartphone purchases, so you’ll have to dig one out of your drawer or get a new one to charge it up. Anker’s 30W Nano 3 is a good pick because it’s compact, foldable and has ActiveShield 2.0, an improvement on Anker’s temperature-monitoring technology. In brief, it just means that the charger will keep an eye on its temperature to prevent overheating or damaging your device while it’s powering up. It has more than enough wattage to charge your Apple Watch quickly and efficiently, and enough to fast-charge your iPhone whenever you need to switch off and use it for that.
$20 at Amazon
Photo by Valentina Palladino / Engadget
Apple Watch chargers are a bit different than Lightning cables in the sense that you probably have only one of the former and many of the latter. Those who travel or commute often should consider getting a second Apple Watch charger, that way you’re not stuck if you forget to pack your one and only before a long weekend trip. Belkin’s Boost Charge Pro portable fast charger is a great option.
You can simply sit your timepiece on the module to charge, but it also flips up so you can use the Watch in Nightstand mode while it’s powering up on your bedside table. To support different Watch sizes and protective cases, the pad also has a dial on its underside that lets you adjust the height of the charging module. Plus, the attached USB-C cable that tucks away on the bottom of the pad is four feet long, giving you a bit more placement flexibility than other chargers.
$60 at Amazon
Spigen
Most Apple Watch stands you’ll find have a spot for you to weave in the magnetic charging pad that comes with your Watch. But if you want to keep that in your travel bag, or simply want a second charger, we recommend Spigen’s ArcField stand. It has a built-in wireless charger for your Apple Watch, with a weighted, non-slip base that prevents the whole thing from moving around on your nightstand. Attached to the charging station is a 6.6-foot USB-C cable, so all you’ll need to provide is an adapter with a USB-C port. We also like that it comes with an assortment of rubber strips that you can use to get the right position and viewing angle for your specific Apple Watch. That means this stand works with all Apple Watches, even the beefy Apple Watch Ultra.
$37 at Amazon
Photo by Valentina Palladino / Engadget
Spigen’s slim Apple Watch cases sit flush against the wearable’s display, but they still give you an extra layer of protection. Spigen also makes protective cases for AirPods Pro, with included keychains at a budget-friendly price, so you can keep all of your Apple devices protected. While a bumper like this adds a bit of bulk to your Apple Watch, it will be well worth it if you’re on the clumsy side.
$15 at Amazon
ZAGG
Just like you would protect your iPad or an iPhone, an affordable screen protector can make all the difference. Zagg’s InvisibleShield line is a reliable one that provides shatter protection, clarity and enhanced touch-sensitivity. When installed properly (Zagg gives you clear instructions and all the tools you need to do so), you’ll probably forget you have a screen protector on your Watch. This accessory blends in almost seamlessly with the Watch’s stainless steel or aluminum hardware, and if you do accidentally ding the screen, the protector should take all of the damage.
$15 at Amazon
Photo by Valentina Palladino / Engadget
If you want to use the Apple Watch’s handy Nightstand mode while it’s charging, a stand or holder can make that experience much easier. There are tons of options in this space, but Elago’s stands have a lot of personality and are pretty affordable to boot. The brand’s W-series comes in a number of fun designs, including that of a retro handheld gaming system, an old Mac and even some Line characters. They’re not the sturdiest stands out there (they’re mostly made of lightweight plastic, making them prone to sliding around if you pull on the charging cord), but they will inject some cuteness into your space – and for a price tag of only $15, what more could you want?
$15 at Amazon
Anker
Anker’s line of 15W, Qi2-certified charging accessories are worth taking a look at if you need to upgrade from a slower wireless charger. This 3-in-1 model is particularly handy for those who don’t like to have too many charging pads or separate accessories for their most-used devices. It can wirelessly power up an iPhone, Apple Watch and a pair of AirPods simultaneously, and it folds down to roughly the size of a deck of cards when you’re not using it. What’s better is that you get the charger’s cable and a 40W power brick in the box, so you’ll have everything you need to get top charging speeds from the jump.
$110 at Verizon
OYODSS
One of the easiest ways to make your Apple Watch your own is by picking up a couple of wristbands that suit your style. Like with iPhone cases, you could easily turn to Apple’s first-party options – but you’ll spend more money in the long run if you do that. It’s easy to find good Apple Watch bands online from other brands in a variety of styles and materials, like sports bands (to make the most of your Apple Fitness exercise routine), solo loops and leather bands. When it comes to basic silicone straps or sports brands, you can find packs of three to six bands for less than $20 but the quality may be questionable. Look for brands with many high ratings on Amazon if you insist on getting the best bang for your buck. You can also use FakeSpot’s Amazon integration to get an idea for how trustworthy a product’s reviews are.
$8 at Amazon
If you’re contemplating solar power and curious about the number of solar panels required for your home or business, you’re in good company. This is a common question among homeowners and business owners as they research the benefits of solar energy.
This comprehensive guide will illuminate the key factors that determine the optimal number of solar panels for your home or business. From the size of your building to your daily energy consumption, as well as regional sunlight exposure and other important considerations, we will delve into all the essential details.
To determine the appropriate number of solar panels for installation, several factors must be considered. These factors encompass your location’s present energy consumption, the level of sunlight available in your region, the efficiency and output of your solar panel system, as well as your overall energy objectives for your home or business. By taking all these elements into account, you can make an informed decision to optimize your solar power setup.
Determining the ideal number of solar panels for your household or business hinges upon understanding your energy consumption. Kilowatt-hours (kWh) serve as the measurement unit for electricity usage, and this information can be found on your utility bill for each billing cycle.
As an example, a household that uses 900 kWh per month, with an average of five peak sunlight hours per day, will require a larger solar setup compared to a home that consumes only 400 kWh monthly. The energy demand of your household partially determines the amount of solar power you’ll need to generate, impacting the number of solar panels to install.
Having an energy-efficient home or business with LED light bulbs, energy-saving appliances, and proper insulation can significantly reduce your energy consumption. By carefully managing your electricity usage, especially during peak rate hours, you may require fewer solar panels compared to a similar-sized house or building that consumes higher amounts of energy.
The typical size of a solar panel for residential use is approximately 65 by 39 inches, although this can vary depending on the brand. If your roof is small or has an unconventional design, the dimensions and quantity of your solar panels become crucial factors to consider.
If your roof provides ample usable space, you have the option to prioritize larger, more affordable solar panels to achieve your desired energy production. However, if your roof has limited space or is partially shaded, it may be advisable to choose fewer and smaller panels to maximize efficiency.
For commercial solar panel installations, opting for larger panels may help accommodate the higher energy demands of businesses.
While solar panels may all look the same at first glance, they possess inherent differences that set them apart. One crucial factor to consider when selecting the optimal solar panels is their wattage. Wattage refers to the electrical output a panel can generate. The majority of solar panels produce between 250 and 405 watts of power. Therefore, it is vital to take into account the panel’s wattage before making an installation decision.
The climate in your region significantly influences the amount of sunlight and energy your solar panels generate. Additionally, areas with inconsistent and less intense sunlight require a greater number of solar panels. With more than 213 sunny days per year, surpassing the average of most other states’ days of sunshine each year, North Carolina has become one of the fastest-growing states for solar energy production. South Carolina experiences a comparable climate, boasting 216 days of sunshine annually. Our recent blog, “Are Solar Panels Worth It In North Carolina?” delves more deeply into the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy production specifically in North Carolina.
There is no one single formula for calculating the number of solar panels needed. An expert solar installer will be able to right-size your system based on your individual energy consumption, sunlight exposure in your area, and other important factors. Our blog, “How To Read Your Solar Proposal” provides tips to help you better understand your solar proposal. By working with a reputable solar installer, you can ensure that your solar panel setup is tailored to meet your specific energy needs and optimized for maximum efficiency.
If you’re a home or business owner in the Carolinas and have been considering installing solar panels, now is the perfect time to invest. Not only does it benefit your wallet and the environment, it also increases the value of your home or building. Investing in solar panels provides a long-term solution to rising energy costs and promotes sustainability, making it a wise decision for both your present and future.
At RED Group, we are passionate about providing sustainable energy solutions to our clients in North Carolina. We offer customized solar panel installations, tailored specifically to meet your energy needs and goals. Contact us today for a consultation and let us help you invest in clean and renewable solar energy.
