GetItNext Blog

Stay in Shape with the All New Fitbit Ultra

 

Understandably, we are all very busy and tend to "forget" about the importance of staying in shape and staying healthy. Let's face it, it takes some work and requires some attention. In these cases, a friendly reminder can be a big help, and can provide the extra push in avoiding the excuses.

Here is a fun way to keep tabs on your health with this new device called the Fitbit Ultra. The Fitbit Ultra is a small device that clips onto your pants and tracks how many steps you take, and calculates an estimate of the calories you’ve burned throughout the day. What’s really cool, though, is how the Fitbit Ultra wirelessly uploads all your progress data for the day and graphically displays the information in an easy and comprehensive manner.

The device also allows for you to compete with friends who also have a Fitbit because a little competition may just help the end result! The device is fun and not overly expensive so it's the perfect means of measuring the benefits of your day to day activity. Fitbit challenges you everyday, so instead of taking the elevator at work, try taking the stairs because staying healthy is the best present you can give yourself!

Hand Sanitizer Shortage? Make your own!

While there is no real substitute for correctly washing your hands with soap and water, it clearly is not always possible or practical. In those instances, there are alternatives to try to combat the spread of potentially harmful germs in the form of a hand sanitizer.  Brands such as Purell and Germ X  products are generally readily available, but have run in short supply in the past due to the latest and greatest scare. If supply does become an issue, consider making a batch of your own hand sanitizer and you will find it is even easier than catching the common cold!
 
What you will need:
1 cup aloe vera gel
1/2 cup distilled water
1/2 cup grain alcohol (ethyl alcohol such as Everclear, not isopropyl alcohol)
2 drops essential oil for fragrance (optional)
 
Mix all ingredients in a glass or ceramic bowl only.  Pour into containers and seal.  Water can be adjusted to desired consistency.

Find great deals on the eco-friendly Nalgene bottle!

If you have a Nalgene bottle like me, then you know that the bottle is virtually indestructible. Not only is the Nalgene bottle hard to break, but the company ensures they do not use the potentially harmful plastic BPA in their containers. In addition to the Nalgene bottle being BPA free, they are also recyclable making them a much better choice for the environment.

Safer Fun in the Sun

The Solar Safe UV Sun Monitor Wristbands make sun block application easier.  Before heading out into the sun, put on one of the wristbands and apply sun block lotion to your body and the wristband.  When the wristband begins to lose color, it signals the need to apply more sun block.  If the wristband loses all its color, it is time to seek shelter from the sun before you develop sunburn.  These wristbands take all the guesswork out of when to reapply sun block, or when to call it a day, allowing you to just focus on fun in the sun.

Satisfying Soy Joy Bars

Soy Joy bars are a cross between a muffin and a biscotti cookie and are very different from the traditional granola bar.  However, these tasty treats are low in fat and loaded with fiber and soy protein which can help you to feel fuller longer.  So when the mid morning or mid afternoon stomach growling starts, they are a great snack option to tide you over until the next meal.  Plus, they are small enough to tote in a pocket for biking, backpacking or even just a trip to the board room.  Find great deals on Soy Joy bars at GetItNext!

It’s not bad weather if you’re dressed for it!

During the cold winter months, going outside can sometimes be a daunting task and not having the right jacket can make it even worse. You can be exposed to freezing temperatures, wind chill, a sudden downpour of snow or sometimes all three at once!

Companies like North Face, Patagonia, Burton, Mountain Hardwear, Columbia, and Marmot try to lessen the impact of the adverse winter weather conditions by creating jackets equipped with a waterproof lining, a warm interior lining, and hoods to keep your head warm. So beat the winter cold and enjoy the season and all it has to offer! Check out the great deals on all these jackets through GetItNext!

Spring's Here - Get the Top 10 Sports Gear

The Top 10 Sporting Goods Items
Spring is in the air and everyone's stocking up on their favorite sports gear.  It's time to start thinking about getting outdoors and enjoying all of the activities that you have been unable to do all winter.  We've gathered a list of the top 10 sports gear that people are buying.  Whether you are into cycling, mountain biking, golf, baseball, surfing or even football gear, now is the time to hunt for some incredible bargains.

Cycling

Road Bikes and Mountain Bikes are incredibly popular this spring with a variety of models to choose from at all price ranges.  Cycling is great exercise for the entire family and a super way to spend time together.

Road Bikes
If you're like me, you may think that Road Bikes are just like the old 10-Speed that you may have rode back in high school.  Let me tell you, today's bikes bare little resemblance to those dinosaurs.  Today's road bikes are a blend of advanced technology and design.  Check out these road bike deals now.

Mountain Bikes
This spring it was finally time to upgrade my mountain bike.  My old bike served me well for a number of years.  However, it was build like a tank and weighed a lot.  So, I decided to see what advances had been made in the past 10 years.  I was pleasantly surprised to see a host of advancements from suspensions to better brakes to a comfortable seat (now that's a nice change).  Check out the Mountain Bikes deals for yourself.

Camping & Hiking

Tents
It's finally time to get back outside and plan your trip into the great outdoors.  It's probably a good time to think about ditching that torn and leaky tent that you put up with last year too.  Check out the great deals on some awesome Tents.

Generators
There's nothing like spending a night under the stars after a long day of enjoying the outdoors.  Of course, this implies that you are not freezing your butt off or listening to people moan about the fact their cell phone battery is dying.  Way not enjoy the best of both worlds camping with some creature comforts built in.  Yeah, it's cheating but it keeps the whole camping party happy!  Check out the deals on Generators

Golfing

I was able to start the golf season early this year with a trip Las Vegas.  It sure was nice to swing the clubs.  Golf continues to rise in popularity all over the world.  People young and old are playing the game that everyone loves to hate.  After all what other game to play against yourself?  Get yourself ready for a great season on the links.

Golf Shoes
Let's face it.  Golf is challenging enough, you don't need the added burden of uncomfortable shoes ruining your day.  Your slice into the water on 3 and 7 already did that.  I bought a pair of Footjoy golf shoes last year and they are as comfortable and supportive as a good pair of cross trainers.  They may not have improved my golf game but my feet are a lot my comfortable.  Check out the deals on Golf Shoes

Golf Swing Trainers
If you want to get better at golf, let's face it you have to practice.  There's just no better way to shave strokes off of your game.  That's led to a huge increase in the popularity of Golf Swing Trainers.  The good news is there aren't the gimmicky gadgets that you may remember from late night TV.  Today's swing trainers actually have some science behind them.  Check out the deals Golf Swing Trainers

Vintage Golf Clubs & Shafts
For purists  there is nothing better have a straight bladed iron.  Forget perimeter weighting and cavity backs, give me a nice angled piece of steel to strike a golf ball with.  The truth is people are as likely to collect vintage golf club and shafts as use them.  Indulge your duel passions of golf and collecting and find deal on a Vintage Golf Club and Shaft today

Baseball / Softball

Pitching Machines
Baseball season is here in earnest from Little League to the Majors.  Given the number of people in love with America's game it's not surprise that the passion and devotion of people continue to increase - especially when it comes to training.  Pitching machines are all the rage this year.  Check out these Pitching Machine deals

Batting Cages & Netting
Batting cages and netting now come in all shapes and sizes.  If you picked up a pitching machine like thousands of other people have this season this is a perfect compliment.  Check out these Batting Cage deals

Football

Football Equipment
The pre-season hasn't yet begun but now is the time to buy your football equipment for the season.  Beat the rush later this year and check out these Football equipment deals now.

Surfing

Surf Boards
What's cooler than paddling with the ocean and grabbing an oncoming wave and riding it on into the shore?  If you're a surfer - nothing!  Winter is finally over and the temperatures are heating up.  Check out the deals on Surf Board now

5 Swiss Army Knives for the Real World

Swiss Army Knives have always been one of the classic holiday gifts throughout time.  Through the years the Swiss Army Knife has evolved into more than just a scouting and survival tool.  Today Swiss Army knives come in many different themes and appeal to a wide variety of people on the go.  Here's a look at 5 unique Swiss Army Knives that would make ideal gifts.

Swiss Army Golf Tool:
The Swiss Army Golf Tool is a very useful tool that will make a great gift for your favorite golf enthusiast. The tool is loaded with handy implements for a day on the course. Ten tools are fitted underneath the robust, scratch-free nylon shell. The tools include a ball marker, repair tool (pitch fork) for one-handed use, tee puncher, and a groove cleaner. The ball marker is held in a slot on the top surface of the tool so the position of the ball can be quickly marked on the green with one hand.  The golf tool also includes a pocket knife blade, scissors, cap lifter, nail file, tweezers, and a toothpick.

 Swiss Army Traveler:
The Swiss Army Traveler is the perfect traveling companion for your suitcase, glove box or back pack. This versatile tool with 25 features includes a clock, alarm, countdown timer, altimeter, thermometer and barometer just to name a few!

Swiss Army Cigar Cutter:
The Swiss Army Cigar Cutter is elegant and refined.  This superbly crafted cigar knife features three laser sharpened circular punches of different gauges. Choose the size you wish, then press the cigar to the punch and rotate the tool to slice a round incision which allows for a good draw. Also includes a knife blade, scissor, and nail file with cleaner in an extremely durable alox shell.   

Swiss Army Laser:
Pull this out in the board room and you are sure to awe the crowd, no need for an ice breaker with the Swiss Army Laser.  Specs: Red laser light, 70' effective range, 300' visible range in complete darkness, self-regulated built-in APC circuit to allow for maximum output needs and conserve battery power.

Swiss Army Cybertool:
The amazing Swiss Army CyberTool modernizes the pocketknife—and then some. Perfect for computer users, it features over 30 functions including computer bits, pliers, 13 screwdrivers, a bit case, flashlight, magnifying glass, bit wrench, wire cutter, toothpick, pen and more.

Searching eBay made easier.  GetItNext

Extreme Holiday Gift - ATC 2000 Waterproof Action Camera

I just checked out a Oregon Scientific Waterproof Action Cam and man I wish they had these things when I was into extreme skiing.  For less than a $100 bucks you can fasten this waterproof cam to your helmet and you've got instant hands free video.  I would have used it for glade skiing, half pipe riding and snowboarding back in the day.  I'm probably better off as I wouldn't want my kids to find the tapes and realize what a maniac I was in my youth.  Anyway, for all you risk takers you might want to put this down on your holiday wish list.

The ATC2k weighs less than a half a pound (with batteries), its a self-contained, hands-free digital video cam that delivers full color digital video in 640 X 480 VGA at 30 frames per second.  It even works underwater up to 10 feet.  Its PC and MAC compatible and works seamlessly with most video editing software. Expandable up to 2GB on a standard SD card and the ATC2K mounts easily and includes all mounting hardware.

The ATC2k is listed for $129.00 on the Oregon Scientific site or to save some dough you can pick them up new on eBay in the $70-$80 range, ATC 2000.

Make sure you check out the ATC2k site to see video clips and to upload your own ATC2K video.

Searching eBay made easier.  GetItNext

Camping Checklist - Top 10 Essentials for Novice and "Its Been Awhile" Campers

I just returned from a camping trip with my son, we did an overnighter at our trout club.  Now let me state that I haven't spent a night in the woods in oh 15 years, so it was quite the adventure.  In order to prepare for the trip (and not look like a fool) I did alot of research and found that camping products have really changed since the last time I ventured into the woods.

Most products produced these days are warmer, softer, lighter, collapsible and can be very expensive.  So with that in mind and based on my new found experience I figured I would put together a Top 10 list of Camping essentials for an overnight trip (moderate temperature) and less than a 1/2 mile hike, for novice or campers that have been out of it for awhile.  Here is my Camping Top Ten Checklist of Camping Essentials:

- Shelter is the key to success.  If you have an old canvas tent, its time to upgrade.  Modern tents are quick to assemble, light weight, water proof and some have a lot of clever pockets and zippers in places that you need them.  Make sure you get a rain cover, luckily we had ours installed as it poured for 15 mins this morning and rain was not in the forecast.  One thing that I have found is that always get a tent size that is bigger than you need.  For instance we have a 4 person tent and it sleeps 2 very comfortably and we can store lots of gear if needed.  It would sleep 3 nicely but 4 would be tight.  Another thing to keep in mind is that you don't need to break the bank for a good camping tent, check out all the different options and bargains on eBay for camping tents.
- Sleeping bags, so much lighter than the old boy scout hand me down sleeping bag I used to lug through the woods.  I picked up a Coleman Mummy bag, and it is so soft, comfortable and lightweight.  Its rated to 0 degrees which is overkill and I should have stayed with a 32 degree bag, but the one I have has a zipper that allows you to only use the lighter cover thus making it tolerable in warmer temps.  Again this is another area where there are lots of sizes, options, colors and price ranges - sleeping bag savings.
- Bedding - yes I know that I mentioned sleeping bags already but unless you like sleeping on hard ground you need a camping sleeping pad.  This pad will make your bed away from home alot more comfortable and will also keep you off the cold ground.  I use the egg shell style that is light weight and rolls up but there are many different styles, shapes and even air mattress products.
- Bug Spray - after food and shelter this might be the biggest key to success.  If you forget bug spray and live in a region with mosquitoes, chances are you won't have fun while camping.
- First Aid Kit - seems like a no brainer but when you're alone in the woods with no help around you need a first aid kit.  Even a minor cut to a child is a big deal especially when they are in the dark scary woods. There are specific camping first air kits that include the most "popular" items needed while in the woods and they are lightweight and fold up.
- Mess Kit and Utensils - make sure you pickup a collapsible camping mess kit and foldable camping utensils, most of the products in this category are similar in design and have not changed throughout the years.  They are also relatively inexpensive.
- Lantern - this is where the technology has also really improved.  Today they have lightweight materials, units that fold and become compact, every size, shape and color and even offer different light beams so you only need one unit.  I suggest one main lantern, a small backup and maybe a small flashlight for each child.  Kids can never have enough flashlights and it will put them at ease and allow them to feel safe.  On eBay there are camping lantern's for every budget.
- Fire - depending on where you camp you can either buy firewood or forage for kindling.  Either way you will need a lightweight camp axe to chop wood in order to fit the fire pit.  Don't forget to have a proper fire ring in order to prevent a forest fire.
- Food Storage, food that's not stored properly can attract all kinds of critters, including animals that are potentially dangerous, like bears. The National Park Service recommends hanging food above ground in special bear bags; you can also rent special bear-proof containers at some ranger stations.  We camped in North West New Jersey and even in NJ we have a large bear population.  Luckily we stored our food correctly and did not have any run-ins, although we did have a skunk walk thru camp in the early hours.
Backpack - this is another product segment where there have been big time changes in the last 10 years.  Today backpacks, are lighter, more durable, water proof, expandable and have lots of clever pockets and holders.  When buying a camping backpack make sure you get the right frame based on your size and also a pack that holds everything you need to carry for your overnight.

I hope this helps, I know that I've only covered some of the basic essentials and you can literally bring dozens and dozens of comfort products with you.  But keep in mind that camping is part of getting back in touch with nature and away from our every day gizmo's and high tech devices.  The biggest key for a good trip is bring a good attitude, enjoy each other's company and have fun.

Matt
Searching eBay made easier!  getitnext.com