don't give up on me...

This post is long overdue, but honestly, I haven't had much time to spare to pt lately. It seems that H1N1 is ripping its way through my family. My oldest son had it, I had it, and now my little boy has it. Nasty stuff, this flu. I am way behind in posts and emails, but bear with me. Once we are through this mess, I will be back. Thanks for your understanding.

InfraShine Iron Winner!

A big congratulations to the winner of the InfraShine Flat Iron:

TJandAmy!!!!

Winner has been emailed. If no response is recieved within three days, a new winner will be selected.

Thanks to all who entered! :)

H1N1: To Vaccinate or Not?

Parents, this post is for you. With doses of the H1N1 vaccine slowly becoming available, are you planning to vaccinate your child(ren)?

I struggle with this question. For me, I admit that I just don't know enough about the vaccination to make an informed decision. I worry that it was pushed through so quickly and perhaps, we just haven't studied it enough to know exactly what the possible long-term negative effects may be.

On the flip side, my youngest has asthma. How can I not vaccinate? Considering that my son is in an at-risk population for serious complications if he were to contract the H1N1 virus, am I a bad mother if I don't get him vaccinated?

I have scoured the Internet for information on both H1N1 and the vaccination. (Just today, I read a horribly disturbing story on the 60 Minutes website regarding a 15 year-old boy who is fighting for his life after recently developing the H1Ni1virus.) I've discussed the options with the boys' pediatricians and my own doctor. I have spoken to nurses, family members, and friends. My head has been spinning from all of the information, and truth be told, so much of it is contradictory. Even so, I made my decision. My boys will be getting the vaccine.

I finally came to the decision to vaccinate after a discussion with a friend. His thoughts are that he can live with himself if his son were to develop any of the horrible side effects of the vaccine. What he couldn't live with would be if his son lost his life because he chose not to vaccinate.

I agree.

What are your thoughts?

• CDC: Learn More About H1N1
• CDC: What To Do If You Get Sick
• Flu.gov: Where To Get Your Flu Shots

Feature Review and GIVEAWAY: InfraShine UL2 Blow Dryer

InfraShine has fast become one of my favorite manufacturers. I was fortunate enough to be able to review their Ceramic 1" Flat Iron recently. What a surprise it was for me when I found out InfraShine wanted to send me their UL2 Ceramic Blow Dryer to review as well. I am a very lucky girl! :)

UL2:
Quiet, feather light and perfectly balanced, the InfraShine UL2 Cool Switch Ceramic Blow Dryer is the technological breakthrough that the industry has been waiting for. Using our exclusive negative ion technology, the UL2 Cool Switch Ceramic Blow Dryer seals in moisture to create shinier, more manageable hair. All InfraShine dryers also feature a ceramic-infused grille that emits FAR-infrared-ray radiant heat that dries hair faster and cuts styling time. These design improvements, from reduced dryer weight to faster drying time, all work together to minimize the risk of carpel tunnel syndrome and give you more creative freedom and flexibility.

The UL2 Dryer comes with custom designed nozzle and diffuser.

Features I love about this blow dryer:

• Weighs under 12oz
• Uses 1600 watts of electricity & produces 2200 watts of drying power
• Easy to grip
• Five-position switching
• 12 foot cord

This is definitely my "go to" hair dryer. It never fails to dry my hair quickly, leaving it shiny and full of body. I have recommended the UL2 to all of my family and friends. I love how luxurious my thick hair feels- especially after using the cool shot. The most important feature to me is how light the UL2 is. This is a life saver for my right wrist!

More information from the manufacturer:
Southern California (USA) – ICA, Inc of Southern California is pleased to announce the launch of UL2 Cool Switch Ceramic Blow Dryer – The latest addition to the InfraShine ClassicLine of styling tools.

Quiet, feather light and perfectly balanced, the InfraShine UL2 Cool Switch Ceramic Blow Dryer is the technological breakthrough that the industry has been waiting for. Designed for professionals who demand the very best performance and quality, this is the most advanced ceramic blow dryer in the world.

Only InfraShine uses authentic PTFC infrared heating technology, originally developed by the aerospace industry, which heats the hair from within to lock in its natural moisture, creating extraordinarily silky texture and shine.

This revolutionary technology produces 2200 watts of drying power using only 1600 watts of electricity. The gentle but highly efficient heat source, coupled with an advanced DC motor, dries hair faster using less wattage, amps or electrical current than traditional dryers.

In addition to emitting fewer EMF (Electric & Magnetic Field) waves, the lightweight quiet tone DC motor is also more efficient and lasts longer than traditional AC models.

Multi level air and heat settings on the InfraShine UL2 Cool Switch Ceramic Blow Dryer provide high, medium or low amounts of heat and high or low airflow with a cool shot button to lock in style and shine. This convenient feature allows the user to alternate temperatures to speed drying with maximum comfort. The barrel of the dryer is also double insulated to allow for hand held styling techniques and the unique UltraGrip textured coating makes the dryer easy to grasp and hold.

Although detachable, both the airflow concentrator and custom diffuser snap securely in place and stay put while in use. The air intake grille is also removable and is easy to clean and reattach, locking firmly in place.

All InfraShine dryers are proudly rated for an astounding 5000 hours of demanding in-salon performance. In addition to being UL approved, they also feature 12-foot flexi-cords with ALCI safety plugs and are backed by a one-year manufacturer’s warranty,

Keep hair healthy and shiny with the InfraShine UL2 Cool Switch Ceramic Blow Dryer with FAR-Infrared Technology. Available in salons and professional beauty supply stores throughout the United States.

I give the InfraShine UL2 Ceramic Blow Dryer my highest recommendation! Ask your salon or local beauty supply about InfraShine. You can also visit their website for more information an where to purchase their amazing products!

I am thrilled to be able to give one of these amazing hair dryers away to one reader!

Feeling lucky? Why not enter to win an InfraShine UL2 Ceramic Blow Dryer of your own? :)

To enter to win the InfraShine UL2 Ceramic Blow Dryer you MUST:

Head over to the InfraShine website and tell me another product of theirs you'd love to own. (This is your MAIN ENTRY. This step is mandatory before you can qualify for all the extra entries.) Important Note: Leave your e-mail address in your comment or your Blogger profile. This giveaway is open to residents of the USA.

Once you have completed that step, you are eligible for any and all of of these EXTRA ENTRIES (Be sure to leave a separate comment on this post for each extra entry):

1. Follow my blog through Blogger.
2. Subscribe by email to living life one day at a time (only verified subscriptions count). Already a subscriber? Leave me a separate comment on this post to let me know you’re already a subscriber and are interested in an extra entry for this giveaway.
3. Subscribe to my RSS feed.
4. Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about this giveaway. You can copy and paste the following tweet to make things easy: "RT please: @livelifereviews is giving away an InfraShine UL2 Ceramic Blow Dryer. Enter here: http://tinyurl.com/yzu46cy Ends 11/13" (Can be done once daily)
5. Snag my button and place it on your blog. Leave me a link to the location of the button in the comments section of this post.
6. Blog about this giveaway. Link back to this post and InfraShine. (Make sure you leave me a link to your blog entry.)
7. Give this post a thumbs up on Stumble and/or fave me on Technorati. (Make sure to leave your
8. Stumble or Technorati username or link for your entry to count.)
9. Tell me how you found this giveaway.
10. Add this giveaway to a Mister Linky, Contest Site, Forum, Facebook, Myspace, etc.
    

Open to US residents. Contest ends Friday, 11/13 at midnight, EST.

Winner will have 3 days to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Email must be in comment or available in profile.

Good luck!


Disclaimer: The only compensation received for any review post is a sample of product. Compensation never has a bearing on the outcome of a review. The opinions expressed herein are those of blog author only. Blog author never gets paid to post.

Check out the Tony Lama Review! There's been a FUN update!

Tony Lama and Justin Brands are offering one of my readers a chance to win a pair of Tony Lama boots! See details in the post below. :)

Good luck!

I'm Goin' Out With My Boots On! Tony Lama Review and GIVEAWAY!

Okay, I admit it. I am really and truly a country girl at heart.

I love country music. (When I was growing up, I was convinced I was headed to Nashville to be discovered as a country music singer. But that's a story for a different post.) I enjoy country line dancing. I have a thing for cowboys- yes, my sweet husband knows and tolerates my infatuation. :) I adore western wear- especially boots!

I fell in love with cowboy boots a long time ago. I remember when I was a little girl my daddy had a pair of snakeskin boots that I would wear whenever I could sneak them on without my mom noticing. I couldn't wait until I was old enough for a pair of my own!

Since then, I have owned many pairs of boots, but I hadn't found a pair that I could wear for hours on end comfortably until I was sent a pair of Tony Lama boots to review.

When I received the email from Justin Brands offering to send me a pair of boots to review, I was thrilled! I knew right away I wanted to try a pair of Tony Lama boots. The only problem was deciding on one pair because all of them are truly beautiful! I selected several styles and was told that of those I liked, I would be sent a pair of Tony Lama 100% Vaquero Thoroughbred boots.

Overview:

• 100% Vaquero Collection Tony Lama boots


• Thoroughbred leather upper featuring an embossed fancy collar & star pull strap inlay


• Handcrafted leather upper, lining, heel, & sole


• Cushioned insole for comfort wear


• Contemporary cowgirl snip toe profile


• Dance floor-friendly smooth leather sole


• Authentic western to its core, the Tony Lama 100% Vaquero boot is handcrafted for today's cowgirl. This pretty, but practical, cowgirl boot features a soft thoroughbred leather foot under a matching, fancy stitched 11" leather shaft. Scalloped, embossed collar accent. 3/4 leather welt. 1 5/8" heel with stabilizing rubber grip surface.

About the brand:
Tony Lama, the most recognized boot brand in the world in Western Boots, has combined hand-crafted boot making know-how with contemporary technology to give its customers long lasting quality and instant comfort. Ask any old or new cowboy/cowgirl alike how they would survive in the rugged toughness of the El Paso high desert terrain and Tony Lama would likely be part of their answer. Tony Lama started making boots in El Paso, Texas, back in 1911. Known for their traditional cowboy boot making ways, they make some of the finest boots around with high quality leathers and designs.

There's a great deal to love about these Tony Lama boots. The craftsmanship is outstanding. These boots are made to last a very long time. The details are beautiful- from the embossed collar to the star cut-out in the pull strap, little details which make these boots a stand-out among the others in my collection. The fit is comfortable enough for everyday wear. These 100% VAQUERO® COLLECTION Tan Thoroughbred boots pack a whole lot of attitude, and that suits me perfectly! (Note: I did find the boots to run about a half size larger than my typical shoe size, so keep that in mind when purchasing a pair for yourself.)

Thank you, Justin Brands, for giving me the opportunity to review Tony Lama boots!

UPDATE:
I am thrilled to tell you that one living life one day at a time reader will be chosen to win a gift certificate valid for one pair of his or hers 100% Vaquero Collection boots. Wahoo! :)

To enter to win the gift certificate for the 100% Vaquero Collection boots you MUST:

Head over to the Tony Lama website and tell me pair of 100% Vaquero boots you'd love to own. (This is your MAIN ENTRY. This step is mandatory before you can qualify for all the extra entries.) Important Note: Leave your e-mail address in your comment or your Blogger profile.

This giveaway is open to residents of the USA.

Once you have completed that step, you are eligible for any and all of of these EXTRA ENTRIES (Be sure to leave a separate comment on this post for each extra entry):

1. Follow my blog through Blogger.
2. Subscribe by email to living life one day at a time (only verified subscriptions count). Already a subscriber? Leave me a separate comment on this post to let me know you’re already a subscriber and are interested in an extra entry for this giveaway.
3. Subscribe to my RSS feed.
4. Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about this giveaway. You can copy and paste the following tweet to make things easy: "RT please: @livelifereviews is giving away a GC for a pair of Tony Lama boots. Enter here: http://tinyurl.com/yz6hhdx" (Can be done once daily)
5. Snag my button and place it on your blog. Leave me a link to the location of the button in the comments section of this post.
6. Blog about this giveaway. Link back to this post and Tony Lama. (Make sure you leave me a link to your blog entry.) This is worth two entries. Leave two comments for this one.
7. Give this post a thumbs up on Stumble and/or fave me on Technorati. (Make sure to leave your Stumble or Technorati username or link for your entry to count.)
8. Tell me how you found this giveaway.
9. Add this giveaway to a Mister Linky, Contest Site, Forum, Facebook, Myspace, etc.
   

Open to US residents. Contest ends Friday, 11/6 at midnight, EST.Winner will have 3 days to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Email must be in comment or available in profile.

Good luck!

Disclaimer: The only compensation received for any review post is a sample of product. Compensation never has a bearing on the outcome of a review. The opinions expressed herein are those of blog author only. Blog author never gets paid to post.

Personalized Parcel Winner!

A shout out to the winner of the Personalized Parcel Giveaway:

GabbyLowe!!!

Congratulations!

The winner has been emailed. If she does not respond to the email, a new winner will be determined.

Thanks to all who entered. Don't forget to enter the InfraShine flat iron giveaway.