Wednesday’s Rave: the Conair Infiniti Nano Hairdryer

The other day my old Conair hairdryer slipped out of my hands, landed on the bathroom tile, and shattered into pieces. While on the one hand I was bummed, on the other hand I was excited to be able to buy a new one. Because although my old one had served me well (it was at least 6 years old, and I cannot remember the make except that it was some form of “ionic” technology) it was also sounding as if it was on its last legs. So off to Target I went to buy a new one!

First off, I was impressed by how many hairdryers Target had in stock. They had at least a dozen (if not more) dryers available by a variety of manufacturers, like Remington, Vidal Sassoon, and Revlon. I gravitated back to my tried-n-true brand, however, and picked up this Conair Infiniti Nano Tourmaline Ceramic Styler in White/Silver.

Now what I really should have done is researched this dryer a bit beforehand prior to purchasing it. That’s what a truly SAVVY shopper would have done. Nonetheless, I’m happy to report that according to my post-purchase research, the Conair Infiniti is a top-rated dryer according to customer satisfaction ratings. I personally can attest to the lightness and sleekness of it; I can already tell that my arm gets less tired while drying my hair. And I really like how this dryer has multiple heat and strength settings, so I can give my hair a rest and not just "blow hot" all the time.

Best of all, this dryer seems to be at the lowest price in-store at Target! Target.com advertises it for $49.99, but I got it in the store for just $39.99 (regular price and not on sale). I've checked other Target stores, and all of them seem to have it at the $39.99 price. Which is less than it sells for at Best Buy (at $49.99) and far less than at Folica.com (at $79.95 regular price).

Target featured on NBC's Nightly News

Target was featured on a segment of NBC's Nightly News about how businesses are bracing for a possible flu outbreak. It sounds like Target is taking measures to protect both its employees and customers through education and awareness. Target is also providing free flu shots to all its employees as a proactive measure to keep the bug at bay. You can check out the video below.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Pick of the Week

It's Pick of the Week time: each week I pick one great buy from Target's Weekly Ad (in the Sunday newspaper) and highlight it here on my blog. This week's pick is for my hubby, because his favorite Hanes hoodie sweatshirts are on sale for just $10 this week ($12 for size XXL). Which is perfect timing, since his current Hanes sweatshirt has been made into a cat bed by our eldest kitty (all my husband's fault, BTW, for leaving it in the corner on the floor for-e-ver....).

Hanes crewneck sweatshirts and fleece pants are also on sale this week for just $5 ($7 for size XXL).

Colored Jeans: Yay or Nay?

There's a new Nina Garcia (of Project Runway fame) video on Target's StyleBoutique, and this time she's focusing on colored jeans, which she thinks is "a great way to add a pop of color to your wardrobe".

You can check out the video here, and shown at left is the outfit that Karen - Nina's newest test subject - ends up with. While I think the look is great on Karen (a young college student) I don't think I'll be trying it myself. I actually think this look is a bit limiting, as it definitely makes the jeans the focus of the outfit. Meaning: everything else (except for the jewelry) needs to be needs to be neutral (like her gray t-shirt) or black. What about you folks out there? Is this a trend you'll try this season?

Wednesday's Rave: Archer Farm's Imported Pasta

I've been meaning to rave about this product for a while now. Several months ago I tried Target's in-house brand of pasta, Archer Farms - the authentic "bronze cut" variety. It's actually imported from Italy and I think it has more egg in it. Whatever the secret ingredient is, this is probably the best dry pasta I've ever had! It's SO good that my teenage son SPECIFICALLY requests it. Teen tested, teen approved!

For those of you not used to authentic Italian pasta, this may need a bit more cooking/boiling as it's a bit thicker than other brands of pasta. I'm showing the Penne Rigate here, but they also have a wonderful Fusilli Corti (or corkscrew pasta) which is great because it holds sauce so well. And next on my list to try are Archer Farm's Orzo and Gnocchi.

Target now offering flu shots

On Monday, Target announced that seasonal flu vaccinations have become available at Target Pharmacy stores around the country. Vaccinations began this past Sunday and will be available at the pharmacies every day during pharmacy hours throughout the flu season. Shots will be administered by pharmacists for $24.

“Target Pharmacy is a convenient, affordable option for patients looking to keep themselves and their families healthy this flu season,” Target SVP Keri Jones said in a statement. “By offering vaccinations with no appointment necessary, Target aims to make parents’ lives a little easier.”

For more information on who should be getting a flu shot – and when – check out msnbc.com. The video segment I originally posted below seems not to be working any longer - sorry.

The rumor mill: Jean Paul Gaultier for Target?

The StyleList blog is reporting that avant garde Parisian designer Jean Paul Gaultier plans to partner with Target in the next installment of its Designer Collaboration series. C'est mangifique!!

While Gualtier's people have declined to comment and Target is staying relatively mum ( "We don't have anything to share other than we admire his work and incredible design aesthetic," a Target spokesman told WWD) other sources say the Gaultier collaboration is indeed happening.