Old Man Winter Survival Guide: Fashionista Edition

Winter,ugh. The list can go on and on about the cons of the cold winter months and the affect it has on everyday life, lol. But we have made a little guide on some tips for survival during these rough times! From wardrobe advice, to beauty tips, to staying healthy, the Long Beach girls have got you covered. :)
 

GIULIANA’S PICKS THE PERFECT BOOTS FOR WINTER:

Looking for the perfect winter boots that are actually stylish and amazing for this kind of weather!? I'm absolutely obsessing over L.L Bean's Bean Winter Boots. They're so cute and keep your feet warm and comfortable at the same time!   A pair of leggings and a comfy sweater with these boots is seriously the most comfortable and adorable outfit ever! They have a bunch of different styles to choose from online!
 

My absolute favorite going out boots are the 'Lace Test Black Suede Over the Knee Boots' from Ooh!  They're so comfortable and the perfect boots to wear with a pair of jeans and a nice top! You can even wear it Kourtney Kardashian style, with an oversized sweater dress. They're super cute and stylish, they're a must have this winter! Click here to get them; they also come in a tan suede color that is adorable as well, and a great transition color! 
 

BRITTANIE’S BEAUTY TIPS:
The biggest problem you’re going to face this winter in terms of your skin and hair is dryness. Here are some of the most effective ways to add moisture back into your life.

-Skin needs a really solid foundation; drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day is so important for your body's largest organ to help it retain moisture. You also want to start with a great cleaner, I love Philosophy- Purity Made Simple one-step facial cleanser $24 at Ulta. It's incredibly gentle on sensitive skin and literally full of skin loving essential oils. Ultimately you are going to need an effective serum or night cream and depending on how sensitive your skin is, it's not a bad idea to splurge a little. Sometimes a better product just has a higher price tag. My holy grail product is Estee Lauder- Advanced night repair serum 1oz $62, you can use it in replace of a night cream or in conjunction with. It's not only going to help your skin retain moisture like crazy but over time it smoothes, softens and fights hyper pigmentation. The best part is it won't clog your pores and it's oil free, meaning it's safe for any skin type. Lastly and this is crazy important, sunscreen is not just for the summer! The sun reflecting off the snow will actually make it more intense and do you really want a sore peeling icky sunburn while you’re already dealing with winter dry skin- didn't think so! Pick a moisturizer with at least an SPF 15 ladies, your skin will thank you.
 

-Your hair is similar to your skin in the sense it wants moisture and tons of it. A really good deep conditioning treatment will pretty much do the trick. The best hair treatment honestly is coconut oil (as in the kind you cook with). I like Trader Joes Organic Virgin Coconut Oil $5.99. Apply like any hair mask, concentrating on the ends and leave in for and least 20 minutes (the longer you leave in the better). Try to use a couple times a week or as needed. This will actually repair pre existing damage over time, the fatty acids in the coconut oil will help to lock moisture into the hair shaft. Then finish with a little of your favorite hair serum and your set! The other issue that plagues us in the winter is static-y hair, the easiest way to deal with that is dryer sheets. Run the dryer sheet along your hair from root to tip and voila! They will also scent your hair so pick your favorite smell when applying and enjoy!

ALEXA’S ADVICE FOR THE PERFECT DATE NIGHT:
 
Thinking about an awesome place for date night with your significant other? Going on a first date and don't know where to go? Try "Max Brenner", specifically in New York City for the latest edible trends. Of course I'm talking about waffles for dinner and LOTS of chocolate for dessert! Yea I said it, Max Brenner has a delicious selection for their most famous 'waffle sandwiches' and the dessert menu NEVER ENDS! Not only does this place have an incredible setup inside and the most outgoing, attentive coworkers, you will definitely leave feeling fuller than ever! For more information and locations, check out their website www.maxbrenner.com and look at their online menu for other ideas on what yummy foods to indulge on! P.S., hit the chocolate store on your way out and purchase a late night snack! 

 
If you're looking for a fun place a little closer to home on Long Island, definitely try the "Witches Brew Coffee House", specifically located in West Hempstead,New York. The spooky decor inside this place really makes your stay eventful! From bold coffees and teas to different food items and out of the box desserts, you can't go wrong with having a little extra fun! 

 
EMILY'S SIMPLE AND EASY TIPS TO STAYING FIT! 
1) When stuck inside because of the snow, don't binge eat on junk food like chips and cookies but try to eat 3 healthy meals a day! Try to include 4 servings of fruit, 5 of veggies, and 4 dairy products per meal!??
 
2)Try to fit in 30 minutes of exercise per day.??The cold snow might keep you stuck inside but don't let not going to the gym prevent you from working out!☃Crunches, leg lifts, push ups and even running in place while watching your favorite Tv show increase your heart rate and strength! ??
 
3)Drink a lot of water before, during, and after any exercise!?Drinking water helps to replace what you sweat out. 
 
4)Keep a positive attitude!???? Keeping a positive attitude reduces stress, depression, and obesity.Keep your body in as good condition as possible while you enjoy everything else life has to offer!?
 
5) Try and get 9-10 hours a sleep every night. ? A good night of sleep helps maintain a healthy balance of the hormones in your body that make you feel hunger or full, when you don't get enough sleep your hunger increases. ?
 
Some at home exercises:
http://www.acefitness.org/acefit/fitness-programs-article/2863/Top-25-At-Home-Exercises/
 

CHEF IT UP WITH NATALIE!
 
Let’s be honest, who wants to cook during winter when it is SO easy to order in. But…surprise yourself and your friends or family, or significant other and make this delicious and easy Chicken Noodle soup recipe! Take out that slow cooker that you never use and try this, trust me, everyone will think you are the next Bobby Flay!
 

Ingredients:
8 ounces carrots, sliced 1/4 inch thick (about 3 large carrots)
6 ounces celery, sliced 1/4 inch thick (about 5 large stalks)
1/4 small onion, peeled and root end intact
2 large sprigs parsley, plus 1/4 cup chopped leaves
2 large sprigs thyme
1 bay leaf
Kosher salt
2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 6 thighs)
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
6 ounces wide egg noodles (about 4 cups)
1 to 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Freshly ground black pepper

Directions:
Toss the carrots and celery together in the slow cooker. Add the onion, sprigs parsley, thyme, bay leaf and 1 teaspoon salt.

Rub the chicken thighs all over, including under the skin, with 1 teaspoon salt total, and put them on top of the vegetables. Add the chicken broth. Cover, and cook on low for 8 hours. During the last 15 minutes of cooking, remove the chicken and stir in the noodles.

While the noodles cook, remove and discard the chicken skin and bones and shred the chicken-it will mostly fall apart on its own. When the noodles are done, turn off the cooker, remove the parsley and thyme stems, and add the shredded chicken and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Taste, and add more lemon juice and salt as needed. Stir in a good amount of pepper and the chopped parsley, and serve hot.

KATHERINE’S KLASS KOLLECTION:
 Embrace this winter weather and stay toasty warm on your walk to class with these fabulous wardrobe essentials courtesy of Ooh la la!

The Chic Trip Black Poncho - Stay cozy and chic in this cowl-inspired neckline black poncho! This piece is perfect for layering with a long sleeve shirt and a pair of colorful jeans or leggings, like maroon or army green. No matter what combination you choose, this warm, flowing poncho will leave you feeling glamorous and confident all day!

The Glamazon Ivory Fur Jacket - Add some glam to your cold-weather ensemble and throw on this stylish fur jacket! The winter white color of this jacket will lighten up your look and will add an extra chic layer, giving you warmth and style at the same time. Throw it over a dress or a stylish shirt and pants combo, this versatile jacket will go great with everything! So, throw on this coat and feel toasty and fabulous as you strut your stuff to class!

SABINA’S SUGGESTIONS TO STAY IN AND BINGE WATCH TV:
 
There are plenty of awesome and inspiring movies/tv shows out there but there's always that one movie/tv show that gets people so interested. My favorite show is "the 100".  I recommend people to watch it because it makes you realize how lucky people are to have certain resources that other people aren't lucky enough to have. People may sometimes take advantage of situations like this so it's always a great reminder to see how the characters had to survive on earth. Also, an awesome movie is "The Revenant". Leonardo Dicaprio is unbelievable in it. It's definitely crazy, and lots of action, maybe don’t watch on a full stomach ( lol). The story is definitely an uplifting and emotional roller coaster. It’s a must see! 

Now, who is ready to SURVIVE the winter?! Ooh is! ;)