Thanks to Walgreens for underwriting this post. I was paid as a member of the Clever Girls Collective, but the content is all mine. Visit http://www.discoverbeautywithin.com/.

Harsh winter winds, being indoors with the heat blasting and the lack of sunshine on your face can do some serious damage to your beauty routine. I always find myself pasty white, dry and flaky and in desperate need of pedicures to keep my feet from cracking. Every winter I spend some serious moolah on extras for the winter woes. Thankfully, Walgreens offers some fantastic finds for such weather as this. Here are  a few products and tips & tricks to soothe your winter beauty blues.

1) Put Your Best Face Forward- Starting off your day with a cleansed face can do wonders. Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser is a must. This gentle skin cleanser is non-greasy and perfect for all skin types. If you need to flake off some dead skin cells and get a good scrub, try Garnier Skin Renew the Brusher Gel Cleanser. It has a built-in soft brush applicator that works fabulously.

2) Pumice is your Friend- Dry and cracked heels look awful, but aren’t that bad to tame. Pick up a pumice stone from one of the many brands that Walgreens carries like Revlon. Also, you could just get the Walgreens brand; it’s just as good as any of the others and at a great value. Add a little DIY scrub to the stone such as petroleum jelly {also available at Walgreens, of course} and some sugar and scrub, scrub, scrub!

3) Soak Away the Day- Since Walgreens offers even more products online, I decided to take a gander and I found this delicious smelling product by Giovanni and it’s Organic, too. Giovanni Organic Body Care Bathe Moisturizing Body Bar in Raspberry Winter. Smells amazing. Cruelty free, no animal fats, biodegradable. ‘Nuff said!

4) Get Your Oil On- So, it doesn’t seem to make sense at first, we tend to think of oil as “bad”, but it doesn’t have to be! Walgreens carries lots of supplements and vitamins and one that you can pick up there that will do many things is Tea Tree Oil. An essential ingredient in most of my winter routines. You can Use a dab to treat acne, Add a small amount to shampoo to get rid of head lice {insider tip: my daughter has been lice-free thanks to adding this to her scalp– it has helped with keeping those pesky bugs away!}. Tea Tree Oil is also an excellent scalp conditioner that does wonders for dandruff!

5) Get a Tan- No, not a real one-ick! Stick to a natural and faux-tan that you can customize to your liking. Physicians Formula makes an organic and lovely bronzer/blush duo. Bronzer can do so much for the pale, pasty winter skin. It adds depth and warmth and also gives you that subtle sun-kissed look that will have people wondering… “Where did she just get back from? Vacation?”

Let me start by disclosing that I am NOT a hair dresser {obvi} or a colorist or anything even remotely related to that… I am just a DIY freak and an impatient mom on a budget who refused to pay $100-$120 to get this done to my hair. YES, that was the estimate I got from my local salon.

I’d also like to note that a Google search did not give me all the details that I needed to get from a dark brown brunette to this transitioning Ombre-esque look. It wasn’t as easy as I first thought, but I went into this with no real attachment to my hair to be honest. I figured my options were A: Re-color to a dark brown or B: Cut it off

I started off with a box of Frost & Glow for Dark Brown Hair from Walgreens {$7 on Sale} and ended up with this:

I didn’t like that I left it on for 1&1/2 hours and it wasn’t lifting enough, meaning that it was still too dark. I then went to Sally’s and talked to a Sales person who directed me to the straight bleach. I bought a kit for $9! I went home and decided that I wanted MORE lightening in the front so I literally grabbed a chunk from the front and a chunk from the other side in front and brushed the bleach on with the brush that came with the kit. I then wrapped them hair in foil, yes foil. It keeps the bleach on your hair and keeps it from drying out. I then ended up with this:

I wasn’t happy with the amount of orange still in the hair so I went to Sally’s again and bought a bottle of Purple shampoo.. yes, it really is called that and, Sally’s has a version that is a generic for the one that I was told to get by a friend who is a hair person– she said Clairol’s Shimmer Lights was the bomb– after researching online I found that the Sally’s generic was just as good so I bought that for $5.50 and a little bit is all you need. I washed the hair with that about 5 times- yes, 5! You don’t have to wait to do it… you can literally lather, rinse, repeat as many times as you wish. Just for extra measure I used a Light Ash Blonde hair dye and ended up with this:

Which, to be honest, I am not 100% satisfied with but I know that it will change with washes and time and I am going to keep using the purple shampoo everyday. I’ll keep you posted on the progress

So, now… what I wish someone would have told me BEFORE I started this process…

1) Use hair color remover FIRST! Just use it on the parts of your hair that you are going to Ombre

2) Use bleach- not a highlighting box. It’s just as inexpensive and you can get it at Sally’s! I have more bleach and developer left over for touch ups later- at least 2!

3) If your hair is fairly healthy you can do the bleach process twice and in the same day. I did and it wasn’t terrible at all.

4) Mayonaise is an amazing conditioner! Use this after the bleaching process and then let your hair rest for the night.

5) Ash Blonde is OK! Don’t be scurred, it won’t turn your hair green unless you leave it on too long!

I’m a bag lady, yes, I admit it…and it feels good I blame my mom who for as long as I can remember always carried a purse around, and it was always a nice one. Being that there were 3 of us kids, she never really splurged on anything fancy, she had a good eye for a great deal though and would find nice handbags almost anywhere. So, naturally as I got older and made my own money this was something that I always saw as an important accessory.

I’m a lover of designer purses in particular, the more affordable brands, until I land a killer job one day, then I will be splurging on a classic Louis Vuitton.

Since I am a self proclaimed handbag fanatic, I though I would share with you my Top 5 Handbags every woman should own

1) The Everyday Handbag: Now, for me this is a slightly large bag, because I have 3 children myself and they come with a lot of stuff. Diapers, wipes, crayons, notepads, video games, iPods…it all has to go in the bag! My pick: Mulberry “Alexa” Shoulder Bag

2) The Classic Quilted Handbag: Nothing says “I’m classy, yo” like a simple and understated black handbag and the quilted look is SO on trend with Hollywoods elite. My pick: This one from Marc Jacobs called “The Single”.

3) The Evening Clutch: Just the smallest hint of BADD girl to your killer outfit for a GNO or date night. My pick: Leopard print lambskin clutch from Alexander McQueen featuring a gold-tone skull clasp set with rhinestones.

4) The Hobo: Every girl needs a hobo in her life…for real. These slouchy bags just never go out of style. Great for your gran and go lifestyle yet chic enough for work. My pick: Gucci’s “Jungle” Medium Hobo in Carmel.

5) The Overnighter: The perfect bag for an overnighter to Vegas, or just a short road trip! Since you will be seen with this bag just like any other bag, you want to make it a statement piece. If it’s gotta be big, it’s gotta be fabulous! My pick: Print overnight bag in black from Paul Smith. It has this beautiful artwork all over and then gorgeous purple inside.

So, now if you are missing any of these handbags in your collection, you can send Santa this list Remember: a girl should be two things, classy and fabulous! {Coco Chanel}

Disclosure: This is a Sponsored Post for FarFetch.com, an online boutique that offers only the most influential and forward-thinking independent businesses. farfetch.com is an online marketplace for independent fashion boutiques globally. We handpick our boutique partners for their forward-thinking taste and unique viewpoint on fashion. You can shop from any boutique within our network and have your order delivered to your door direct from the boutique itself. They offer both Men’s and Women’s designer shoes, clothes, accessories and handbags. All handbags featured in this list were my picks from the website.

I’m originally a Cali girl, born and raised in Orange County until the age of 27 when I moved to the east coast…not just the east coast, but Upstate NY. Yes, from one extreme to the other and especially in March! Sunny skies to 4 feet of snow was more than a culture shock, it was down right depressing.

I bought 6 winter coats, yes 6! Not one of them was actually a true winter coat and I froze for the longest time until I figured out that a California winter coat is pretty much a Fall coat for the east coast. Luckily, I learned the next year and bought a real winter coat. I thought I was getting a bargain by buying one at Target. Unfortunately, after a few washes and getting pounded by snow, the coat literally fell apart. Snow and water stained it and it just looked terrible. So, here I am, heading into my 5th winter and in New Jersey by the shore…it’s not only a matter of cold, but also of wind!

Luck would have it that I was asked to participate in a Coat Challenge with Mom Spark Media. I received 4 coats just in time for a few of the coldest mornings I have seen in a long time. We have early morning football games and like I said, the shore gives a good wind chill and I really need to bundle up. I found a few that really did the trick while others weren’t quite as comfy. Here are my quick video reviews of the Pros and Cons of each coat.

So, there it is…the best and worst of the coats. My fav is definitely more than just another coat. From the hardware to the hood to the material used to make the coat, it’s top notch. Here I am wearing it that cold and dreary morning.

As you can see above in the photo of all the coats, they range quite a bit from the lowest of $98.00 to the high end of $199.00. In all honesty, I wouldn’t pay any more than $50 for the Gap coat. It just isn’t up to par considering it has no hood and is so short. It won’t help at all when you are trying to get in and out of your car and your jacket moves and UGH a big ole cold gust gets you. The higher end Nautica coat, while over $200 with tax and all it is a big investment but, if you live in a place where the winters are as harsh as ours are on the east coast then the money is well spent. Like I said in the video, it’s not like you are going to out grow this coat.

The LL Bean coat, in Army green is an OK coat. I didn’t feel freezing in it, but it also just didn’t fit quite right and I am curvy so it’s not as if I am too skinny or something like that. It was just a strange fit. Even with the cinch belt, which I would totally lose eventually because it’s not well attached {looped through}, I didn’t feel it was right for me.

The biggest thing that made the Lands End coat #2 and not my #1 pick was the filling coming out of the back and making a mess. I have a black car, so maybe I noticed it even more than the usual user. I know it was hard to see in the video, but trust me that there were teeny white flicks of stuff coming out at the seams of the quilting.

The Nautica coat, my fav and final “Officially Posh Parent Approved” pick is a pure joy to have found. Even minus the fleece cuffs it’s still awesome. In the video I mentioned the inside cinching toggles left the elastic ends exposed and therefore cause a little zipper malfunction. That actually is something that I can deal with. I just know that there are smart design people out there who can easily “fix” that and I hope they do– and add the fleece pretty please

Disclosure: The Quality Coat Review was a blind review. In order to give my unbiased opinions, I am unaware of the company that sponsored the effort. While the opinions are my own, I am being compensated through Mom Spark Media for my time.

I love Glamour Magazine, and as a 3rd year Glambassador I have to tell you that I thoroughly enjoy being “in the know” about all the latest and greatest from them. As a Glambassador I am in no way compensated for sharing my true love for the magazine. I get some perks here and there, but no monetary compensation whatsoever. I do however read the magazine regularly and stalk the website. The other day they posted about shoes every woman should own. Luckily, I own most of these types of shoes, while I felt the intense need to shop soon after reading the article.

Here are the 10, and my picks for most affordable for a mama budget

1) Nude Peep Toe Pumps

Zappos.com $85.00

The greatest thing about nude shoes is that you can wear them with so much. There is always that dress that you love, but don’t have shoes to go with it! Try it!

2) Black City Boots

Kensie Girl $99.00

NO heel here, but you can totally opt for a heel if you want to. These are a nice staple to any wardrobe.

3) Ballet Flats

Saks Fifth Avenue $198.00

These are a total lifesaver for me, personally. I have leopard ones, zebra ones, black ones, green ones… I have at least 10 pairs of ballet flats because they can go dressy or casual. I often throw a pair in my bag when I am going to an event and want to wear heels there, but wear flats on the train. Stroller+2 kids doesn’t work in heels.

4) Wooden Platform Sandals

Endless.com $59.99

These are another style that I have more than one pair of. I love that the platform sole and sturdier heel give you some support while walking. Less risk of breaking a leg, or your neck in these. Plus, they give the height you need to elongate the legs.

5) Canvas Sneakers

Toms.com $54.00

Toms are the latest craze in comfy casuals, in my time it was Converse. If you didn’t own a pair of Jack Purcells you were a square. Truth be told– I don’t own any canvas sneakers, but I am feelin’ some Toms. Classic sneakers are great for a casual yet pulled together mom look.

6) Black Pumps

Dillards $69.99

Love, love, love! These are amazing because you get that instant SEXY back when you slip these on. The best feature of these from Dillards is that there is that inner platform, so you don’t get the awful arch aches after a few hours. Buying a pair like this is the key! Us moms don’t usually strut around in heels very often so getting a pair in black and with the extra support will make glam look easy.

7) Metallic Sandals

Ralph Lauren $64.99

Get a pair in silver, and in gold. These have saved me from wearing hideous bridesmaid shoes because I have been able to pull out my OWN chic shoes and avoid the dyed to match satin shoes.

8 ) Suede Booties

Charlotte Russe $35.50

I keep seeing Olivia Palermo wearing a leopard pair similar to these and I die. So cute! Worn with jeans by day or with a sexy dress at night, these have Fall written all over them. Go ahead and go for a more subtle pair if you’d like– classic brown or black or even tan. If you aren’t a leopard gal, but want a little pop– go for red or green.

9) Flat Leather Sandals

Nordstrom $59.95

Such a warm weather staple! I couldn’t find the perfect pair myself this last summer. This year, I will make an effort because these are so major. I mean, we eventually get past the flip flop stage and need to still be able to just throw on a comfy pair of sandals– this is a classy in between of flip flops and heeled sandals.

10) Work of Art Shoes

Bluefly.com $576.00

Every woman wants the red bottom shoe. Christian Louboutin glitter heels– what else can a glam mama ask for? While I don’t own one pair of those dream shoes…I do hope to one day own a pair just like these. Nothing is as fierce as glitter heels…in a non-stripper way, they are so sexy.

So, ladies…how are you all doing on your shoe collection? Are you missing any of these MUST-Haves?

If I am talking The Hills and if I am either Team Whitney or Team Olivia– I am Team Whitney all the way. But, there is something about Olivia that I always liked…yes, a small part of me admits that I like her being the evil bi*ch that tries to sabbotage Whitney’s career {it’s entertaining, come on!} and the other part of me says “Aww, poor Whitney”, but in the end the one thing that I do have to admit, and openly, is this– Olivia has style…and I like it, I like it a lot.

The more and more I see pictures of her out and about in NYC I think that she is probably one of the only young women out there who dresses her age and who doesn’t necessarily follow trends and can get away with it. I like that she mixes her pieces as well. I have seen her several times use the same handbag or the same pair of killer leopard print ankle boots {love, love, love}. She works it in a very subtle and chic way.

Even though she is not a mom, I think that her style file reveals a ton of looks that moms can easily rock with no hesitation that you are gonna look like you are trying too hard. Her sophisticated, young, yet classic looks are a good go-to when you are wondering what to wear to that event or Girls Night Out or even a wedding or some other bigger occassion like that.

Google her, and see for yourself! In the meantime, I will be working on a few “clone” looks for you so that you can see that it is an attainable style that you can pull off.

Many of us gals forget or simply do not know how to properly clean our makeup brushes. Overtime the build up will not only lead to poor makeup application, you may even need to buy a set of new makeup brushes. To avoid that and to get the most bang for your buck, simply take the time to clean your makeup brushes in a few easy steps.

For the most basic brush cleaner, take 2 parts of water and mix it with 1 part of vinegar. Dip your brushes into the mixtures and then rinse clean with warm water. Afterwards, lay the brushes flat on a towel to dry. This solution will disinfect your brushes without drying the bristles out. Another quick trick is to simply wet the brushes and lather them up with baby shampoo {1 TBSP} in your palm OR add the baby shampoo or your regular shampoo and water {1 C} or with a facial cleaner that you have at home. The make up will be completely removed from your brushes.

If you need to freshen up your brushes quickly then you can look into an alcohol-based product like the Brush Cleansers from MAC or Clinique.

In any case, be sure to reshape your brushes and allow them to lay flat to dry and do not use them until they are completely dry.

Here is how I, personally, wash my brushes:

I love online shopping and especially at Forever21.com because the stuff is affordable and it ships so quickly! Not to mention I don’t have to be the mom with 3 kids roaming around the store full of 20 something s and teens who look at me like “OH EMM GEE, get out of my store with your stroller and your yelling kids!” and I don’t have to feel uncomfortable wanting to try a new trend..I can buy online and try it at home and return back if I don’t like it..all without the embarrassment.

Makeup, brushes and storage… it’s all here! I actually just cleaned everything out last week and this is about HALF of what I had…after checking expiration dates and such

Makeup does expire, I know that this is something that many women are unaware of. I have a few friends who have had eye infections, cold sores and even allergic type reactions to old makeup. Your brushes are also a key tool in making your look come together and blend well, and they can also harbor tons of bacteria. Protecting your investment and keeping your makeup and brushes fresh is something that is fairly easy to keep track of with a a few basics rules.

Daily/Weekly: Make sure to clean your brushes with either a brush cleaner that you can buy at the store, even Target or WalMart carry this. You can also make your own brush cleaner. Any brush that touches liquids {such as foundations, concealers, or lipsticks} should be cleaned thoroughly each and every day. Brushes that you use for powder and mineral make up products {eye shadow, blush, bronzer, mineral makeup} you can clean these every 1-2 weeks depending on how often you use them. If you use makeup sponges you want to wash them weekly and replace them monthly.

3-6 Months: Check your mascara and liquid eyeliners. If they get icky and are a little chunky you can freshen them up for a few more uses. Make sure they are closed tight and then run the tubes under hot water for 4-5 minutes and they should be good to go. When using your mascara remember this– when you are pumping the brush in and out of the tube and letting air in; that will dry out your mascara quickly so watch it. I personally buy mascara every 3 months because I use it daily. Replace mascara every 6 months for sure if you aren’t a daily wearer. Even if it’s seemingly ok. This is the #1 source of eye gunk infections. If you don’t use your liquid eyeliner daily then you might be ok with holding onto it for 7-8 months.

9-12 Months: Liquid Foundations, Concealers, Cream Blushes and Bronzers should all be replaced after 9 months. Again, if you don’t use them as often you may be able to get 12 months out of them, but if it’s 12 months and you still have them–toss ‘em. Powder foundations, translucent powders, powder blushes and bronzers as well as eyeshadows should be tossed after 12 months.

2 Years: Lipsticks and Pencil Eyeliners are the only 2 items that you can keep for 2 years before tossing.

As a general rule of thumb and more of a common sense thing is that if it smells funky; toss it! Always work with clean hands when dealing with your eyes. Most importantly; use it before your lose it, ladies!