Unless you've managed to remain blissfully unaware of this situation, the NYC Transport Workers Union has been on strike since early Tuesday morning (read more here at CNN.com). No subways or buses = chaos. New York's Metropolitan Transit Authority serves 7 million passengers on an average weekday. Now those 7 million people have been forced to make alternative work arrangements, shell out for cabs with jacked-up prices, or WALK (driving isn't really an option; with the special strike regulations, you can't drive into Manhattan during rush hour with less than 4 people in the car).

Fortunately I have had the luxury of working from home or driving to a different office, out in New Jersey. Many others are not so lucky! If you've been forced to hoof it on the cold and blustery streets of Manhattan, here are some tips to help preserve your hair and skin - and your sanity - during the strike:

Wind and cold are no match for Creme de la Mer. This is the Rolls-Royce of moisturizers, and it is worth its steep price, especially when you're exposing your skin to the wintry elements. It's also quite soothing to windburned cheeks. A little goes a long way and the jar will last way past the strike!

Save your hair from becoming a brittle victim of the December weather with Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment. Use it as a deep conditioning treatment once a week - or try a little as a leave-in conditioner (just a little bit!). Although, I must admit, this is not the most aesthetically pleasing product.

For a hair treatment that looks and smells divine - to relieve stress as well as battered hair - try Fekkai Hair Mask with Shea Butter. Work a handful into dry or damp hair, leave on for 20 minutes and then shampoo out. Your newly soft and shiny hair will thank you. And did I mention it smells gorgeous?

Keep lips from cracking with a mini tin of L'Occitane Pure Shea Butter. The lip balm in a stick is also excellent, but the advantage of this is that you can also use it as a cuticle cream and on rough spots on your hands. The mini tins holds 0.26 oz, making it a perfect size for pocket or purse.

Finally, when you get home your feet are going to be a-hurtin' from all the walking! Pamper them with a little Foot Patrol from Bliss. This softening foot cream contains peppermint oil and 10% salicylic acid, to soothe aching feet and exfoliate dead skin. Slather some on and slip into a pair of cotton socks before bed.

Looking for more beauty remedies for the bitter weather? Tell me in the comments section! I have plenty more...so if you want them, I'll do Part 2 tomorrow.