Slim Fast

I know it might be hard for some of you stuck in the snow to believe (sorry, Salt Lakers!), but swimsuit season is nearly upon us!

Even though I crave warm weather all Winter long, I find that it creeps up on me every year. One minute I am enjoying sugar cookies for dinner, and the next I am trying to put on a swimsuit without crying.

Who's with me?

(Someone? Please?)

So you don't suffer the same fate, here is the first in a series of summer slim-down tips, courtesy of OK! Weekly magazine. (Yes, I get it, I read it and I do not feel badly about it. So there.)

Diet: Cut out coffee (And Diet Coke, too).
And try some green tea instead. While coffee elevates stress and increases cravings, green tea has the opposite effect. Also replace artificial sweeteners with honey or agave, and be sure to drink plenty of water. Your body can sometimes mistake thirst for hunger.

Workout: Start strength training.
Instead of hating every minute on the treadmill, start with two days a week of total-body strength training. Weight training will help you slim down and building muscle will speed up your metabolism so you keep burning calories even after your workout is over.

Motivation: Set a realistic goal.
A pound a week is a good place to start, but shedding weight doesn't have to be your main motivation. Any small lifestyle change will add up to a noticeable difference wherever you want to see it most.

There now, that wasn't so bad. Right?
What are your summer-ready fitness tips?

Beach Bunny Bingo

I am just going to put it out there that the beach is probably one of the Top Five most romantic places to fall in love. I am not speaking from personal experience, mind you. I just have a feeling.

The only catch being that you want to look your best while you are falling in love, and looking your best on the beach can be tricky. Unless, that is, the "I didn't shower this morning and just spent half an hour in salt water" look is your best look. But I doubt that it is. I just have a feeling.

There is no perfect solution, but these tips might help speed along your own summer lovin'. You can thank me by naming your first-born child after me. It seems only fair.


For starters, get yourself a trendy suit. One-shouldered suits are hot (or should I say h-o-t-t) this season, as are cut-out bikinis. One-piece cut-outs are a nice compromise if you only want to give away a little peek.

{Photo courtesy of fashionsing.com}

If you are looking for a printed suit, leave the dainty stuff behind and go for bold graphic stripes, colorful paisley or some other stand-out pattern instead. Celebrities are sporting eye-popping hippie-style prints up and down all kinds of coasts.

{Photo courtesy of Glamour Magazine}

This summer is also a great time to experiment with the classic black suit. A saucy cut-out bikini or one-piece is a great option. Or look for basic black suits with some non-basic embellishments such as ring details, a flattering halter top or retro-cut bottoms.

{Photo courtesy of Glamour Magazine}

Next, pick out some swimwear accessories. Remember, that suit isn't just for swimming. (And, frankly, might not be for swimming at all.) Our goal is romance here. And sheer cover-ups, one hot trend for this hot season, have romance written all over them.

{Photo courtesy of fashionsing.com}

Or, you can adapt a non-beach-related trend, such as bohemian chic, and take it to the sand.

{Photo courtesy of fashionsing.com}

Short shorts are also an emerging cover-up trend. Try some sporty shorts or some edgy denim cut-offs. They're the perfect way to get some coverage without leaving everything to the imagination. (If you've got it, flaunt it. Right, ladies?!)


{Photo courtesy of Glamour Magazine}

Short dresses, long shirts and robes are also good cover-up options for this summer.

For the finishing touches, think about a beach bag with a large graphic print or design (again, anything retro is a safe bet this season), and some kind of sun hat. My favorites are straw, in either the floppy or cowboy varieties. A good hat will cover your ocean hair, protect your beautiful faces and make you just the right amount of straight-up adorable.

And then true love can't help but find you seaside.

Planning to hit the beach this summer?

What is your must-have oceanside accessory?

Bathing Beauty

It's a little hard to believe since I am still wearing long sleeves and multiple pairs of socks, but I am already getting bombarded with e-mails about spring swimwear lines. That's right, swimsuit season is almost upon us! And, may I just say, I am loving this new trend of retro swimming suits? I may? Well, thank you kindly. I am loving this new trend of retro swimming suits.

For one thing, they make one-pieces hip again, which is good news for those of us looking for more coverage rather than less. I am especially digging the styles with a lower cut leg. I've got a little junk in the trunk, you know, and I don't need everyone seeing all of it.

But, more than that, these suits are just plain adorable! I adore the flirty ruffles, the old-school prints and the overall classiness. A quick online search will probably bring up dozens and dozens of options, but here are some of my recent favorites.

I just can't get enough of these cheery polka dots.



The ruching and halter top give this retro throwback black swimsuit just the right amount of sass.



If you're looking for something that really makes a statement try this boldly striped suit, just the right mix and daring and demure.


Never mind that I still have to sleep with a heating pad, perfect sunny days by the pool or the waves will be here soon enough, and I think we all deserve a smashing new suit to celebrate. Don't you?

And please, tell us.

What are your must-have features in that perfect swimsuit?