Where the hell has 2012 gone? Seriously. It feels like it was New Year's Eve just yesterday. Now, I have exactly 8 days until Memorial Day weekend kicks off, and I'm in panic mode. No, not because I don't have solid plans. The plans, they're great. Mostly because they involve being beach side with a few tasty drinks. Oh, well hello bathing suit season. 

Sigh. It's like that nagging third cousin you just can't get rid of. Are you also worried about looking your best in a suit this Memorial Day? Take comfort knowing you're not alone. While I can't promise you a six-pack (heck, I don't even think Jillian Michaels could work that sorta magic in one week), I can help you shed a few pounds just in time for the kickstart of summer.

Read on for 4 ways to shed extra pounds before Memorial Day weekend:

Can't wait for summer sun? Get in line. But first, the good news ... and um, the bad news. The number of sunscreens that passed the Environmental Working Group's 2012 test is higher than ever before!

Yay! Do the happy dance! In your bikini! With sunscreen on! Only, you better hope it was one of the one in four that won't end up making you sick.

Gotcha, didn't I? Things are getting better on the shelves, but they're still not great.

We all know that new lovebirds Kim Kardashian and Kanye West have been spending a fair share of time in New York City. Sure, there's a whole lot of date nights to fancy schmancy dinners and Broadway shows for Kimye, but there's also time for something else. Rumor has it that Kim and Kanye have been getting their workout on here, too and I am j-e-a-l-o-u-s. Heck, I would kill to get in the gym with two of Hollywoods hunkiest players. 

I think it's adorbs that Kim and Kanye sweat it out together. It shows that they can be a functional couple. I mean come ON -- is there anything more motivating? Let's dish, shall we?

I firmly believe that anyone can run a half marathon. Whoa whoa WHOA, calm down. I didn't say RIGHT NOW or this coming Saturday at 8 a.m. sharp. I just mean, you know, at some point.

I was the same way, once. If you were to tell me six years ago that I would have run six half marathons by my mid-twenties, I would have laughed in your face. Heck, six years ago I tipped the scales at more than 200 pounds and hadn't run more than a mile since those dreaded sweaty days of gym class back in high school.

Today, I love running. Fact: I look forward to it. And after finishing half marathon numero seis last weekend here in New York City, I feel like I have enough experience to try and help a few sistas out.

Whether you've never run a mile in your life or recently completed your first 5K, take a look at these 5 half marathon running tips for beginners:

The concept of "alone time" takes on such a radically different meaning once you're a mom. Before baby, taking time to yourself meant spending the night at home with a book instead of on the town with your girlfriends or going on a weekend yoga retreat without your spouse. After baby, alone time can mean anything from a 10-minute shower to a quick diaper run (without the wee one strapped to your chest).

When my kids were babies, anytime I left the house without them, I felt like like I was missing something. Did I forget my wallet? My phone? Walking down the street without a kid in a sling and/or stroller was nothing short of bizarre. I felt so ... light.

But not always in a good way. At first, those rare child-free moments were both disorienting and guilt-inducing. Not only had I forgotten how to function as an individual, I felt like I'd abandoned the tiny creature who, until recently, actually lived inside my body.

Almost as much as I enjoy eating, I love sleeping. Oh dear, sweet, blissful sleep, how I love your unconscious, drooling ways! I will sacrifice just about anything -- including, most days, my morning workout -- to make sure I get my full eight hours. And now there's another great excuse reason for me to demand all that sleep: It keeps you skinny. Fist pump! Boo-yah, SLEEP.

Gotta love those scientists. They're always studying sleep. And the latest study shows that people who don't sleep enough eat more, move less, and gain weight. Yipes! Sleep-deprived parents, are you worried about this?

Woo-hoo! Tomorrow is officially the First Day of Spring. And not a moment too soon, my little muffin top. Oh, don't look so insulted. Believe me, it's not like you're the only one who's been slacking off on the whole exercise/healthy eating thing for the past couple of months: A guy who works at the gym told me the other day that business is always super slow during February and March. (Hey, he works at the gym, so it must be true.) 

Anyway, I know I'm way more motivated to go outside and move when it's not cold and gray and rainy/snowy. I'm also way less likely to crave bulk-you-up foods like macaroni and cheese or donuts.

Springtime makes it easy to do all the stuff we're supposed to do. So, in honor of the season's inherent laid-back-osity, here are 5 super easy ways to swing into spring fitness ...

We're always so quick to try the newest diet or embark on an expensive cleanse in an effort to be healthy and look our best. But sometimes the secret to a healthy, attractive body is right in front of our faces, and we didn't even know it. Don't you hate when that happens?

This new study out of Britain is one of those that seems completely obvious, but most of us could still probably learn from it. It suggests that the secret to healthy, glowing skin comes not from expensive creams or trendy treatments, but rather something much more boring and accessible -- eating fruit and vegetables. Really, it couldn't be more common sensical. Yet, how many of us opt for the burger over the salad?