How to Rock a Hot Bikini -- Like the One Worn by Valerie Bertinelli on People Magazine -- by Memorial Day

Valerie Bertinelli is a 48-year-old rock star of a wife and mother of an 18-year-old son. She, like many of us, has battled with her weight over the years. She recently decided to do something about it and after becoming a spokesperson for the Jenny Craig diet system, she set a goal for herself: to get back into a bikini before she hit 49. If you have seen the new cover of People magazine you know that she did it. Valerie appears sporting a rocking body and an adorable green bikini.

I say, "You go girl!"

I have seen what gains the battle of the bulge can make against a woman as the years pass. But, I say that if she can do it, then so can I! With Valerie as our inspiration, join my battle cry. I want to have it all: the wonderful husband, the children and wisdom that my age affords me -- and the hot body. Bring on the bikini... only make mine pink. How? I'm glad you asked!

Exercise: The best way to get an all over workout is walking. Start small and work up to as much time as you can handle.

Diet: To avoid feeling deprived, try a sticking to a low-calorie diet 6 days a week and pick a day as your "cheat day." It can vary depending on your plans that week, but don't let it become more than one day.

Motivation: Go ahead and buy that bikini now. Take a deep breath and take a "before" picture of yourself wearing it. Go hardcore and hang it on the fridge.

Support: Surely you are not the only woman you know who needs a little help getting back to her former self. Gather the girls and make a contest out of it. The one who wins gets to have her bags carried on the first beach trip.

So, there you go. Get to work and when you do hit the beach be sure to check out the towel next to you. It might just be me in my new pink bikini!