Last year, women in the UK spent nearly a billion dollars on swimwear. That's not surprising -- what is, however, more than a bit shocking, is the fact that 45 percent of those purchases have yet to see the light of day.

That's right -- according to recent research, about 250 billion pounds (nearly $500 billion) was spent on bikinis that have never and possibly will never be worn because the people who bought them don't feel comfortable enough with their bodies to don the merchandise in public.

What gives, ladies? Are we buying these swimsuits with the hopes of being inspired to slim down by their presence in our closets? Or are we just hoping we'll work up the courage to bare all once the inevitable trip to the beach becomes a reality?

Wait -- that's not all. Here are some other startling bikini facts:

They've been together for more years than the ages of the girls from The Hills combined (or at least it seems that way ... ) -- so what is Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell's secret to surviving the Hollywood relationship curse? Maybe it has something to do with taking time out of their busy schedules to frolic in the sun and surf on a recent vacation in Hawaii. But while Goldie's girlish figure impressed the paps, photos of Kurt's bulging belly elicited headlines like 'Russell Shows Too Much Flesh.' What gives?

True, Hawn does look fantastic for her age (63) and Kurt, six years her junior, is looking a little chunkier these days judging by the photos, but I don't think he looks that bad. Plus, it's not like he's baring all by wearing a Speedo or anything.

What do you think -- should the press lay off Kurt, or does he need to schedule some sessions with Goldie's personal trainer?

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When we hit the beach, we all have different feelings about strutting our stuff in a swimsuit. Some folks let it all hang out. Some have nothing to hang out. And others have certain body parts they'd like to keep covered, but they still want to look beachy and summery.

This summer, stop trying to decide whether you'd rather cover up with gym shorts and a tee or with your beach towel -- there are more fashionable (and more flattering) ways for you to keep covered, and we've got the scoop on what will work best for you.

The Best Beachwear Cover-Ups gallery in our Summer Slimdown Guide is just what you need -- check out what we have to say about cover-ups get lots of other summer slimdown secrets here!

Depending on where you live, summer may be right around the corner, or it might already be here. And you know what that means ... bathing suit season! If the thought of being out in public in a bikini makes you cringe, don't worry -- you have time to join America Takes It Off and get your body where you want it to be, and if, by some slight chance, your body doesn't end up looking quite the way you planned before your next trip to the beach, you have wardrobe options (check out the gallery if you don't believe me).

First of all, let's take a minute to talk about your body. I'm hoping that you love every inch of it, but if there are some things you'd like to change, I'm right there with you. Perhaps you're not too confident about your mid-section, or there's a little more junk in your trunk than you'd like. Or, maybe you're really thin and wish you had more curves. What we all need to do is realize what parts of our bodies we like best and figure out how to play up those assets when we put on our bathing suits.

It's a gloomy day where I live, and the days are getting shorter, which unfortunately means a resurrection of the sweaters that have been taking up room in my closet. The thought of it makes me kind of sad actually.

But as Fitsugar points out, just because summers almost over, doesn't mean that you should let the bathing-suit body you spend countless hours trying to get into tip-top shape go. The motivation to trim the tummy might not be as strong anymore, but there are many good reasons to keep up your bikini routine, including:

• Exercise combats the effects of SAD (seasonal affective disorder)
• Winter sports, like skiing and skating, require you to be in fairly good shape
• It will make it easier to get ready for next year's bikini season

Want more motivation? Check out the post on Fitsugar.

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Ahhh, summer. It's a time for picnics, backyard parties, patios -- and, of course, the beach. But when heading to the beach, it's important to be prepared, and this list of beach-bag must-haves has some great suggestions for what to take. Here's my lowdown on beach basics:

• Sunscreen: That SPF in your makeup will only last so long. Bring some and apply it often. It's a must.
• Insect repellent: Also a must, especially if you're in Manitoba. Trust me.
  
• Sunglasses
• Something to sit on. A towel works.
• Your bathing suit. Duh.
• Water. You need to keep hydrated when you're out in the sun.
• A healthy snack, like fresh fruit or sanwiches, in case you find yourself being lured by the Ice Cream Stand
• A book
• A hat, to avoid that pesky scalp burn where you part your hair. Ick!

What's a must when you go to the beach?

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Ahh, summer. The season of being self-conscious about your body as you try to squeeze into last year's bathing suit, the only one you could find that covers your unsavory bits of cellulite. Wouldn't it be nice to look like a swimsuit model and look good in any bathing suit? Well, eDiets has done an article on the diet secrets of a swimsuit model. Audrey Quock, of Sports Illustrated fame, has given her healthy living secrets, and it's not down to a magic pill -- she works out a lot, eats healthy and eats small portions. Despite her busy schedule, she works out at least three times a week. When she's got an important shoot coming up, she admits she does 'whatever it takes' to get in tip-top shape, including skipping meals.

I can handle the workout schedule but I ain't skipping any meals. What about you?

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Yesterday as I was driving into town I passed a house situated on a corner lot. A mother was outside in a hot pink, one-piece bathing suit running through a sprinkler with her kids. She was far from a swimsuit model and had plenty of imperfections, but my first thought was, "Good for her!" I'm quite self-conscious so I know I wouldn't have had the guts to do what she did, but I think it was wonderful that she didn't care if others saw her. It was a hot day and she was outside having fun with her kids. Again ... good for her. According to a recent survey sponsored by Lands' End and Fitness Magazine, my self-consciousness is more the norm ... and that woman's fantastic, devil-may-care attitude is a rarity.

50% of women report turning down an invitation because the event required them to wear a swimsuit. (I don't know if I've ever said no to an event, but I have played the old "Oh darn, I forgot my suit" game before.) 45% of women stated they won't walk around the beach or pool without covering up first. 18% would rather walk on hot coals or go to the dentist than put on a swimsuit. 83% state that they have felt judged in their suits and 59% fess up to judging others. 52% of women look for suits to enhance or slim down areas of their body.

I had to chuckle while reading these survey results, because it was basically like reading my own opinions about swimsuit anxiety. (Though I'll wear a swimsuit any day rather than walk on hot coals, thank you very much.) I do wonder why we can't just be comfortable in our own skin, though. Eating well, exercising, and taking care of your health is important; we all want to live long, energetic lives. But does happiness come in a size 2? I don't think so. We are who we are, and it's high time we stop looking for perfection and just accept ourselves ... lumps, bumps, and all. So the next time my son wants to run through the sprinkler maybe I'll join him, forget about who may see me, and just enjoy the moment.

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It's time to gear up for bathing suit season. Or, if you're like me, it's already here as I gear up for a trip to Mexico on Saturday. Maybe this year, you will get your body lean, toned and totally bathing suit ready. Or maybe, like last year, you'll end up with the same old shape when it's time to hit the beach. If that's the case, don't worry -- just make sure to pick up a suit that flatters your curves. glee* Magazine has put together this guide for choosing the right swimsuit, with handy tips on how to maximize or reduce your bust, make your butt look bigger, hide tummy rolls and much more. The most important thing, though, is to love your body, curves and all, and enjoy your time in the sun while it lasts. With sunscreen, of course.

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