It’s no secret that I am not an “exercise expert,” in fact I pretty much openly loathe it.

However, I just bought a pair of lovely denim shorts yesterday and discovered that not only am I way to pale to be wearing them out in public my thighs have become, let’s say “a little too shapely?”

So I come to you with a simple request. Can you recommend a fairly simple exercise technique, that takes no more than 20 minutes a day, and will get my thighs in shape?

Here’s a questions I got recently from the lovely Casey: After almost 2 years if dating, Joel and I recently moved in together.  With all of the excitement , there has also been  struggles, particularly in the interior design department. Joel prefers dark brown, minimalist, classic pieces, which I do, too, but it’s hard then to make the already super modern apartment (floor to ceiling windows) feel warm and cozy. I’m not suggesting adding girly pink touches, but i would definitely like to add more of a feminine touch to the place to warm it up a bit, without having Joel run for shelter.

I’ve tried adding some unique touches to make the apartment feel more like home, such as blowing up and framing photos from our favorite travels, but wanted to see if you had any additional ideas on how a couple can marry design tastes and build a stylish, yet comfy home together.  Also, would love you to address ways that couples can pick out new items together that reflect both styles - like choosing a bed spread.

Decorating a home together for the first time is both exciting and tough for a couple. You learn each others likes and dislikes and you also often learn how stubborn one or both of you can be. However, this is totally something that can be worked through and you can end up with a home that makes both of you equally happy.

My first suggestion would be for you as a couple to start finding things you do agree on. Start with color schemes. Which appeal equally to both of you? Look at magazines and websites. Next, which decorating style can you both agree on? If he’s more modern and you are more feminine/classic why not give “eclectic” a try. Granted eclectic is harder to pull off but with some time and thought it can be done well.

A great way to add feminine touches without bothering your partner too much is to do it via the details. For example, a modern bedspread with scalloped edging, gray curtains with a fun texture, tasteful splashes of color here and there, and flowers.

You will not believe the difference some candles, colorful picture frames, fresh bouquets of flowers, magazines, mismatched pillows, and some warm throws can make in a room.

If you both challenge each other to think outside of the box you can help each other achieve a decorating style that represents both of you. Shift your focus from colors and furniture to shapes and textures. Think fur, snakeskin, china, leather, marble, glass, carved wood, and tufted fabric.

Also, learn to share. Meaning when you are out shopping for things play the “one for me one for you game.” Kevin and I did this a lot at Ikea. When I would get something I really wanted that Kevin wasn’t ecstatic about he would get to buy one thing that he loved but I wasn’t over the moon for.

But ultimately you need to compose a completely new and fresh style for both of you that is different from what you had when you lived separately. This is the new “us.”

Below are some great not overly feminine touches that can warm up your place and add a touch of “you” without being too much.