For those who thought this winter would be another cold terror - think again.

Its been unseasonably warm for many of us across Canada - and the desire to flee into the sun has been lessened by temps hovering at zero and the lack of blizzards.

But what about the ski and snowboard crowd? For them, this winter so far has been a disappointment. All that new gear brought by Santa has so far seen little action.

But if you're willing to travel - there's a few spots that the snow has indeed made it on to the mountain.

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Getting in shape or setting a fitness goal doesn't have to be solitary. For added inspiration and motivation, the best answer may be hiring a personal trainer.

After figuring out what you need first (as shown in part one) - next you need to know how to find the right personal trainer for you.

Brent Bishop, a personal trainer and owner of Think Fitness Studios, advises that after you've made a commitment to work on your health, finding the right personal trainer is just as important as finding a physician or a dentist.

Bishop has several suggestions on what to ask and things to know about hiring a personal trainer.

Do you remember gym class?

Remember when your gym teacher forced everyone to climb the rope, run relay or learn to play tennis?

I certainly do, and although I whined and complained about spending an hour in a baggy t-shirt and sweatpants, I was grateful for the motivation to go outside and get moving.

As an adult, I can come with a million of excuses to not exercise.

Whether it's my old gym clothes (I really should head to LuluLemon) or the time (don't I need to reorganize my kitchen cupboard), there's always an excuse as to why I don't go to the gym.

So will a personal trainer be the answer to my endless ways to avoid working up a sweat?

Winter is upon all of us Canada - and what do we want to do? Fly south.

Whether its to Mexico, Caribbean, Florida or Las Vegas, Canadians are happy to figure out how to get on a plane and get away from snow, ice and cold temperatures.

According to Google Insights, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick residents are looking for the travel deals, closely followed by Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

If plans are to take the better half and the family to a tropical climate, remember to bring the bathing suit, sunscreen and make sure to visit the family doctor.

Be on the lookout for a few items that may have been brought by Santa in this week's recall report:

Health Canada has issued a recall for Little Tricky multi-purpose helmets that can be used as bicycle helmets. The helmets do not meet the safety requirements for collision testing.

The recall includes the Triple Eight S/M EPS helmet in black, white, bone, blue and green and Sector 9 S/M EPS helmet in gray, white, black, blue and green, both with the logo on both sides of the helmet and can be used for kids or youth.

Almost 1000 helmets were sold from August 2006 until December 2011, and consumers are asked to contact Triple Eight Distribution for a full refund at 1-888-548-8518.

After the spending frenzy in December, and seeing the bills in January, many of us want to avoid shopping. We're not eager to take the credit card out of the wallet.

But dear consumers, you should be shopping in January - if you have some money tucked away, there are bargains to be had - whether it's small ticket or big ticket, there are several items that purchased now will save money later.

And you won't be fighting crowds to find the deal.

So what's on the shopping list? For the spontaneous shopper, the list will be items that won't cause any spending stress are good for those who are planning for next year's holiday season.

Its all about the little ones items in this week's recall report - so keep your eyes open for these products:

Health Canada has issued a recall for Dora the Explorer, Sesame Street and Spider-Man water bottles, as the stopper can potentially come out, posing a hazard to children.

The plastic water bottles have a pull up spout, are marked with the brand FAIGIE and the item #10-3003582.

Consumers are asked to stop using the water bottles and dispose of them. Almost 350,000 bottles were sold at Dollarama from December 2007 until December 2011.

For more information, please contact Dollarama at 1-888-755-1006.

A new year has started. Are you ready to make a commitment to the bright, new, shiny year?

The annual tradition of making a new year resolution is common, but do people actually still do it? According to a Virgin Mobile Canada survey, the answer is no.

When it comes to New Year's resolutions, Canadians like to make 'em and break 'em! More than half (51%) of Canadians make News Year's resolutions, but most of us (52%) can't even last more than a month before we give in to temptation.

This means that right about now, all those resolutions that millions of well-intentioned Canadians made are on their way out the window.

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Happy New Year! 2012 kicks off with recalls around the house - and a list focused on some popular items that could have appeared under the Christmas tree.

West Elm, a division of Williams-Sonoma Inc., as well as the US Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada have issued a recall for the Dover Dining Table, a tempered glass-topped dining table with a brown wood base, with SKU# 2188233.

The table base is not able to support the weight of the table top and can collapse, posing a safety hazard. There have been 14 reports of table base collapses and almost a 1000 tables sold in Canada and the United States between July and October 2011.

Consumers are asked to contact West Elm for a full store credit and to arrange a free pickup of the table at 1-855-369-4335.

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Excited about the visit from Santa Claus this year?

Although many of us can easily get caught up in the whirlwind of parties and gifts, this season is also about giving, and for those not so fortunate, there are many ways to share the spirit of generosity during the festive season.

Despite the recent recession, according to the latest survey from Statistics Canada, Canadians are more generous than ever, giving $8.3 billion in 2010, a 6.5% increase over 2009 donations.

Instead of focusing on the latest electronics, the perfect sweater or the toy of the season, how about giving the gift of clean drinking water, a goat or the gift of education? It may not be as easily displayed under the tree, but it will have a lasting effect.

Here's a list of gifts that can make a difference now and for the new year.

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