Pauline, not sure you want to hear my opinion, but I'll chime in anyway.
It all depends on what you're trying to do, and yes diet is key. Cookies, pasta, bread etc - try and cut back on, if you can. Carbs and sugar will hold you back no matter how many reps you do.
In the last 6 months I have gone hard-core and I have seen results. I went up in weight, about 10 pounds, but I noticably increased my muscle size and definition. I also know it's not just a beer gut as I monitor my fat %-age closely. I cut back hard on carbs and eat a lot of protein and I also take protein supplements, creatine, glucosamine, chondroitin and multis.
Now I know you girls don't want to look like Arnold, but you seriously have to look at upping the wieghts and maybe doing a few less reps. This will really get your heart rate up and burn the calories. I don't know what Powerhouse has for personal trainers, but Bally's has some really good ones.
I've been watching a few people at my gym for a couple of months now, that religiously work out with a personal trainer and it's obvious that they're dropping weight and getting into shape. I want to go and commend them on their progress, but don't want to seem like I'm hitting on them, or make them feel uncomfortablem so I just keep it to myself and subconsciously congratulate them.
So maybe look at getting a personal trainer that has references.
Nonetheless, I don't think that either you or Manana-II have to worry about anything, you're both in really good shape as it is!