Seen the light! (but still need some advice)

It's taken me a while, but after reading through all the literature on this site (and others) about fat loss, I think I'm finally starting to get that cardio is not the answer. It's been really hard to change my mindset, since 'cardio'='burning lots of calories'='losing weight' is just such a natural conclusion for my brain. But, I think I'm starting to see the light. I mean, I've lost 7.5 pounds since starting a diet and exercise routine in early June, which is great. I'm proud of myself and I'm feeling good, but I would really really like to see my weight loss pick up to 1.5 lbs/week. Even 1lb a week would be great. (By the way, I'm 5'4'/142.5lbs/18yrs and consuming 1700-1800 cals a day. I'm a carb addict, as well as a sodium addict, so I'm trying to cut down on those.)

So, my question is: How do I develop a basic weight training routine? I guess I'm kind of familiar with the basics of what I should be doing (squats? lunges? chest flies/presses?) but I would feel more comfortable going over to the (scary) free weights section of my gym if I could arm myself with a bit more knowledge. 

Any recommendations of website/books that help you develop a full and complete routine as well as describe the types of exercises that are needed? (Thanks in advance for the help, and sorry if this question is tired. I've been searching through old threads but the amount of info out there is a little overwhelming.) :)

Try body for life or new rules of lifting for women. I don't agree that cardio is bad, just that most women need at add weight lifting to their exercise routines. Cardio burns calories, and weight lifting helps you keep muscle and burn more calories at rest. They are both important. Maybe spend 40 minutes doing cardio and 20 minutes doing weights, or 3 days of cardio and 2 days of weights. Just make sure to lift heavy, don't use those 2 pounds weight. About.com also has some good workouts for strength training.

Great, thank you! Yeah, I understand the benefits of cardio, and I could never give it up, but for the months of June and July my entire workout routine consisted of 6 days of cycling every week...and that's it. Haha. It sounds so stupid now!

I've been thinking about getting the 'New Rules of Lifting..' since I've seen so many recommendations for it, but I wanted to see if I could find a good/free online equivalent first..

melkor listed a bunch of programs in a thread for this forum once (scroll to reply #4).  any of the basic programs, like the stripped 5x5 or starting strength, would be great for starting a routine.  i'm so glad you've seen results w/weight lifting.  i haven't bought a book and have gained a host of knowledge from online sources, if that makes you feel any safer about holding off on shelling out $.  however, i wonder if you couldn't request "new rules" from your library?

I agree with inkblue, you need both cardio and strength training. 

Don't cut carbs out of your diet too much.  You will lose weight rapidly if you cut them out, but what you're losing is water not fat.  Plus, low carb diets are not conducive to physical activity.

I was listening to a podcast on itunes the other day called "fitness rocks".  It's hosted by a doctor who interviews people about weight loss.  They were discussing carbs and they said low carb diets are bad.  They went into many details as to why they are bad and I thought the episode was pretty interesting.  If you use itunes I'll find out the exact episode for you.