Happy New Year 2012 Pictures: Sydney Fireworks, Beijing, and More

Fireworks light up the skyline over Sydney Harbour during the 9pm family fireworks session as Sydney Celebrates New Year's Eve with the theme of 'Time To Dream' on December 31, 2011 in Sydney, Australia. (Getty Images)more pics »  
Happy New Year 2012 in Beijing (Getty Images) While folks in the US have as many as 12 hours before the end of 2011, many countries across the world have already welcomed the new year. And, slowly but surely the first photography of New Year 2012 celebrations are trickling in.

We've received images from Beijing and Sydney already, and both cities were lit up with people and events. In China, Temple of Heaven Park (The Qi Nian Temple) was filled with people and the building were all decorated lavishly to mark the beginning of the new year.

Sydney came to life with a massive fireworks display skyline over famed harbor. It was quite a sight! Celebrations in more cities and countries are underway now, and in 9 hours the famed ball will drop in Times Square! The celebs are already gearing up for that big event, and we imagine NYC is already filled with bundled up party-goers!

Check out more awesome Happy New Year 2012 pics here;

Chinese people celebrate the New Year at the Temple of Heaven Park (The Qi Nian Temple) on December 31, 2011 in Beijing, China. The new year, 2012 begins at midnight. (Getty Images)more pics »
The Circular Mound is illuminated as Beijing celebrates the New Year's Eve at the Temple of Heaven Park on December 31, 2011 in Beijing, China. The new year, 2012 begins at midnight. (Getty Images)more pics »
Fireworks light up the skyline over Sydney Harbour during the midnight fireworks session as Sydney Celebrates New Year's Eve with the theme of 'Time To Dream' on on January 1, 2012 in Sydney, Australia. (Getty Images)more pics »
Fireworks light up the skyline over Sydney Harbour during the midnight fireworks session as Sydney Celebrates New Year's Eve with the theme of 'Time To Dream' on on January 1, 2012 in Sydney, Australia. (Getty Images)more pics »

Fireworks light up the skyline over Sydney Harbour during the midnight fireworks session as Sydney Celebrates New Year's Eve with the theme of 'Time To Dream' on January 1, 2012 in Sydney, Australia. (Getty Images)more pics »
(CHINA OUT) Lights are decorated for greeting the upcoming New Year 2012 at the Bund on December 30, 2011 in Shanghai, China. (Getty Images)more pics »
(CHINA OUT) Lights are decorated as shape of "2012" for greeting the upcoming New Year 2012 on December 30, 2011 in Huaian, Jiangsu Province of China. (Getty Images)more pics »
(CHINA OUT) Lights are decorated for greeting the upcoming New Year 2012 at the temple of heaven park on December 30, 2011 in Beijing, China. (Getty Images)more pics »

A general view of Sydney Harbour after the midnight fireworks session as Sydney Celebrates New Year's Eve with the theme of 'Time To Dream' on January 1, 2012 in Sydney, Australia.

source: zimbio.com

Advice for Kids in Love

By Juliet Myfanwy Johnson, eHow Contributor

There's nothing quite so dramatic as first love. It can be overwhelming, amazing, and crushing when it doesn't work out. Figuring out how to give decent advice to young people in the midst of this crazy love can be daunting as a parent. Any parent who's gone through adolescence with an open (and occasionally bruised) heart may remember several of these gentle reminders to help guide the kids through this heady experience.

How to Live Thrifty

Save Money and Live Thrifty

In times of economic downturn, many people start to look for ways to reduce their household budget and save extra cash. Living a thrifty lifestyle does not have to mean doing without. Making small changes will allow you to save money and still enjoy your favorite treats and activities. Being frugal can help you save for retirement, pay off your credit cards faster or even just save money for a dream vacation. To live in a thrifty way, you need to pay attention to your day-to-day expenses.

Instructions

1. • 1
     Track your spending for at least 2 weeks. You won't really know how to live a thriftier lifestyle until you know where your money is currently going. Write down every time you spend money and take a look at it at the end of the month. You will see obvious ways to reduce the small daily expenses that many of us accrue.
   
   
   • 2
     Scour the Internet when you have to make purchases. Because of the easy access to information, you can compare prices from more stores in less time. Check your local stores as well as online providers to find the best price.
   
   
   • 3
     Turn off the lights and other electronics in your home when you are not using them. Open a window and let in the natural light instead. Leaving electronics on can use a tremendous amount of extra energy, costing you money. Also, unplug chargers when you are not using them. Your cell phone charger is still using a residual amount of electricity when it is plugged into the wall.
   
   
   • 4
     Cut back on your cable. You probably don't really need 500 channels. Reduce your cable package or eliminate it altogether and save a large chunk of money every year. If you decide you really can't live without it, call your cable company and see if there are any promotions or discounts available to you.
   
   
   • 5
     Use coupons when you do your regular grocery shopping. Many websites offer free printable coupons you can take with you to the grocery store. Check sites like BettyCrocker.com for coupons of a variety of name brand products (see link in Resources). Combining manufacturer's coupons with store discounts can lead to major grocery savings.
   
   
   • 6
     Eat at home most nights. When you do go out, look for available deals and discounts. If you are a frequent restaurant diner, consider purchasing an Entertainment Book for local restaurants (see link in Resources). These collections of coupons typically cost around $30, but provide 2-for-1 deals at local restaurants and places of interest.

     (W. F.Net)