NEW YEAR'S EVE

Between news about the latest gadgets and tech, Gizmodo is known for hosting some really creative shooting challenges for amateur and professional photographers alike. As seasons and trends change, so do the challenges. Since New Year’s Eve is a celebration of light in places all around the world, it only seemed natural that editors would issue forth a challenge to photographers who happen to be celebrating. The challenge, fittingly enough, involved a technique that became pretty popular during 2011. Photographers were challenged to capture the evening using the long exposure method, for 15 seconds to 30 minutes.

Dazzling dress, sparkling stilettos, classic clutch; your New Year’s Eve outfit is the perfect opportunity to show off that body you’ve been working on all year! On the other hand, you may not be quite ready to commit to that inevitable “get fit” resolution until the New Year is official. Regardless, it’s time to flaunt your best assets. Here are some tips, tricks, and product suggestions to make sure your perfect look is just that.

Going sleeveless is a fabulous way to show off great, toned arms. A dress with straps that curve slightly inward will accentuate and reveal more shoulder. If you’re loving the one-shoulder look, seek out one that falls just below the shoulder blades to reveal that most definition of your upper back.

Don't settle for average when your New Year's can be stupendous. If you missed round 1 of our NYE round up, don't worry, you can check it out here. But we've got even more great party plans to share with you! For a more laid back New Year's check out the enticing specials below, including New Year's Day brunch. What could be better?

Sushisamba is throwing a carnival style Brazilian NYE Révellion, complete with DJs, samba dancers, drummers, and fantastic food and drinks. Join the premier seating from 6-10pm or the celebration seating from 10pm-close, with a $30 surcharge. Planning on throwing your own bash? Have specialty samba rolls and sushi platters delivered to your party! Order at least 48 hours in advance from Sushisamba Park.

Miami Beach + some of the biggest names in music. It doesn't get much better than the Orange Drive Music Festival happening Friday December 30th - Sunday January 1st. Ocean Drive between 7th and 9th will be packed with people and entertainment celebrating both the New Year and the Orange Bowl.

Here's the full schedule:

December 30 - 7:00pm
- Boys II Men
- Pete Wentz and The Black Cards
- Gym Class Heroes

December 31 - 9:00pm
- DJ Irie
- Jason Derulo
- Ne-Yo
- Jermaine Dupri (DJ Set)

Although it's not yet December 31st, the countdown has already begun. The days are rapidly disappearing as you try to decide what to wear, where to go and who to celebrate with. We can't pick your clothes or your friends, but we can tell you where the hottest parties will be happening in Miami this New Year's Eve. (Click on venue name for more info and to reserve tickets + tables.)

Fontainebleau 4441 Collins Ave
Miami Beach, FL 33140-3227 The Fontainebleau is one of the most posh and popular party spots in Miami so naturally have booked some top talent for their NYE poolside bash. Swedish DJ Axwell, part of the Swedish House Mafia, will deliver an unforgettable, exclusive mix of house, electro and club music to welcome the New Year. The party lasts from 7PM to 2AM with premium open bar from 9-12. Tickets: general admission starts at $325 with private cabanas and stage-side tables costing five figures. Or, take the party inside to Fontainebleau's ulta-club LIV where Busta Rhymes and Sebastian Ingrosso will be helping you celebrate the new year. This is one of the most expensive and exclusive parties in Miami with general admission starting at $575 which includes admission and premium open bar from 9PM - midnight (the price drops to $375 after 1AM). There are tons of tables available both downstairs and on the mezzanine where you'll pop bottles of Belvedere and Dom Perignon for prices between 8 and 20 grand. The party will last until after the sun comes up again at 7AM. Tickets and tables can be booked here.

New York Cruise Lines is offering a night to remember aboard Duchess World Yacht to ring in 2012. Enjoy spectacular views of the city and Statue of Liberty, a premium open bar, DJ, dancing, party favors, and a champagne toast at midnight. There will be a five course dinner, as well. $350 tickets can be purchased here now.

Lounge out at The Carnegie Club with sophistication for NYE with a cocktail and cigar in your hand. Listen to the Stan Rubin II Piece Orchestra and Steve Maglio playing Sinatra from 10pm to1am. There is a premium open bar, champagne toast, desserts, and party favors, all for $225.

It’s never too early to start planning your New Years Eve celebration. Sure, you’re probably thinking “God, let me get through Christmas/Hannukkah first!” But with only less than a month to go, NYE will be here sooner than you think. Not sure what to do? Here at Joonbug, we say there’s no better way to end the year on a good note than with an extraordinary meal. It’s been a tough year, so relax and leave the research to us. Here’s our guide to a few restaurants that have already planned a festive night of food and drinks. The work is already done, all you have to do is show up. Oh, and pay, of course.

Here we are, in the midst of the holiday season and its multitude of glamorous parties, begging our skin to be on its best behavior against the harsh winter weather! It's difficult to confidently choose the right products for you skin, especially when quality products are often an investment. In order to take care of your skin effectively and not add to the trouble, you must consider the facts about what is good for your skin type! Knowing your own skin type is extremely important because different types react differently to products. We wish it were easy to give you one magical lotion or face wash that works for everyone, but we cannot and neither can Sephora. Not to worry, we have some bad behavior, complexion killer solutions to help you "save face" this holiday season!

My poor girlfriend. She’s an only child. Her Thanksgiving dinners consisted of 3 people at a table. She’s not ready for this.

Oh, well. The walk in the park had to end sometime.

In T-minus two weeks, my sweet, loving girlfriend will innocently wander into the lion’s den: the writhing, carnivorous mass of 45 people called the Mielke family. Parents, siblings, 13 aunts and uncles, 15 cousins. If you count all the second cousins, there will be 5 sets of twins at our Christmas party.

RedRush Entertainment, Zackary Dugow, and Mark Watson are hosting three exclusive, open-bar New Year’s Eve parties. All parties include a premium open bar from 9pm-2am, passed hors d'oeurvres from 9pm-12am, a champagne toast, and select world renowned DJs.