Cheapest weekends to travel in 2012

It’s simple economics: If you want to get low prices, buy stuff when nobody else is. That includes air conditioners in the dead of winter, but it also extends to travel. While airfare can always be expected to spike during high-traffic periods like spring break and Christmas, there are much cheaper fares to be had if you avoid warm-weather months and popular vacation periods.

To find out the best weekends for cheap airfare, we spoke to George Hobica of AirfareWatchdog, which tracks airfares throughout the year. Based on historical data, he was able to identify the weekends of 2012 that can be expected to have the lowest airfare.

How to treat adult acne

How to treat adult acne

Acne 101

Disappointed you didn’t leave blemishes behind in high school — along with math exams and spin the bottle? You’re not alone. In a recent U.K.-based study of nearly 800 people over 24, more than 50 percent of adult women had breakouts. So what’s different about adult acne? For one thing, it tends to pop up primarily along your chin and jaw area instead of in the teenage T-zone. And as women age, blemishes almost always appear before or during the menstrual cycle. Acne is also common during pregnancy and menopause. “It’s a very hormonal form of acne that is often indirectly linked to increased levels of the stress-related hormone cortisol,” says dermatologist Sandy Skotnicki in Toronto. If you already have acne, stress may make it worse. For some, it’s the fluctuation of testosterone and estrogen that can lead to breakouts.

Costa Cruises offers compensation to rescued passengers

ROME (Reuters) - Costa Cruises has offered 11,000 euros ($14,500) in compensation to each of the more than 3,000 passengers aboard its liner that ran aground and capsized two weeks ago, Italian consumer groups said on Friday.

The offer is an attempt by Costa Cruises to limit the legal fallout of the accident off the coast of Italy.

Each passenger on the Costa Concordia will also receive a refund on the cruise and the costs of their return home. The offer applies to all passengers, whether child or adult, who suffered no physical injuries.

NASA shares highest resolution of Earth ever taken

NASA updates the view of our home planet with their latest 'Blue Marble' photo every few years. These high-resolution images show incredibly detailed views of Earth, as taken by a satellite. Here's the latest taken by NASA's Suomi NPP.

Madonna’s Big Tulle Raises Eyebrows At ‘W.E.’ Premiere

While the fall 2011 Marchesa gown itself is nonetheless gorgeous (despite comparisons to a goth figure skating outfit), the way Madonna was styled did not make the gown really sizzle. The chunky bangles and huge diamond "W" and "E" letter rings drew away from the delicateness of the gown and the black lace slip underneath the sheer white fabric—which made an unfortunate gray color—washed the gown's inherent boldness out. The superstar may have fared better with a nude slip—she is Madonna after all!

Natural Makeup Tips

Natural Makeup

There are so many different professional models that are often said to have the natural look. This means that they are appearing to have little or no makeup on in order to define the everyday look of that intended audience.  It is no secret that these models are working with make up artists behind the scenes and are done up to look as thought they are perfect even when they get out of bed in the morning.  To get this same look, we purchase makeup and many times these “natural” girls were advertising them. In the fashion world, the word natural also means something else.  It is a word that we associate with fresh, safe and organic types of items.  This is what everyone wants in today’s world because we are trying to focus on the environment and many make up companies have lines that include natural products.

Seal: Why I'm Still Wearing My Wedding Ring

Seal: Why I'm Still Wearing My Wedding Ring

Some stars clam up after announcing a high-profile split. Not Seal.

On Tuesday, the 48-year-old singer appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, where he continued to open about up about his recent separation from wife Heidi Klum, 38. (Seal first addressed their split during an interview with PBS talk show host Tavis Smiley.)

2012 Oscar Nominees List

Best Picture

  • The Artist
  • The Descendants
  • Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
  • The Help
  • Hugo
  • Midnight in Paris
  • Moneyball
  • The Tree of Life
  • War Horse

Best Supporting Actor

  • Kenneth Branagh, My Week with Marilyn
  • Jonah Hill, Moneyball
  • Nick Nolte, Warrior
  • Christopher Plummer, Beginners
  • Max Von Sydow, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

Is Lazaridis/Balsillie exit enough to save RIM?

The resignation of RIM's CEOs is intended to send a signal to investors that the company — finally — is serious about changing course. Is it enough?

The announcement by Research In Motion's Jim Balsillie and Mike Lazaridis that they are stepping down as co-CEOs and co-chairmen is intended to send a signal to investors that the company — finally — is deadly serious about changing course. Choosing an insider to replace them as CEO, however, dampens the message significantly and suggests RIM isn't fully ready to embrace radical change.

After months of speculation, investor-led pressure and controversy, the embattled chiefs announced the immediate appointment of Thorsten Heins as President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Heins, who joined RIM in 2007, was most recently the company's Chief Operating Officer and came to Waterloo from Siemens, where he had been communications division CTO.

Rachel McAdams Dazzles at ‘The Vow’ Premiere

Rachel McAdams

Rachel McAdams (Photo: Hannes Magerstaedt/Getty Images)

Stop the presses! Rachel McAdams attended the German premiere of "The Vow" in a stunning dress that sent hearts racing and the Web buzzing.

McAdams, who is known for mixing retro and glamour with grace, rocked the red carpet in a tea-length off-the-shoulder gown. McAdams paired the black lace dress from Collette Dinnigan with black heels from Christian Louboutin (who else?) and a cinched belt.

Get the latest fashion news from Yahoo! Shine.

Fans clearly know a stunning look when they see it. Backers took to Twitter to voice their approval. Comments ranged from "Rachel McAdams looks impeccable in feminine dress" to "Radiant on the Red Carpet: Stunning Rachel McAdams made a dramatic entrance" to "Love the Look: Rachel McAdams Is Luscious In Lace."

6 Ways to Save $250 on Groceries This Month

6 Ways to Save $250 on Groceries This Month

6 Ways to Save $250 on Groceries This Month

A few months ago, my wife and I noticed an interesting phenomenon: Our grocery bill, which used to be so consistent, had started to slowly, steadily creep up week by week. At first we assumed that rising prices were to blame-after all, the economy is in the gutter right now-but a quick double-checking of some of our staple purchases proved this wasn't the case. No, it turned out that our grocery costs were higher simply because we had stopped focusing on our core money-saving strategies.

The 5 Best Foods for Flat Abs

Greek yogurt

Greek yogurt

They say that abs are made in the kitchen. If you're working hard toward a six-pack, why not start stocking up on these foods today?

1. Plain or Greek yogurt: We all know that yogurt is good for us, but did you know it's also good for maintaining your flat abs? For a nice mid-section, nutritionist and owner of Essential Nutrition For You Rania Batayneh says to reach for the kind that's plain flavored or Greek. "The probiotic bacteria in most yogurts help keep your digestive system healthy, which translates into a lower incidence of gas, bloating, and constipation, which can keep your tummy looking flat."

5 online security don'ts for your protection

Avoid scammers by adding protection

When it comes to protecting their finances from cybercriminals, most consumers have heard the online security basics before: Avoid entering financial information at a public computer, and don't repeat passwords across multiple sites.

'Artist,' 'Descendants' score top Globe wins; Clooney, Streep earn acting honours

Jean Dujardin and his wife, Alexandra Lamy arrive at the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. - The black-and-white silent film "The Artist" led the Golden Globes with three wins Sunday at a show that spread Hollywood's love around among a broad range of films, including best drama recipient "The Descendants" and its star, George Clooney.

Wins for "The Artist" included best musical or comedy and best actor in a musical or comedy for Jean Dujardin.

Philips HP6576/50 Satin Perfect Deluxe Epilator

Benefits Of The Philips HP6576/50  Satin Perfect Deluxe Epilator

 

One thing about epilators is that they do hurt. There’s no epilator that’s going to stop that fact. The good thing about this Philips epilator, however, is the fact that it comes with an epilator head and a shaver head. This means that it can be used as a high quality shaver when needed, and an epilator when needed.

World's Friendliest Countries

Living abroad doesn’t have to lead to homesickness. That’s especially true for people who have relocated to New Zealand, Australia or South Africa.

These are the three nations where it’s easiest to befriend locals, learn the local language, integrate into the community and fit into the new culture, according to the results of HSBC’s Expat Explorer Survey, released last month.

Overbuilt condo markets in Vancouver and Toronto at risk, bank presidents say

TORONTO - The robust Canadian housing sector, especially the booming condo markets in Vancouver and Toronto, could be at risk in 2012, say the heads of some of Canada's biggest banks.

Gordon Nixon, president and CEO at Royal Bank (TSX:RY.TO - News), told a banking conference Tuesday that the Canadian housing market could be headed for a slowdown, led by Vancouver and Toronto.

"When you look at markets like Vancouver and Toronto there is a level of caution from a risk perspective that is higher today than it would have been a couple of years ago," he said.

"When you look at the condo side there is probably vulnerability ... it is the area which is most vulnerable with respect to Canadian housing."

Bank of Montreal president CEO Bill Downe agreed there is a risk of a downturn in the housing market, saying the best hope is for a soft landing.

Watch a teenage Kelly Ripa slow dance on ‘Dancin’ on Air’ in the 1980s

Marc Stamas/Getty Images

She may be known for shaking her stuff to the Chicken Noodle Soup these days, but as a teenager, Kelly Ripa was all about slow dancing.

In a vintage video found by the Huffington Post, a pre-"All My Children" Ripa appears on "Dancin' on Air," swaying to Corey Hart's "By Your Side." The teen dancer can be seen staring lovingly at her partner, Mike, while sporting a cheerleading outfit and some serious '80s hair, complete with grown-out perm, and blown-back bangs.

'Devil Inside' lifts Hollywood spirits with $34.5M; surprise horror hit raises 2012 hopes

In this film image released by Paramount Pictures, Suzan Crowley plays Maria, left, and Fernanda Andrade plays Isabella Rossi in a scene from "The Devil Inside." (AP Photo/Paramount Pictures)

LOS ANGELES, Calif. - The fright film "The Devil Inside" scared up a monstrous $34.5 million opening weekend to help Hollywood exorcise its recent box-office demons, according to studio estimates Sunday.

The surprise hit from Paramount Pictures debuted well above industry expectations as horror fans crowded theatres for the low-budget tale about exorcists trying to free a woman possessed by evil spirits.

New Year, New Predictions: 2012 Horoscopes

(Thinkstock)

Happy New Year! Curious about what to expect this year? Astrologers have their predictions ready.

Read below for sign-specific predictions for 2012:

Aries

Astrologer Nadiya Shah tells Aries to anticipate significant career changes (paired with “greater financial opportunities”) and a turn for the better relationship-wise in the fall. This year, “you are moving towards a greater truth about yourself and a more genuine life,” Shah writes on her website.

Milk futures: Better than gold

The commodity which enjoyed the biggest gain in price last year can be answered with a simple question: Got milk?

That's because milk, not gold, oil, or any of the more popular futures contracts, enjoyed about a 35.7% rise in price in 2011 to close at 18.77 cents per pound.

That compares to an 11.7% rise in the price of gold and a 10% rise in crude oil prices. It also blows away the more modest gains of the higher profile food futures, like pork bellies, corn and coffee.

Hasbro Toys sues Asus over ‘Transformer Prime’

You can almost hear the brass at Hasbro screaming "OPTIMUS" in their best Shia LaBeouf impersonation.

The popular toy company has filed a lawsuit against Asus, the consumer electronics product manufacturer, over the use of the name 'Transformer Prime.'

Hasbro recently filed the suit in Los Angeles, arguing that the name of the latest Asus tablet is a little too close to the toy-maker's Transformers brand. Seeking damages and a temporary injunction, Hasbro cites its "willingness to aggressively protect its brands and protect it from companies who 'misappropriate' its intellectual property," according to Geek.com.

Buy Coffee Maker

Why to Buy Coffee Maker

Buy or not to buy coffee maker? There's no doubt that a coffee maker creates a stylish kitchen. For most people, it feels like the kitchen isn't complete without a coffee maker gracing the counter top. Across the world, drinking coffee is seen as relaxing, enjoyable and the perfect way to socialize with friends and family. Since coffee makers are used on a daily basis, they are almost always kept on the counter top, within easy reach, and for all to see. With an array of programmable features, LED lighting and sophisticated carafes, it's easy to find a coffee maker that fits the design and style of your kitchen.

6 Causes of weight gain you can't control

If your scale doesn't reflect your healthiest lifestyle efforts, there could be a hidden reason you're gaining. Read on to see if the culprit of your unnecessary pounds is hidden in your health report.

The frustration of seeing extra pounds on the scale-or of a too-tight waistband that you know used to fit-is understandable. But did you know that anything from a hormonal imbalance to vitamin deficiencies to the prescription meds you take can hold clues to what's making you fat?

'The craziest thing I did to save money'

Creative and crazy ways to save money

The-craziest-thing-I-did-to-save-money-1-intro-lg

Trying to save money can be boring. Then again, some consumers find strange but creative ways to stretch their dollar.

Bankrate asked its readers to tell us the most unusual methods they used to save a buck or two. What follows are the six craziest and most creative ways we found to save money.