By Cecilia Carapella

The Burj Khalifa is a mega tall skyscraper in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and it is the tallest structure in the world, standing at 829.8 m( 2,722 ft).

Construction of the Burj Khalifa began in 2004, with the exterior completed 5 years later in 2009. The structure is made up of reinforced concrete. The building was completed and finally opened in 2010. The decision to build the building is reportedly based on the government ' s decision to diversify from an oil-based economy, and for Dubai to gain international recognition. The building was named in honor of the ruler of Abu Dhabi and president of the United Arab Emirates, Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The building has broken many height records, including its designation as the tallest tower in the world.

Burj Khalifa was designed by Adrian Smith, then of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, whose firm designed the Willis Tower and One World Trade Center. The Y-shaped plan is designed for residential and hotel usage. It contains a total of 57 elevators and 8 escalators.

Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the fourth-wealthiest monarch in the world.

By Cecilia Carapella

If you hike deep into the rocky countryside northwest of Cuzco, Peru, you will see Machu Picchu. The Inca made this civilization, which was later wiped out by the Spanish invaders. For hundreds of years, until the American archaeologist Hiram Bingham stumbled upon it in 1911, the abandoned citadel’ s existence was a secret known only to peasants living in the region. The site stretches over an impressive 5-mile distance, featuring more than 3,000 stone steps that link its many different levels. Many archaeologists now believe that Machu Picchu served as a royal estate for Inca emperors and nobles. Others have theorized that it was a religious site, pointing to its proximity to mountains and other geographical features that the Incas held sacred.

By Cecilia Carapella

This mason jars DIY is a great gift for any holiday and the recipe can be switched to make different types of desserts, such as brownies, hot cocoa, and more. I hope you enjoy making this DIY, just as much as the receivers will enjoy receiving it!!

Recipe to attach: COMBINE flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Place flour mixture in 1-quart jar. Layer remaining ingredients in order listed above, pressing firmly after each layer. Seal with lid and decorate with fabric and ribbon.

PREHEAT oven to 375 F. Beat 3 / 4 cup( 1 1 / 2 sticks) softened butter or margarine, 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until blended. Add cookie mix and 1 / 2 cup Pecans( optional); mix well, breaking up any clumps. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. Makes about 2 dozen cookies.