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 .