Merry Christmas!

Hello everybody! Today I want to wish a Merry Christmas to you. I had lunch with my family and got many gifts (especially chocolate!). I found the site Islandcrisis with the top 35 top Merry Christmas wishes quotes and I decided to post here on my blog, and I also have collected the latest photos of my pine Christmas I and my mother made ​​in recent years!
Have a look...


Christmas is a time when you get homesick – even when you’re home. (Carol Nelson)

He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree. (Roy L. Smith)

Once again we find ourselves enmeshed in the Holiday Season, that very special time of year when we join with our loved ones in sharing centuries-old traditions such as trying to find a parking space at the mall. We traditionally do this in my family by driving around the parking lot until we see a shopper emerge from the mall, then we follow her, in very much the same spirit as the Three Wise Men, who 2,000 years ago followed a star, week after week, until it led them to a parking space. (Dave Barry)

The earth has grown old with its burden of care but at Christmas it always is young, The heart of the jewel burns lustrous and fair And its soul full of music breaks the air, When the song of angels is sung. (Phillips Brooks)

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. (Norman Vincent Peale)

Christmas Sun! What holy task is thine! To fold a world in the embrace of God! (Guy Wetmore Carryl)

Somehow, not only for Christmas, but all the long year through, the joy that you give to others, is the joy that comes back to you. And the more you spend in blessing, the poor and lonely and sad, the more of your heart’s possessing, returns to you glad. (John Greenleaf Whittier)

Christmas is the season when you buy this year’s gifts with next year’s money (Kurt Avish)

I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. (Charles Dickens)

Christmas is the gentlest, loveliest festival of the revolving year – and yet, for all that, when it speaks, its voice has strong authority. (W.J. Cameron)

Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childish days; that can recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth; that can transport the sailor and the traveler, thousands of miles away, back to his own fire-side and his quiet home! (Charles Dickens)

Instead of being a time of unusual behavior, Christmas is perhaps the only time in the year when people can obey their natural impulses and express their true sentiments without feeling self-conscious and, perhaps, foolish. Christmas, in short, is about the only chance a man has to be himself. (Francis C. Farley)

The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other. (Burton Hillis)

Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time. (Laura Ingalls Wilder)

May peace be your gift for this Christmas and the blessing of the Almighty be with you and the world to help us all make this world a better place. To make it a Christmas day everyday of the year. (Kurt Avish)

Christmas is forever, not for just one day, for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf. The good you do for others is good you do yourself. (Norman Wesley Brooks)

A Christmas candle is a lovely thing. It makes no noise at all. But softly gives itself away. (Eva Logue)

For the spirit of Christmas fulfils the greatest hunger of mankind. (Loring A. Schuler)

I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month. (Harlan Miller)

Sing hey! Sing hey! For Christmas Day; Twine mistletoe and holly. For a friendship glows In winter snows, And so let’s all be jolly! At Christmas play and make good cheer, For Christmas comes but once a year. (Thomas Tusser)

Christmas is for children. But it is for grown-ups too. Even if it is a headache, a chore, and nightmare, it is a period of necessary defrosting of chill and hide-bound hearts. (Lenora Mattingly Weber)

May the spirit of Christmas bring you peace, The gladness of Christmas give you hope, The warmth of Christmas grant you love. I heard the bells on Christmas Day Their old, familiar carols play, And wild and sweet The words repeat Of peace on earth, good-will to men! (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow)

I love the Christmas-tide, and yet, I notice this, each year I live; I always like the gifts I get, But how I love the gifts I give! (Carolyn Wells)

Tis blessed to bestow, and yet, Could we bestow the gifts we get, And keep the ones we give away, How happy were our Christmas day! (Carolyn Wells)

Except the Christ be born again tonight In dreams of all men, saints and sons of shame, The world will never see his kingdom bright. (Vachel Lindsay)

The earth has grown old with its burden of care, But at Christmas it always is young. (Phillips Brooks)

Let Christmas not become a thing Merely of merchant’s trafficking, Of tinsel, bell and holly wreath And surface pleasure, but beneath The childish glamour, let us find Nourishment for soul and mind. Let us follow kinder ways Through our teeming human maze, And help the age of peace to come From a Dreamer’s martyrdom. (Madeline Morse)

Christmas – that magic blanket that wraps itself about us, that something so intangible that it is like a fragrance. It may weave a spell of nostalgia. Christmas may be a day of feasting, or of prayer, but always it will be a day of remembrance – a day in which we think of everything we have ever loved. (Augusta E. Rundel)

Let us remember that the Christmas heart is a giving heart, a wide open heart that thinks of others first. The birth of the baby Jesus stands as the most significant event in all history, because it has meant the pouring into a sick world of the healing medicine of love which has transformed all manner of hearts for almost two thousand years. Underneath all the bulging bundles is this beating Christmas heart. (George Mathhew Adams)

The joy of brightening other lives, bearing each others’ burdens, easing other’s loads and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of Christmas. (W. C. Jones)

Christmas! The very word brings joy to our hearts. No matter how we may dread the rush, the long Christmas lists for gifts and cards to be bought and given–when Christmas Day comes there is still the same warm feeling we had as children, the same warmth that enfolds our hearts and our homes. (Joan Winmill Brown.)

Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall. (Larry Wilde, The Merry Book of Christmas)

Christmas Traditions Around the World

Christmas in Latin America known as Las Posadas, Navidad and Dia de los Tres Reyes. Throughout the season are a lot of bright flowers and brilliant nights. They celebrate with holiday foods, songs. Those songs and foods eaten are greatly influenced by the different indigenous people of the region but all share the strong Latin influence dating from the arrival of Roman Catholicism hundreds of year’s ago. Christmas is very much a religious holiday centered around the age-old story of the Nacimiento, Christ's Child.

In China, only about one percent of people are Christians, so most people only know a few things about Christmas. Because of this, Christmas is only often celebrated in the major cities. In these big cities there are Christmas Trees, lights and other decorat

ions on the streets and in department stores. Santa Claus is called 'Shen Dan Lao Ren' and has grottos in shops like is Europe and America. In Chinese Happy/Merry Christmas is 'Sheng Dan Kuai Le or 圣诞快乐' in Mandarin and 'Seng Dan Fai Lok or 聖誕快樂' in Cantonese.Happy/Merry Christmas in lots more languages. In China, Santa is known as 'Sheng dan lao ren' (Traditional: 聖誕老人, Simplified: 圣诞老人; means Old Christmas Man). One a few people have a Christmas Tree (or celebrate Christmas at all!). If people do have a tree it is normally a plastic one and might be decorated with paper chains, paper flowers, and paper lanterns (they might also call it a tree of light). The Christmas Trees that most people would see would be in shopping malls! Christmas isn't that widely celebrated in the rural areas of China, but it's becoming more well known. The strange thing is that most of the world's plastic Christmas Trees and Christmas decorations are made in China, but the people making them might not know what they are for. A tradition that's becoming popular, on Christmas Eve, is giving apples. Many stores have apples wrapped up in colored paper for sale. People give apples on Christmas Eve because in Chinese Christmas Eve is called 'Ping An Ye' (which means quiet or silent night) and the word for apple in Chinese is 'Ping Guo' which sounds similar. Some people go Carol singing, although not many people understand them or know about the Christmas Story. Jingle Bells is a popular Carol in China! People who are Christians in China go to special services. Going to Midnight Mass services has become very popular.

The popularity of the Nativity scene, one of the most beloved and enduring symbols of the holiday season, originated in Italy. St. Francis of Assisi asked a man named Giovanni Vellita of the village of Greccio to create a manger scene. St. Francis performed mass in front of this early Nativity scene, which inspired awe and devotion in all who saw it. The creation of the figures or pastori became an entire genre of folk art. In Rome, cannon are fired from Castel St. Angelo of Christmas Eve to announce the beginning of the holiday season. A 24-hour fast ends with an elaborate Christmas feast. Small presents are drawn from the Urn of Fate. The main exchange of gifts takes place on January 6, the feast of the Epiphany, the celebration in remembrance of the Magi's visit to the Christ Child. Children anxiously await a visit from La Befana who brings gifts for the good and punishment for the bad. According to legend, the three wise men stopped during their journey and asked an old woman for food and shelter. She refused them and they continued on their way. Within a few hours the woman had a change of heart but the Magi were long gone. La Befana, which means Epiphany, still wonders the earth searching for the Christ Child. She is depicted in various ways: as a fairy queen, a crone, or a witch. 

Source: Santas, Why Christmas, The north pole, We heart it

Christmas recipes and menus

Try something different for your Christmas cake with this rich fruit cake recipe topped with homemade pecan marzipan!

Ingredients

For the fruit cake: 80g/2¾oz golden syrup; 80g/2¾oz black treacle; 50g/1¾oz honey; 250g/9oz dark brown sugar; 200ml/7fl oz double cream; 15g/½oz (about 2 tbsp) mixed spice; 250g/9oz unsalted butter; 1 tsp orange extract; 1 tsp lemon extract; 6 medium free-range eggs; 350g/12oz currants; 350g/12oz raisins;  350g/12oz chopped pitted prunes; 350g/12oz glacé cherries or more dried fruit; 500g/1lb 2oz strong white flour; ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda; brandy, whisky or orange juice, for feeding the cake; 2 tbsp apricot jam, boiled and sieved.

 

For the pecan marzipan: 200g/7oz finely ground pecans, or half walnuts and half pecans; 100g/3½oz icing sugar; 125g4½oz soft brown sugar; 3 free-range egg yolks; 2 tsp liquid glucose; 1 tbsp honey; 1 tsp glycerine; 1-2 tsp ground cinnamon; 2 tsp vanilla extract.

For the brandy butter frosting: 300g/10½oz icing sugar; 50g/1¾oz butter; 25ml/1fl oz double cream; 25ml/1fl oz brandy.

You also can see the video!

Preparation method

Preheat the oven to 170C/335F/Gas 3 and line a 25cm/10in round, deep cake tin with non-stick paper.
Place the syrup, treacle, honey, sugar, cream and spices in a saucepan and bring to the boil. Pour the mixture into a large mixing bowl, add the butter in pieces and stir until melted, then add the orange and lemon extracts.
Beat in the eggs until smooth, then stir in the fruit. Mix the flour and soda together, then stir this through evenly.
Spoon into the tin and bake for about 2-2½ hours, or until a skewer inserted comes out clean. Leave to cool in the tin, then carefully remove from the tin.
When cold, spoon the top liberally with brandy, whisky or boiled orange juice, wrap well and leave in a cool, dark place for 3-4 days before icing.The cake will keep for up to 3 months and should be ‘fed’ (covered with brandy, whisky or boiled orange juice every 4-5 days).
For the pecan marzipan, combine the ground pecans and icing sugar in a bowl and mix together.

In a saucepan, whisk together the brown sugar, egg yolks, glucose, honey, glycerine, cinnamon and vanilla, then cook over a low heat whisking constantly until pale, light and piping hot.

Pour this over the pecan mixture and stir well to make a smooth paste. Leave to cool, then wrap in cling film.

To cover the cake in marzipan, first lightly knead the marzipan so it’s smooth then roll it out on a worktop dusted with icing sugar. Roll the marzipan into a disc about 1cm/½in thick and 1-2cm/½-1in wider than the diameter of your cake (check the marzipan isn’t sticking to the worktop by dusting underneath it again with icing sugar).

Brush the top of the cake with the sieved jam then leave a few minutes for it to set. Turn the cake upside down onto the marzipan and wiggle it gently so the top is stuck firmly.

Trim any excess marzipan leaving a 2cm/1in border. Using a knife, gently press up into the gap caused by the curve of the cake, then scrape it up smoothly so it is level with the side of the cake.

Carefully turn the cake the right way up and you should be left with a perfectly flat top surface and straight sides.

Wrap the cake in cling film and leave to dry in a cool, dark place for 4-5 days.

For the brandy butter icing, measure the icing sugar into a bowl, then melt the butter for a few seconds in the microwave or in a small pan over a low heat, taking care not to burn it.

Pour the melted butter with the cream and brandy into the sugar and mix until smooth.

Spread the icing onto the top of the cake and make small peaks using a knife. Set aside for a few hours, or until the icing has set.
Dust with icing sugar before serving.

Source: BBC

Chinese Proverbs connected to Business

Here are a few Chinese Proverbs that can be associated with business and mentoring:

A closed mind is like a closed book; just a block of wood.

A flower cannot blossom without sunshine nor a garden without love. 

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still.

Dig the well before you are thirsty.

He who asks is a fool for five minutes, but he who does not ask remains a fool forever.

If you want happiness for an hour -- take a nap. If you want happiness for a day -- go fishing. If you want happiness for a month -- get married. If you want happiness for a year -- inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime -- help someone else.

If you want one year of prosperity, grow grain. If you want ten years of prosperity, grow trees. If you want one hundred years of prosperity, grow people.

Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.

Learning is a weightless treasure you always carry easy.

One generation plants the trees, another gets the shade.

Teachers open the door but you must walk through it yourself.

Teaching others teaches yourself.

To know the road ahead, ask those coming back.

With time and patience, the mulberry leaf becomes a silk gown.

Source: Management Mentors

Business Etiquette: 5 Rules That Matter Now

The word may sound stodgy. But courtesy and manners are still essential--particularly in business. The word "etiquette" gets a bad rap. For one thing, it sounds stodgy and pretentious. And rules that are socially or morally prescribed seem intrusive to our sense of individuality and freedom.

So here are a few business etiquette rules that matter now—whatever you want to call them.

1. Send a Thank You Note

The art of the thank you note should never die. If you have a job interview, or if you're visiting clients or meeting new business partners—especially if you want the job, or the contract or deal—take the time to write a note. You'll differentiate yourself by doing so and it will reflect well on your company too.

2. Know the Names

It's just as important to know your peers or employees as it is to develop relationships with clients, vendors or management. Reach out to people in your company, regardless of their roles, and acknowledge what they do.

3. Observe the 'Elevator Rule'

Don't discuss your impressions of the meeting with your colleagues until the elevator has reached the bottom floor and you're walking out of the building. That's true even if you're the only ones in the elevator.

4. Focus on the Face, Not the Screen

When you're in a meeting or listening to someone speak, turn off the phone. Don't check your email. Pay attention and be present.

5. Don't Judge

We all have our vices—and we all have room for improvement. One of the most important parts of modern-day etiquette is not to criticize others.

So before you create that hashtag, post on someone's Facebook page or text someone mid-meeting, remember the fundamentals: Will this make someone feel good? And remember the elemental act of putting pen to paper and writing a note. You'll make a lasting impression that a shout-out on Twitter or a Facebook wall mention can't even touch.

Source: INC

Beautiful, amazing and thrilling!

You have to see to feel! It's an incredible story of a premature baby. Congratulations to the hardworking and hopeful mother, because it has been very difficult for her. And congratulations to medical staff, who make life every day more possible!

Telefónica

Telefónica es una empresa española operadora de servicios de telecomunicaciones (telefonía fija, telefonía móvil, ADSL, FTTH, etc.) multinacional con sede central en Madrid, España, y al mes de julio de 2010 es la quinta compañía de telecomunicaciones en tamaño e importancia en el mundo.

Su principal mercado está en España - donde se encuentra la sede corporativa y los mercados estratégicos para el grupo son: Brasil, Perú, Argentina, Venezuela, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, México, Guatemala, Nicaragua. Sus nuevos mercados estratégicos son:  Alemania, Eslovaquia, República Checa, Reino Unido e Irlanda.

“En Telefónica concebimos las Green TIC como un conjunto de procesos y actividades que nos permiten generar valor a la compañía y a nuestros clientes y contribuir a fomentar una economía baja en carbono a través de las Tecnologías de la Información y las Comunicaciones.”

La sede en Madrid

Telefónica esta en el TOP 5 del Carbon Disclosure Project: Telefónica y se mantiene por cuarto año consecutivo entre las empresas de telecomunicaciones líderes del Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). “Durante el pasado ejercicio logramos evitar emisiones de CO2 por valor de 310.000 toneladas equivalentes gracias a la generación y compra de energía renovable, y nuestras emisiones totales se mantuvieron prácticamente estables, en cerca de 1,75 millones de toneladas. Asimismo, hemos conseguido una reducción de casi un 20% del consumo energético en redes, lo que significa que estamos a falta de un tercio de cumplir nuestro compromiso para el año 2015: disminución de un 30%, en relación a 2007, medido en kWh/acceso equivalente.”

Fuente: Telefonica

Este es el periódico que yo hice!

Reflita!

Se eu soubesse que o mundo acabaria amanhã, eu ainda hoje plantaria uma árvore. 

Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.

Si supiera que el mundo se acaba mañana, yo, hoy todavia, plantaría un árbol.

(Martín Luther King)

Socializing game

Is this your first time here? - No, I was here last year.

What would you like to drink? - I would like to drink  juice!

How did you arrive here today? - Fine. There was no traffic on the roads.

When did you join your company? - I joined my company this year.

Can I get you something? - Yes, please. I'll have a coffee.

What’s your name? - My name’s Rudolf.

Can I join you? - Yes, sure. Take a seat.

I hear  KSP is the biggest company of the city. Is it true? - Yes, it’s a great company.

Well, I have to go now! - Nice talking to you.

When did you start your job? - I started my job in June, 2013.

What do you think about this movie? - It’s very interesting.

Would you like a coffee? - No, thanks. I’m fine.

Did you see the time? We have to go! - Please excuse me.

Would you like a side dish with that? - No thanks, I’m fine.

Could I pay the bill? - Certainly. It’s $25, please.

Are you ready to order? - Yes, of course.

How is the taste of fish? - Delicious! Thank you.

Where did you go on holiday last year? - I went to the beach.

How was your room? - My room was a bit small, but it was very comfortable.

When did you last travel by plane? - My last trip  by plane was last year.

Would you like a dessert? - Yes, please.

How did you become a secretary? - I studied a lot!

Do you go here every year? - No, not every year, but I was here last year.

Would you like to order first? - Yes, of course.

Can I help you? - Yes, please. I have a lot of bags.

True!

Business Communication‏

Who said?

1. I have an appointment with Olivia Gonzalez - Visitor

2. Can you sign here, please? - Receptionist

3. This is your visitor's pass - Receptionist

4. Please take a seat - Receptionist

5. Ms Gonzalez will be right down - Receptionist

6. Nice to see you again – Host or Visitor

7. Did you find us OK? - Visitor

8. Would you like a coffee? – Host or Receptionist

9. Let me show you round - Host

10. Let me introduce you to Diego - Host

Camila: Good morning. I have an appointment with Tonny Lewis.

Recepcionist: What’s your name?

Camila: My name is Camila.

Recepcionist: Ok! Can you sign here, please?

Camila: Yes!

Recepcionist: Thanks. This is your visitor’s pass. Please, take a seat, I will call Mr. Lews.

Camila: That’s right.

Lewis: Good morning Camila, nice to meet you again.

Camila: Good morning! Nice to meet you again too Mr. Lewis.

Lewis: Did you find us OK?

Camila: Yes. The location is easy to find.

Lewis: That’s great! Would you like a coffee?

Camila: No, thanks. I can’t drink milk, so, I rarely drink coffee.

Lewis: Oh, ok! Let me show you round.

Camila: Yes, let’s go!

Lewis: Well… There are three of my employees. They work with finances. And this is my secretary. Let me introduce you to her.

Secretary: Good morning Mr. Lewis!

Lewis: Good morning Blair, this is my visitor Camila. Camila, this is my secretary Blair.

Secretary: Nice to meet you Camila.

Camila: Nice to meet you too Blair.

Secretary: Are you enjoying to visit the company?

Camila: Yes, I am.

Lewis: So, let’s see the other things.

Camila: Mr. Lewis, does your company sell abroad?

Lewis: Yes, we do. And we want to buy things abroad too, but it will be in the future.

Camila: Where do you  sell your products?

Lewis: Portugal, France, England, Spain and Italy.

Camila: It’s a lot of countries! What do you sell?

Lewis: We sell mechanical products like rollers and screwdrivers.

Camila: And what will you buy outside?

Lewis: Feedstock. We are searching for  the best price.

Camila: Good luck!

Lewis: Thanks! So, this is the Administration and on the left  it is the HR.

Camila: It must be a good place to work.

Lewis: Yes, it is. And that’s the production. We have a lot of employees.

Camila: How many?

Lewis: Two hundred and four.

Camila: Uau… Production is really important.

Lewis: Yes! I think  it is …

Camila: Thanks to show me your company. It’s really a good place to work. Success!

Lewis: Thank you for your attention! 

Five recipes

Pão de queijo

- Hello! I’m a British student and I don’t know to speak Portuguese very well. Can you help me to understand the menu?

- Yes, of course! What’s your name?

- I’m sorry. My name is Joe.

- Nice to meet you, Joe. My name is Camila.

- Nice to meet you too!

- Well… Are you hungry?

- Not so much. I want something small.

- So, I think you will like pão de queijo.

- What’s this?

- This is a small round savoury made from tapioca flour, vegetable oil and cheese, baked in the oven.

- Hm… I want to try  it! What else?

- Here in Brazil we eat a lot of fried food, like empadinha and coxinha.

- I like fried food! I want to try  it, but, tell me more about this food…

Fried food: coxinha and empadinha

- Empadinha is a small savoury tan, made with butter pastry and various fillings, such as palm heart, chicken and shrimp. And coxinha is deep fried dough in the shape of a chicken drumstick, made from wheat flour, butter and eggs, with shredded chicken filling.

- Can I eat them all?

- I don’t know. You can see this and after you will think what’s better!

- Good idea! But I want to eat something for dessert…

- You can eat suspiro. I love suspiro! It is a sweet made from egg white and sugar. Or you can eat rapadura,  a sweet made of sugar cane, typical in Northeast of Brazil!

- Omg, I want to eat everything! Thanks for your help!

- You’re welcome. I hope you love Brazilian food! 

- I know I will love! 

Suspiro