DID YOU KNOW ...? (60)

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 The first sewing needles in history were made using bone and wood. The first eyed needles appeared in the 15th century.

VINEGAR FOR FROST-FREE CAR WINDOWS

Here in Australia, we are far from having frosty nights. In fact, we are currently rather worried about keeping ourselves safe from fire dangers due to the extreme and continuous heat in most parts of the country. However, I know my readers are not only from Australia and also, this is a tip that needs to be noted for the days when it will become handy even if it is not now.

If you would like to prevent your car windows from frosting, coat them with a vinegar solution overnight (3 parts white distilled vinegar to 1 part water).

Have a safe day!

DID YOU KNOW ...? (59)

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Blue whales are the largest living creatures on Earth, reaching up to 33m they can weigh up to 200t and their tongues can be as heavy as an elephant. The cry of the blue whale is louder than a jet plane and can be heard for hundreds of miles.

RECIPE: Red Lentil Koftas

Red lentil koftas

Whether you are a vegetarian, vegan or an omnivore, this easy to make, healthy and filling recipe is something that you will enjoy and benefit from. It makes a great high protein and fiber dish for your family, or for your guests. It can stay in the fridge for a few days after you make it which makes it even more desirable especially if a busy day is ahead of you or you are a person who would like to get organised  in advance when hosting. 

Ingredients:

Red lentils

 Red lentil (3 cups)

Fine bulghur/cracked wheat (2 cups)

4 cups of cold water

Some oil (2-3 tablespoonsful) 

Tomato paste (2 tablespoonsful)

Lemon (to taste) (1 medium to large sized lemon would do well)

Parsley (about a small bunch)

Spring onion (approximately a small handful)

Salt to taste (2-3 teaspoonsful)

Chilli flakes/hot chilli powder (optional) 

Washed and drained fine cracked wheat/bulghur

Method:

Wash and drain lentils and put in a pot with 4 cups of cold water. Let the lentil boil well and when the water is mostly absorbed, turn off the stove, add your washed bulghur in it and close the lid. 

While they are resting on the side, start making the rest. Put some oil in a pan and add the tomato paste to it. Heat them up for a minute or so and then add this mixture to the lentils. Squeeze some lemon on it, add your chopped parsley, spring onion, salt and chilli powder and mix well with your hands. Make koftas and serve with some fresh juicy lettuce while cold. You can either serve them as is or wrap them in lettuce leaves.

Note: This recipe is for a large quantity (perfect when hosting a party/lunch/dinner). You can only use half of the ingredients if you like. 

DID YOU KNOW ...? (58)

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The smallest roadworthy car measures 104.14 cm (41 in) high, 66.04 cm (26 in) wide and 132.08 cm (52 in).

I NEED YOUR OPINION

Note: I have added two new logo options to this post as one very generous and skillful person, Jessica May Turner, has come up with some designs for me after seeing my post on The Sewing Library.

As you know, I have a handmade business called MADE BY Y. I am in the process of changing my business logo and these are the 6 options that my husband and I have come up with. I have been seeing them so much recently that it became almost impossible to look at them objectively, as an outsider, with a different eye. I would REALLY APPRECIATE any feedback on them as well as a comment left here or on my facebook page to indicate which one is your favourite. I have randomly numbered them to make it easy for you to vote for them. Please feel free to be as honest as you can be (as long as contstructive too). Thanks in advance.

Note: The logo will need to be used on business cards, as a thumbnail on Facebook, as a tag on garments and as a logo everywhere else including etsy/madeit.

Option #1

Option #2

Option #3

Option #4

Option #5

Option #6

Option #7

Option #6

FOOD DESINGS (9)

There are so many stunning examples of great dish designs all over the net and most of the ones that I share with you come from either pinterest or facebook. However, unfortunately, most are not linked back to the original designers. Therefore, they are all anonymous. It makes me uncomfortable to share them without giving them a link or mentioning their names. So, I stopped sharing food design posts a while back but then, I came across with an article on dailymail.co.uk the other day and felt the urge to get back to it again, hopefully inspiring others (using some (unknown-to-me) inspirational people's work). Click here to access to the article on dailymail.

I wish I could find a way to access to the owners and their sites of all those designers that own the pictures below and the others that I refer to as 'unknown source' so that I could show my respect to them as well as giving you the option of checking out their most likely many other great work with only a click from here. Unfortunately, I am unable to do so but I do send my respect to the people behind all that effort and those amazing results. Many make me smile.

Talking about smiling... Yesterday, I left a message on the beautiful blog of Amy (Lots of Pink Here) asking for a pattern. Not only was she generous to share her own pattern for free with her readers, she was also quite prompt with her personal e-mail reply and her response was just lovely. She made me smile and gave me one other reason to keep following her blog and her work in general. I can't get enough of people with good manners. Great work Amy!

Now, going back to the actual topic of this post and leaving you with some amazing food design pictures.

Unknown source

Unknown source

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