Needles and hooks are making a comeback

What you want to know this week

The prize for the most beautiful uniforms for the 2024 Olympic Games so far goes to the Mongolian team. They will be worn at the opening and closing ceremonies.

The Fomolistas think it's a brilliant marketing opportunity for any country to showcase its design and talent to the world. We are holding our breath for Team South Africa, which has come a long way since our sorry-sight kit at the first Olympic Games post-apartheid, in Barcelona, 1992.

Night owls

A new study links sleep preferences to brain performance, finding that “night owls” often score higher in cognitive tests than “morning larks”. Researchers analysed data from more than 26,000 people, highlighting that sleeping 7-9 hours a night optimises brain function.

Source: Neuroscience News

Knitting is the new meditation

After 9/11, when the whole world avoided flying and went into hibernation, knitting groups sprang up everywhere. According to The Offline Club on Instagram, knitting cafés are opening in Amsterdam where young people gather to knit, read and write. 

Crochet is high fashion

But if we look at these fab crochet ideas, the Fomolistas think it's time for crochet hooks. It's no longer an unsexy pastime that has to take place behind closed doors …

If you're not on Instagram yet, download the app.

Finds

We are fans of Simple Truth products at Checkers, a private-label wellness range. The range adheres to three promises: no artificial colours, flavours or artificial sweeteners. And no added MSG (although the Fomolistas say the time for MSG scare tactics is over, so this is not a selling point for us).

We love the Vegan Cauliflower Noodles, the 100% Roasted Smooth Peanut Butter (R39) with no added sugar or salt, and the Multipurpose Cleaner (R52). We don't know what is in this gentle concoction, but it is brilliant (it even dissolved a blood stain like magic).

Look at this!

The Portswood Café is a corner shop-style hole-in-the-wall food and beverage space in Cape Town. It is built almost entirely (98%) from salvaged and recyclable waste materials from other construction projects at the V&A Waterfront. Weathered bricks, wine bottles, container doors, fridge doors and steel windows were used during construction. The facility shares a space with a food garden that supports sustainable urban food programmes.

You can find it at P3 Portswood Square Building, Lower Level, Portswood Ridge, Cape Town. Contact number: 072 290 5733

Food

The diet plan of Carlos Alcaraz, Wimbledon champion 2023 and 2024

In a nutshell

Why nuts are good for you

Nuts are rich in fatty acids, vitamins, fibre, antioxidants, proteins and other nutrients. Various studies suggest that nuts such as almonds, walnuts and peanuts and dried fruits such as figs, prunes, dates and raisins can reduce the risk of specific types of cancer, such as breast cancer, colorectal cancer, non-cardia gastric cancer (a type of stomach cancer) and lung cancer.   

• Cashews contain a lot of magnesium which improves sleep and promotes bone health.
• Almonds contain vitamin E and proteins that counteract cellular ageing.
• Pistachios promote sexual health and hair growth.
• Walnuts contain omega-3 for healthy brain function.
• Pecans have high levels of zinc for immune support.
• Brazil nuts contain selenium, which is good for thyroid support. 

Read more here

A thought for the day

 10 things that require zero talent

#1 Being on time
#2 Making an effort
#3 Being high energy
#4 Having a positive attitude
#5 Being a good listener
#6 Being generous
#7 Being teachable
#8 Doing a little extra
#9 Being prepared
#10 Having a strong work ethic

Last word

Jonathan Amid shares five super-combo Afrikaans baby names.

#1 Joharetha (Johan and Retha)
#2 Rayvonita (Ray and Vonita)
#3 Cortina (Cor and Tina)
#4 Waugnette (Vaughn and Annette)
#5 Quinzelle (Quintin and Azelle)

♦ VWB ♦

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION: Go to the bottom of this page to share your opinion. We look forward to hearing from you.