Lydia's Weekly Lifestyle blog is for today's African girl, so no subject is taboo. My purpose is to share things that may interest today's African girl.

This week's contributors: Lydia, Pépé Pépinière, this week's subjects: Sleek Style Revived, My daughter is nine and pregnant, and Politics or policies?

Sleek Style Revived: ASAP Rocky x Puma Shoe Collaboration Unleashed”. Hey fashionistas! If you're on the lookout for a fresh infusion of style into your shoe collection, look no further than the recent shoe collaboration between the iconic rapper ASAP Rocky and the renowned sportswear brand Puma. This partnership has set the fashion world abuzz with its combination of streetwise flair and urban sophistication. ASAP Rocky, known for his distinctive fashion sense and music artistry has translated his signature style into a collection of sneakers that are not just shoes but statements. Teaming up with Puma, the result is a range of footwear that effortlessly blends Puma's sporty aesthetic with ASAP Rocky's edgy urban vibe. The first thing that strikes you about this collaboration is the attention to detail. From the choice of materials to the innovative designs, each pair of shoes speaks volumes about the creative minds behind them. Expect to see a mix of bold colors, unexpected textures, and subtle nods to street culture that make these kicks stand out in a crowd. One of the standout features of this collection is the versatility of the designs. Whether you're dressing up for a night out or keeping it casual during the day, there's a pair of ASAP Rocky x Puma shoes to complement your look. From sleek high-tops that exude confidence to understated low-tops that add a touch of elegance, these shoes are as versatile as they are stylish. But it's not just about looks – comfort is key too. Puma's expertise in creating footwear that's not just fashionable but also comfortable shines through in this collection. Expect cushioned soles, supportive arches, and breathable materials that make these shoes a joy to wear all day long. The ASAP Rocky x Puma collaboration is not just about shoes; it's about celebrating individuality, self-expression, and the fearless pursuit of style. These shoes are more than just accessories – they're statements of personal identity, creativity, and a bold approach to fashion. So, if you're ready to step up your shoe game and make a statement with every stride, the ASAP Rocky x Puma collaboration is your ticket to style success. Embrace the energy, embrace the attitude, and most importantly, embrace your unique sense of fashion with these must-have kicks. Dare to be different. Dare to be bold. Dare to be ASAP Rocky x Puma. And dare to spend GHS 3,140.00 (at Puma.com).

My daughter is nine and pregnant. For some time it has been observed that the puberty age of girls is coming down, with first menstruation at ages as low as 8 years old. Looking for the culprits it appears that the modern diet, rich in processed foods, sugars, and fats, can have a significant impact on children's development. Highly processed foods often contain hormones, chemicals, and additives that may disrupt the body's natural growth and development. Hormones? Yes, your typical mass produced egg or chicken or beef or pork (fish from fishponds as well) contains hormones, given to the animal to keep sickness away or promote growth, and increased consumption of high-calorie, low-nutrient foods can lead to faster growth and consequently, earlier puberty. So far for the semi-natural. But chemicals in common personal-care products like soap and makeup could disrupt the body’s natural hormone system as well and cause girls to start puberty (too) early, new research from the Endocrine Society suggests. Musk ambrette, a fragrance used in certain detergents and cosmetics is one of the most likely culprits, amongst stress, obesity, and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS are in everything from food containers and cookware to clothing and disrupt growth and development in children. Musk ambrette usage is now restricted in Europe and Canada, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only removed the fragrance from its “safe” list, but it’s still found in products. And China? It is a big producer of Musk ambrette, so they'll not be the first to ban it. Read your label please and decide, and if there is no label don't buy it.

Politics or policies? Someone suggested we make this blog more lively by writing about politics. I am not going to do this. In Ghana, politics is about insulting others and exposing each other's misdeeds, rather than arguing about policies. And there are many policies we need. Recently a lot of final year students were posted by the national service scheme. What is the scheme for? In my opinion a bit of repayment by the student for having had his study partly subsidized but, more importantly, making them ready for the job market. Unfortunately for many this NSS period is a waste of time where at most they learn to make a photocopy, know that the boss likes his waakye warm, and sometimes get pregnant in the process. A good policy would be for the employer to be forced to take the student through a number of practical exercises, like indeed how to make a photocopy, but also how to replace paper, what the cost of paper is, how to change cartridges, how to do simple fault finding and resolving, how to connect the copier to the computer by wifi, etc and become a valuable person in the office. There are a thousand other things the student could learn in the workplace. Such a policy would benefit all, at no extra cost. Policies please, not politics.

Lydia...

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