The MAG weekly Blog by Lydia, every Friday 1700 hrs. Nr 53 23rd June 2023
A MAG is a Modern African Girl, so no subject is taboo. My purpose is to share things which may interest a MAG.
This week's contributors: Lydia, Doré Fasolati, this week's subjects: Celebrating one year, Oldie but Goldie, Make-up ingredients, African cuisine, Espadrilles, one or two, Unkept promises.
Celebrating one year. On the 24th of June, 2022 it is one year ago that I launched this blog, and I want to thank all of you who have supported me and given me positive criticisms. A year goes by fast, but writing 52 blogs took more of my time than I had anticipated, but so it be it, and I continue. Amen. A few things stand out in this past year. The old fashion guard who so strongly influenced the 60's and 70's, causing a real revolution then, are going home one by one and their efforts have mainly been taken over by huge multi-billion conglomerates. The internet continues to change the fashion landscape, and internet sales are up a steady 10 % per annum for a few years now, and Covid gave that one a big push as well, and the first big brick-and-mortar casualties are showing. As Darwin said, the one who can adapt most will survive, not the strongest or the most intelligent. The Internet also influences what we buy, either because it has become fashionable on social media, or because of price, and some have made huge inroads into this fast and cheap fashion market, with some Chinese leading the pack. Which goes straight against the latest trend word, sustainability. The world is slowly waking up to fashion being the number 4 biggest polluter and it is becoming trendy again to wear second-hand clothes and to repair. Which has it's own problems again, Ghana is a big importer of the Obroni Waawu, for economic rather than for environmental reasons, but has to throw a big apart away because it is unusable, even for the poorest, and this ends up in our gutters. The supply countries have picked this up and are looking at bans on exports, seemingly not aware that many Africans simply cannot afford new. And, another side of sustainability is quality, and also this side is growing, with sales up for the big and exclusive brands, even our own Woodin and GTP still continue kicking. But the big brands seem to be running out of creativity, leaving space for the younger and more enthusiastic ones. Ghana is missing out there, our fashion schools are overflowing but we have 3 fashion weeks competing, rather than coordinating and pooling resources and getting the world to come and watch. And place orders. And like our music industry which is almost completely corrupted (payola), our model industry seems corrupted on a different level, the organizers insist on taking unfair advantage of the girls, and that for almost no pay or no pay at all. I am often thinking on how to put Ghana better onto the world fashion map. Think with me. A last one from last year: warnings about cancer-causing and hormone-changing chemicals in our cosmetics and foods (or clothing) are popping up more and more frequently. Take heed.
Oldie but Goldie
Many young people might wonder what these are!! Espadrilles, also known as alpargatas, are versatile shoes featuring a lightweight, braided sole made of a natural fiber such as jute or grass. The soft nature of jute fabric, natural support in the sole, and rubber finishing makes espadrilles a shoe your feet will love. Espadrilles are ideal for summer and tropical climates because of their stylish jute rope and the fact that many espadrilles are open-toed, but they can be closed-toe and airy as well
The words espadrille and espardenyas both derive from esparto, the Mediterranean grass traditionally used to make their braided soles. This translates to many different styles of espadrilles though, but it's the esparto rope that makes it an espadrille. From flat slip-ons, to wedges, to sandals and more
The espadrille initially began as a piece of peasant footwear, worn by both men and women in farming communities in the Pyrenees mountains. However, they have also traditionally been worn by priests, miners and infantry. They were created as a simple and functional shoe, being cheap to make and easy to wear
Even if you sleep well already – and especially if you don’t – there are several scents you can try that are perfectly suited for the evening hours, helping you release the stress of the day and get ready for sleep.
Peppermint. Peppermint isn’t just for toothpaste. When you diffuse peppermint oil in the morning, you’ll enjoy a clean, fresh, zippy start to your day.
Rosemary. Rosemary is great for fatigue in general, making it ideal for morning diffusing. You can also look for a blend that contains rosemary and eucalyptus for a herbaceous treat.
Our sense of smell is the strongest of the five senses, (some now say we have more than 5 senses) and also the one most tied to memory and emotion. 75% of all emotions generated every day are due to smell. Scent affects mood, concentration, memory recall, and emotion. Research shows there is a 40% improvement in mood after being exposed to pleasant scents.