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, Titi. This week's subjects: Stylish & Warm: How to Rock a Long Coat in West Africa's Cold Season Part 2, Flirting, Covid tax and Covid. Real? Rumour? and Frankie's

Stylish & Warm: How to Rock a Long Coat in West Africa's Cold Season Part 2.Accessorize Thoughtfully. Accessories can elevate your look: Scarves: A colourful or patterned scarf adds warmth and visual interest. Hats: Fedora, beret, or wide-brim hats provide extra style and protection against the cold. Footwear: Ankle boots or knee-high leather boots are perfect for colder days. Choose styles that complement both casual and formal outfits. Play with Length & Fit. Long coats come in various cuts — oversized, tailored, belted, or open-front. Play with different styles: Belted Coats: Cinch the waist for a feminine silhouette. Oversized Coats: For a relaxed, chic look, pair with slim-fitting pants or leggings. Straight Cut: Classic and versatile, suitable for any occasion. Keep Practicality in Mind. West Africa's weather can be unpredictable, so opt for coats with water-resistant features if rain is forecasted. Also, ensure your coat allows for ease of movement and layering. Sample Looks to Inspire You Casual Day Out: Beige long wool coat + Ankara print dress + ankle boots + colourful scarf. Office Chic: Navy tailored long coat + white shirt + black trousers + leather loafers. Evening Elegance: Deep red velvet long coat + black turtleneck + fitted jeans + knee-high boots. Final Tips Invest in a quality long coat that fits well and keeps you warm. Mix traditional fabrics with modern cuts for a unique, West African-inspired look. Don’t forget to embrace bold colours and patterns to brighten up the cold season. Stay warm, stylish, and true to your cultural roots! Whether you prefer classic neutrals or vibrant hues, a long coat is your best friend this season. Happy styling! Until next time, stay fabulous!

Flirting, what is flirting? According to Wikipedia, flirting or coquetry is a social and sexual behaviour involving body language, or spoken or written communication between humans. It is used to suggest interest in a deeper relationship with another person and for amusement. Flirting can change in intention as well as intensity, whether it is harmless fun or employed with the design of seeking a romantic or sexual relationship. So if you read this again, you will see that flirting can be used as amusement, but also to indicate that you want more than just fun. An ideal way to test the waters without getting wet. How to flirt? You could jokingly say, “If you ever want to marry, consider me as well”. He may say, “Sure, you are my first choice, let's marry now”, and you could reply: “You're silly, I just meant that you should invite me to the wedding”. Or he may answer: “Why should I marry you?”, and you could reply, “It might be fun, wanna try?” and so forth. Try it on your best girlfriend for some time and once you are okay with it, go for the kill.

Covid tax and Covid. Real? Rumour? The Covid tax is real. I am told till the end of this year, when hopefully all these taxes will become one. We will probably end up with a VAT of 22 % or so. It was meant to pay for COVID-related expenses, like healthcare, and for economic recovery programs. And is COVID-19 real? Yes, it is real, and all the rumors, like the one that Bill Gates invented it to expand his vaccine business, are unfounded. Read up on it. Bill Gates, at a lecture, warned that in the event of an epidemic, the world might not be ready to fight it sufficiently and have sufficient hospital beds. And he was right; we had to resort to lockdowns and closed borders to slow down the spread, but could not stop it, which caused enormous economic damage that the West is still recovering from, including Ghana. And it has left the world economy in such a mess that people panic and stick their money into gold, which is now at 3300$ an ounce and which has bankrupted the Ghanaian jewelers; nobody can afford gold jewelry anymore. So Covid was real, the good news was that because the average Ghanaian suffers various infections every year, malaria, running stomach, typhoid, etc, our immune system is constantly at high alert and fighting back, successfully. But those who treated every ailment with a pill often succumbed, a little under 1500 according to reported cases, but what happened in the villages is anybody's guess. And today? I can confirm that Covid is back, do believe what you read in the traditional, bigger newspapers and the reliable news providers. I can testify to it. I just tested positive for COVID and have to isolate for 21 days. Stay well.

Frankie's (Oxford Street, Osu, Accra). Frankie is originally a Mumbai northern Indian street food but with variations it has now become a favourite all over India. it is very similar to “our” shawarma as it is presented here in Ghana. But I am told our Frankie's is owned by a Lebanese, and they sell Frankie shawarmas in the street, quite popular, but come early or the choice becomes very limited. I climbed the stairs and took a seat outside. There is no pressure on ordering; they are all busy inside. I had an espresso coffee at GHS 20 and 6 pieces of beef samosa at GHS 110, they were nice and spicy, not hot. My guest took a vodka ice at 25 GHS. Not a bad place for a quick meeting with someone and there is ample free parking nearby under Shoprite.

Lydia...

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