Month: December 2017

The New Year is only a few hours away and you’re probably already thinking about how amazingly healthy, fit and fabulous you are going to be in 2018! Everyone has the right to dream big, right?

Sadly we all know that our end-of-year motivation often fades and that next December 31, you are likely to be thinking about the exact same resolutions.

Living the Monaco Life you are a creature of comfort, which is easier than creating the new habits necessary to make you fitter, healthier and, ultimately, happier.

Willpower is important but there are a few other tricks that can truly affect your chances of success. Here are a few I most commonly use with my clients.

Set an intention, not a resolution.
They may sound similar but they’re not. Here’s why.

Let’s say your New Year’s resolution is to walk the coastal path from Monaco to La Mala every day in 2018. We all know this is not possible every day because you’ll travel, you’ll have unexpected things happen and you might even feel like a rest from time to time. As a resolution, the moment you skip one day you’ll feel like you failed and are likely to give up for the rest of the year. As an intention, walking as often as you can means that even if you miss one day, you won’t feel like a failure and will keep at it over time.

Get inspired but don’t believe everything you read.
There is no “one size fits all” to your health and happiness. It’s great to get inspired by what others do but ultimately you need to find what works for you. This may take some trial and error but you don’t have to fit under any label: paleo, vegan, crossfitter, yogi … you name it. In fact, it’s better if you don’t. It’s by tuning in with your body and following what feels good for YOU that you’ll find what truly works.

Only set intentions that you enjoy.
Don’t like running? Don’t try to run every day! Willpower will get you part of the way but sooner or later you’re going to give up on the things that offer no pleasure.

Try walking instead of running or if you have trouble finding a form of exercise you like, remind yourself of what you truly enjoyed as a kid and get involved with that.

Find a great podcast – Tim Ferriss is one of my favorites – that you only listen to when you go walking, and you’re more likely to actually want to get out and do it. Also, Monaco is lovely early in the morning or at night so find the time that suits you best and just start with a small loop, which brings us to our next point.

Rome wasn’t built in a day.
January is the time of the year when most people work out but it’s also when most people get injured. The key to long term results and sticking with your “intentions” is to be smart and be kind to your body. When you’re in pain or legitimately feeling tired, take a day off sport. If you listen to your body when it whispers, you won’t have to listen to it scream when it gets injured.

No one in his of her right mind works out every day. It’s definitely not something I recommend to my clients as it causes too much stress on the body. Increased stress means increased cortisol, which is a fat storage hormone.

It’s not about having a “perfect” January, it’s about making it through to December and actually feeling good in the skin you’re in. Have the mindset of a marathon runner, not that of a sprinter.

Your plan will change across the year and that’s okay.
Don’t listen to the voice in your head. It loves comfort and is an expert at talking you into staying in bed even though you know you should be going for that morning stroll. Forget arguing with the voice in your head, just thank it for its kind consideration and do the opposite of what it tells you – get out of bed, go for that walk and start making new habits for yourself. That voice will accommodate in due course, it’s only a matter of time.

Seek improvement, not perfection.
Celebrate the small victories and make a big deal out of the progress you make. Even if you haven’t been “perfect”, it’s the improvements that count. The mindset you adopt on your journey in 2018 is more important than the destination.

Maddy is the Founder of Nutrition For Naughty People, aimed at helping individuals find a better balance between the things that keep them healthy and the things that make them happy! Any questions? mk@nutritionfornaughtypeople.com.

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The eco-association Monacology ended its 2017 calendar of events by inviting internationally-known photographer and environmentalist Yann Arthus-Bertrand to Monaco for two days of conferences, an exhibition and presentation of his newest film, Human.

Outspoken and passionate about the planet, “the French Al Gore” is best known for his celebrated book “Earth from Above”, published in 2000, which has sold 3.5 million copies and has been translated into 24 languages. Large-scale exhibitions of his aerial photographs, taken from helicopters and hot air balloons, are currently on display in the streets of 154 cities worldwide.

In 2005, the former actor and assistant director also created the Goodplanet Foundation, which aims to raise public awareness of environmental issues, implement carbon offset programmes and fight deforestation with local NGOs. His goal is to focus humanity’s vision not only on the beauty of the planet, but the ways it is being destroyed.

At a press conference at Stars’n’Bars, Monacology co-founder Kate Powers introduced the 71-year-old as one of the world’s most prolific, as well as controversial, eco-warriors.

With the support of the Monaco Department of Education, nearly 800 school children viewed three of Bertrand’s most influential films – Planet Ocean, Home and Human – and an opportunity to quiz the photographer and his team in a Q&A session at the

A teaser of his soon-to-be released humanitarian film Woman was also shown.

The two-day event was hosted at the Grimaldi Forum and Oceanographic Museum in partnership with MC5 Communication and with the generous support of numerous Monaco partners, in particular, the Niarchos Foundation.

The photo exhibition Planet Ocean can be seen at the Grimaldi Forum until January 5.

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Stars’n’Bars plugs a little Soul into Monacology

A large boulder is blocking traffic on the Grande Corniche (RD 2564), in both directions, at Vista Palace in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, Monaco-Matin reports.

A detour along the RD 6007 and 51, via Roquebrune and Beausoleil, has been put in place indefinitely, until work can be completed to secure the cliff.

The incident happened early Saturday morning along the Promenade de la 1re Division française libre, a small winding artery that leads to the Grande Corniche.

According to the mayor of Roquebrune, Patrick Cesari, the double road closure is a preventive safety measure.

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Car registration renewals due by end-December

On Tuesday, November 7, Prince Albert hosted a fundraising dinner for Outward Bound with HRH Prince Andrew, Duke Of York, at the palace.

The following morning, and despite unfavourable weather conditions, the two Princes observed the first Princes’ Cup, a remarkable rowing competition highlighting teamwork and community, in Port Hercule.

On the occasion of the meeting in the Principality of Monaco of HSH Prince Albert II, Patron of Outward Bound Monaco, and HRH the Duke of York, Chairman of the Trustees of Outward Bound Trust, Outward Bound Monaco decided to organise the rowing regatta, which will now become an annual challenge.

The event was organised in association with the Société Nautique de Monaco (SNM) and the Monaco Yacht Club.

The princes were welcomed by students of SNM and OBM at the Yacht Club.

After a speech by Jean-Marc Giraldi, president of the SNM, the four teams were presented to the two princes and the invited guests.

Each team was captained by an international sporting champion (rugby, running, cycling and rowing), a student who had attended an Outward Bound course and three teenage rowers from SNM.

The teams were each named after an Outward Bound centre: Loch Eil in Scotland, Ullswater in England, Aberdovey in Wales, and Monaco.

The rain had eased slightly by the time teams took to the water with slippery oars for a regatta of four races between the Quai de l’Hirondelle and the Jetée Luciana, a distance of around 250 metres.

“Outward Bound is all about overcoming obstacles,” Judy Churchill, Outward Bound Monaco’s General Secretary, told Monaco Life, “Whatever the challenge, whatever the weather, you get up, smile and carry on.”

Prince Albert II and the Duke of York watched the races close up on the Jetée Luciana.

The winning team of the first Princes’ Cup was the Welsh team Aberdovey, captained by rugby star Dan Luger.

“It was brilliant,” Dan, who came in second place at the Rivera Water Bike Challenge, told Monaco Life. “Rowing is all about timing and sportsmanship. And today was about trying something new.”

Cyclist Tiffany Cromwell and her Monaco team, disadvantaged by a broken oar in the final race, took second place. “I love a challenge and this was a fantastic event. It was fun and about working as a team.”

The Outward Bound Monaco Ambassador added, “I believe young people guided in the right direction through sport can become a better version of themselves.”

The Loch Eil (Scotland) team, led by marathon runner Paula Radcliff, took third place followed by the England (Ullswater) team and its captain, rowing champion Matthew Bennett.

The princes presented the cup and medals to the participants who, in spite of being wet and cold, were clearly delighted to have been part of such an exceptional event.

US Olympic Pole Vaulter Kory Tarpenning, owner of Nike, one of the event sponsors, told Monaco Life, “I love the concept of Outward Bound. It gives kids the opportunity to learn and develop through sport – discipline, commitment, self-confidence and teamwork.”

Michael Peagram, President of Outward Bound Monaco, said he was “delighted by the success of the event, which puts into perspective the challenges and activities that we bring to the younger generation. The cooperation with the SNM is a very rewarding and successful partnership, based on shared values, and we are very grateful for their assistance.”

SNM Director of Communication, French Olympic rower Roland Weill, told Monaco Life that every year some 900 students in the Principality take part in rowing at the club as part of the National Education Programme. “Rowing is an individual sport that you practice with a team and you can learn it at any age.”

Adding that Monaco’s rowing club has a new dynamic trainer, Olympic rower Daniel Fauchet, Roland said the Princes’ Cup is a good opportunity for SNM to promote the sport.

Organisers of the Princes’ Cup are hoping that the publicity from the event will draw attention to the opportunities that Outward Bound Monaco can offer to the young people of Monaco and the surrounding area.

“In spite of the dreadful weather everyone thoroughly enjoyed the Princes’ Cup, for which we have received the kind support of the two princes,” Michael Peagram commented. “This is an immense privilege which we appreciate enormously.”

Article first published November 10, 2017.

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News

Family and close friends came together on Saturday to pay tribute to the former James Bond actor Sir Roger Moore at St Paul’s Anglican Church in Monte Carlo.

Sir Roger had fought a short and brave battle with cancer and died in Switzerland on May 22. Around 100 people joined his wife Kristine Tholstrup and the family for Saturday’s service, among them Prince Albert, who gave one of the scripture readings, Dame Joan Collins, Bill Wyman, and Leslie Bricusse.

Also present were Bond family figures such as writer and producer Michael Wilson, Harry Saltzman’s son Steven, who read a note from his sister, Hilary, and the many locals who knew Sir Roger well, including Kate and Mike Powers, and Sir Stelios.

“It was a simple yet moving celebration of the life of Sir Roger Moore that recognised his legendary kindness, personal warmth and generosity,” Father Walter Raymond, who officiated the service, told Monaco Life.

Sir Roger’s three children each played a part in the ceremony. Christian, a resident of Monaco, took the lead in planning and organising the day in honour of his father and read “The Beatitudes” during the service, while Deborah delivered a wonderful poem and his oldest son, Geoffrey, shared memories in a powerful tribute to their father.

“The service featured beautiful music from the Saint Paul’s Church Choir, moving tributes, readings affirming our Christian hope in a greater life after death, and a wonderful sermon offered by Father Dan Langdon-Griffiths in honour of ‘my Bond’, his childhood hero,” Father Walter said.

In a Tweet, Dame Joan Collins commented that the church service was “a beautiful and loving service for one of the great Saints, Knights and Gents of our time”.

Sir Roger, a long-time resident of Monaco, was a frequent and discreet lunchtime guest at Bouchon, the restaurant on avenue Princesse Grace, always in the company of his wife.

The actor will be remembered by many of his admirers as a kind and gentle man, as well as the perfect swashbuckling embodiment of Bond, and like the famous character he played, never short of a suitable word or wisecrack.

As current Bond character Daniel Craig wrote in a tribute to Sir Roger, the longest serving 007: “Nobody does it better,” referring to the theme song of The Spy Who Loved Me.

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