We are all staying at home for the next few weeks to stop the spread of the coronavirus and while it’s nice to dress up as part of a ‘normal’ routine, there’s no denying the mood-boosting factor of cosy clothes. Nightwear and loungewear can be both chic and comfortable. Hoodies, joggers, activewear, sweatshirts, slippers, trainers and pyjamas are now taking over the wardrobe.
Many online retailers have shut down temporarily, but there are still a few ones operating. The multi-brand ecommerce mytheresa.com is still delivering and they have a great selection.
I find the Italian luxury brand Brunello Cucinelli perfect for cosy-chic looks. I love their magnificent flagship store in Avenue des Spélugues, but for now you can visit their online boutique.
One of my favourite menswear brands is the Italian heritage brand Larusmiani. The brand embodies the classic gentleman with a contemporary twist. On 5th December 2019, Larusmiani inaugurated their first store in the Principality inside the Metropole Shopping Centre. For the time being, until they reopen their doors, you can shop online chic looks for lazy days at home or for a picnic in your own garden. Larusmiani is a lifestyle brand, offering unique grooming kits and games to keep the whole family busy during long confinement days.
My gentleman’s shopping guide
This is how I like my man dressed at home!
Bella’s shopping guide
Home spa essentials
Beauty salons are closed, so it is time to learn how to groom yourself and it is actually a great time-killer. With the right products, it is easy to take care of yourself at home.
Enzyme peel and facial mask by VERSO, Ossential Advanced Radical Night Repair by ZEIN BY OBAGI, Serum C E FERULIC by SKINCEUTICALS (available at Esthe Coach Monaco and you might be able to request delivery by instant messaging their IG profile)
Body Scrub by MOLTON BROWN
(available at Health store in Metropole Shopping Centre when open)
Body cream, hand baume, foot cream, and exfoliating hand wash by AESOP
Nails kit for mani- and pedicure (available at Sephora)
Organic virgin coconut oil as hair mask (available at the bio store ToBe in Monaco)
You are what you eat
Lifestyle, nutrition and supplements to strengthen your immunity:
It is very important now to maintain a healthy lifestyle, eating food that provides essential nourishment and also keeps your blood sugar and weight under control. It appears that individuals with type-two diabetes and other metabolic conditions are at higher risk of complications from Covid-19.
According to studies there are no specific supplements that will help protect against coronavirus, but higher intakes of specific nutrients appear to boost the immune system and lower susceptibility to infection.
I personally believe that the best way to boost your immune system is your habits and your diet, rather than buying supplements. Good nutrition, being physically active, managing stress and getting adequate sleep play a very important role. Key nutrients to include in your diet:
Nutrients that may help the immune response include micronutrients like zinc, selenium, iron, and vitamins A, C, D, E, B-6, and folate; and whole foods like goji berry, broccoli, green tea, and turmeric.
VITAMIN D:
Fatty fish, like salmon and sardines; eggs; plant milk products; tofu and mushrooms. It is wise to consider a D supplement if you feel you are not getting enough of this important vitamin which is promoting immune response. It has both anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties and is crucial for the activation of immune system defenses.
VITAMIN C:
Oranges, grapefruit, kiwi, strawberries, brussel sprouts, red and green peppers, broccoli, cooked cabbage and cauliflower.
ZINK:
Beans, chickpeas, lentils, tofu, fortified cereals, nuts, seeds, wheat germ, oysters, crab, lobster, red meat and poultry.
PROTEIN:
From both animal (fish, lean meat, poultry, eggs) and plant-based sources (lentils, beans, nuts, seeds).
PREBIOTICS:
Onions, garlic, whole grains, bananas, leeks, asparagus, artichokes and beans.
BETA CAROTENE:
Carrots, kale, apricots, sweet potatoes, mangoes, spinach, broccoli, squash.
AVOCADO:
Vitamins C, E, K, and B-6, as well as riboflavin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium, and potassium. They also provide lutein, beta-carotene, and omega-3 fatty acids. Monounsaturated fat can reduce your risk of heart disease. Lifestyle:
Eight hours sleep
Stress management
Drink a lot of water and fresh coconut water to stay hydrated. I buy them at Marche U and the bio store To Be.
Sport: Jogging, run up and down stairs and exercise at home with the Nike App, it is awesome
Prince Albert has warned the National Council that its criticism of his government’s management of the Covid-19 pandemic is unnecessarily escalating tension and uncertainty surrounding the crisis.
The Palace released a statement from the Prince on Tuesday 31st March, saying that he is aware of the negative messages being disseminated by the National Council, in particular through social networks, about how the government is managing the crisis.
The Prince says that he “regrets that the national unity advocated by this Assembly does not find an echo in the content of its messages, which favour permanent criticism and the appropriation of measures decided and implemented by the State,” adding that “Such an attitude can only generate public confusion and doubt about government action.”
The Sovereign Prince defends his government’s actions regarding the management of the health crisis and its anticipation of developments that crop up daily, saying that the government has “only one concern, that of preserving the health of the population.”
At the request of the National Council, the Prince approved the establishment of a Covid-19 Joint Monitoring Committee, the first meeting of which was held on Monday 30th March.
“The Sovereign Prince decided to set up the Covid-19 Joint Monitoring Committee within which the National Council is informed of all the decisions taken by His Government and where the elected officials can formulate proposals submitted for governmental assessment,” said the Palace. “He invites the National Councillors to demonstrate true solidarity with His government by measuring their remarks and avoiding any inappropriate escalation. The gravity of the situation requires restraint and cohesion, where political ambitions have no place.”
Monaco’s self-employed entrepreneurs will have access to a minimum monthly income as part of the government’s new economic measures, effective immediately.
As of Wednesday 1st April, an Extraordinary Minimum Income of a fixed amount of €1,800 will be granted to the self-employed with an activity in their own name, who currently find themselves without revenue.
This applies to all self-employed professionals in Monaco, including artisanal, industrial, commercial, and liberal professions, provided they are not being paid by the Social Security Funds Monaco as compensation for childcare.
“The request for Extraordinary Minimum Income must be accompanied by a certain number of documents and certificates, the list of which can be consulted on the Government’s website,” it was revealed in a statement.
To make it easier, a web page dedicated to this system is available online at www.spe.gouv.mc, under Covid-19.
The request must be sent exclusively by email to covid19rme@gouv.mc at the Welcome Office, who will respond to the requester by email, and will notify them of their eligibility.
The Welcome Office will then take care of making payment requests to the General Treasury of Finances, on behalf of eligible applicants. Beneficiaries will receive their payment by bank transfer.
The Prince’s government has ramped up its current Psychological Support Unit to better respond to the mental and emotional needs of people in the Principality during lockdown.
The government initially launched the Psychological Support Unit on 23rd March as part of the Covid-19 Call Centre, providing experienced professionals to listen and guide people on the best way to get through this period of confinement from a personal and emotional point of view.
It was announced on Wednesday 1st April that the service has evolved to “better meet the needs expressed.”
The support unit is accessible by calling the number +377 92 05 55 00 every day from 10am to 8pm, as opposed to the previous 9am to 6pm. Presumably, it will be manned by more volunteers from the Monaco Red Cross and psychologists, as well as a doctor from the Medico-Psychological Emergency Unit of the Princess Grace Hospital Centre.
“In the current context, the question of maintaining social ties, even from a distance, is essential,” said Health Minister Didier Gamerdinger. “Exchange and relationships reduce the anxiety engendered by this unprecedented situation. Callers will be able to express their concerns and difficulties in complete confidentiality.”
People monitored by the Home Monitoring Centre, the unit in charge of medical and social monitoring of Covi-19 patients, have access to a specialist psychological support unit within the centre.
