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French Chic & Slim
Nouvelles
News and Opinion from Anne Barone to Keep You Chic & Slim — INDEX to Previous Nouvelles
image: Duchess of Kent in Australia in 1988. Photo Queensland State Archives via Wikimedia
|| 7 December 2025
Duchess of Kent
Early in 1998, not long after I established the first iteration of the website, I received an email from a woman in the UK. She identified herself as the head of the textile design department at one of the UK universities. She had read the original Chic & Slim and said that I wrote about chic French women, but that the UK had chic women too. For British chic, one woman she believed stood out was the Duchess of Kent.
There was no Google images, nor Wikipedia in those early days of the Internet, but eventually I did find several photos of the Duchess. Hers was a formal, aristocratic chic. But chic she definitely was. White seemed to be her signature color.
This past week the Duchess of Kent, born Katharine Lucy Mary Worsley, died at age 92. Her obituary has appeared in a number of publications. Excellent photos from the time of her marriage to the Duke of Kent in 1961 to her attendance at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are with her Times UK obituary. But two other sources that do not require a subscription are listed below,
Town and Country Magazine obituary
|| 24 August 2025
Comment on Benefits of Walking After a Meal
In the previous post, I discussed the medical advice to take a short walk following each daily meal. I received an interesting comment on the topic from Pilar about her own experience with the exercise. Pilar wrote:
Anne, I can verify that for myself, walking after a large meal is so very effective.
Recently, for a couple of months, I wore a Dexcom continuous glucose monitor (CGM) — no prescription necessary — to monitor how my body reacted to certain foods.
But the most revelatory insight from the CGM was how much my glucose dropped even after just 10-15 minutes of walking after a meal. Whereas a healthy meal would cause my glucose level to go from 100 to 130/135 (perfectly normal), a 10-15 minute walk would drop it back down to 105. This means less insulin in the body which is a huge win. Sincerely, Pilar
Much thanks to Pilar for sharing her experience, and especially for providing us with the specific readings and type of glucose monitor. Her comments also reminded me that we now live in a time where reasonably priced medical devices are available that make it possible for us to have information that helps us to live a healthy lifestyle.
be chic, stay slim, live well — Anne Barone
|| 20 August 2025
Does Walking After Eating Improve Health?
image: Anne taking after supper walk in her garden
For most of my life, the health advice has been that for best digestion, especially after the largest meal of the day, one should sit quietly perhaps sipping a demitasse of coffee or a cup of digestive herbal tea. Some quiet conversation or a good book was also recommended. (Though increasingly people watched television.)
Lately, however, I have read several articles quoting medical advice to take a short walk following each daily meal. This exercise after eating is said to improve your health in a variety of beneficial ways.
In July when the evenings here at Provence-sur-la-Prairie were not overly hot or unduly mosquito-infested, I tried the 10 minute walk after supper. Very pleasant. But often more likely, instead of a 10 minute walk, it was an hour of mowing.
Since lately we are often under a Heat Advisory until 8 PM and since my version of intermittent fasting requires finishing supper by 7 PM, after-supper walks are delayed until after dark.
An article in Healthline discusses the benefits of walking after eating with some warnings about avoiding indigestion and other intestinal unpleasantness exercise might provoke.
be chic, stay slim, live well — Anne Barone
Anne Barone's new book available in paperback and Kindle ebook.
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The Barone System in paperback—and Kindle
The Barone System is available at the links below.
|| 11 August 2025
More Ceiling Leaks and Raccoon Mayhem
Things have not been going well here at Provence-sur-la-Prairie. A heavy rain with strong wind about a week and a half ago caused the living room ceiling to leak again. (And the roofer and I thought that problem was solved.) Then when the roofer went up to check on the previous repairs, he discovered that last hail storm did substantial damage. My roof will surely require all new shingles.
Plus the raccoons are back. No damage inside the garage so far. I have been able to keep them out by going out every evening and spraying the entrances with peppermint spray. But in addition to muddying all the water in the bird baths and knocking over the one on the pedestal, those devilish raccoons carried off my white ceramic bunny.
And I can’t find Bunny. Can’t find even pieces of that little yard ornament anywhere on the property. Surely the raccoons realized they could not eat ceramic.
So it goes.
Salad Weather
We are almost halfway through August. And mid-August is hot here. Definitely salad weather.
My mother used to make an apple (chopped), celery (diced thin), and pecan (chopped) salad into which she mixed a copious amount of mayonnaise. I have updated this salad to a healthier Barone version by making the dressing (as Julia Child suggested) with a small amount of mayonnaise mixed with olive oil and lemon juice. Serving the salad on a bed of fresh spinach makes a cool and tasty hot weather supper.
be chic, stay slim, live well — Anne Barone
|| 18 July 2025
French Food Shopping
Our Chic & Slim Special Correspondent Kat has been back in France. She sent a report on French food shopping to share with you. Kat wrote:
I have previously commented upon the large numbers of processed foods/ready meals in French supermarkets, but there is also an abundance of fresh produce. Until today, I haven’t been able to get a clear shot of the contents of a typical French shopping trolley — and here it is.
Apart from a large pack of crisps [potato chips], what is clearly this young mother’s weekly shop consists of bottled water, milk, several cheeses, one saucisson (UPF), plain yoghurt, butter, eggs, jam, creme fraiche and lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, including a melon. No fresh meat, fish or bread which I suspect she buys at the boucherie/poissonerie/boulangerie.
This is a fairly typical French shop, although I’ve noticed that some older people tend to add some “industrielle” patisserie or sweet dishes. This shopper’s child was about a year old, and, as you can see, she’s not carrying any “baby weight”. I’ll overlook the outfit, the temperature is up in the high 3O’s [100 F. and over] again!
Anne Comments: At first I was puzzled by the size of the package of potato chips [crisps] which seemed to be incongruous with the rest of the shopping. A possible explanation might be that Kat took these photos on 13 July, the day before Bastille Day. The size of package might be explained if guests were expected for drinks to celebrate Bastille Day and the chips/crisps were to be served to guests.
Another interesting item I noted in the shopping was the pink rectangular box just under the top of the chips/crisps bag. If I am not mistaken, this contains a brand of women’s probiotics that I took in my quest to solve the digestive problems that I wrote about in The Barone System. I tried to verify this, but the brand Renew Life has recently updated their packaging so I was not able to make a comparison of the back of the boxes.
It is instructive to compare this typical French weekly shopping you see in Kat’s photo with what you would be likely to see in a weekly shopping in the USA. Certainly you would be more likely to see more ultra-processed foods [UPFs] and fewer fresh fruits and vegetables. Might this help explain why the French remain healthier and slimmer than people in the UK and USA?
Much thanks to Kat for her excellent photos and informative comments.
be chic, stay slim, live well — Anne Barone
|| 10 July 2025
Nature & Stress
My thanks again to those of you who emailed your concern during the recent Texas flooding. I was happy to report that I was well and safe.
The horrendous damage and loss of life was in central Texas. I live in north Texas, and though there is a section of my city that always floods in times of heavy rain, my property is in an elevated part of town that has never had a problem. But when Flood Warnings are issued, I must be careful about driving. The city does not have a storm drain system and in times of heavy rain some of our streets become canals. Dangerous driving for someone with a small car like mine.
But the far greater than average amount of rainfall this year has given Provence-sur-la-Prairie an almost tropical look and feel. My flowers and shrubs that, in years of drought and watering restrictions, I only kept alive by connecting a garden hose to my washing machine drain and by carrying buckets of bath water, are this year a lush green and flowering jungle.
Mornings, dewy and cool, it is pleasant to take my mug of breakfast tea and stroll through the garden watching the daylilies and the bellflowers opening. My birds who seem to be singing more lustily than in previous years add lovely background music.
We know that stress can be damaging to both mind and body — not to mention cause you to gain weight. The American Heart Association recommends getting out in Nature as a way to relieve stress, especially if you get some exercise while outdoors.
be chic, stay slim, live well — Anne Barone
|| 16 June 2025
Memories
These past several days I have followed with special attention reports of the Air India flight 171 that crashed shortly after takeoff from the airport in Ahmedabad, India.
More than 50 years ago, my husband and I flew in and out of Ahmedabad on Air India for a visit to the area. That visit is memorable first because it was the occasion of my first and only camel ride — and also for the Air India flight on which we departed.
There is a new modern airport now, but in those days Ahmedabad’s airport was housed in a building built by the British Army during World War II. Apparently not much improvement had been made to the old wooden structure in the interval between the early 1940s and the early 1970s.
Waiting for our flight’s departure was the only time in my life I have been frightened by the sheer density of humans packed into a small space. The waiting lounge was crowded, not only with those waiting to board the Sunday afternoon flight, but also surely every member of their large extended families — from babies in arms to grandfathers with canes. This mass of humanity stood literally shoulder to shoulder between the four walls. Had a fire broken out, the rush would surely have crushed most of us to death. What relief when boarding was called. But relief was short.
No sooner had we trooped across the tarmac scorching in the 110 degree F. heat and boarded the plane but we were informed that the flight was delayed by “mechanical difficulties.“ We were to remain on the plane while the repair work was done. For 45 minutes that seemed like 45 hours we sat sweltering in the airless plane while the mechanics worked. Finally, to our great relief, the engines roared. The plane began to move down the runway and slowly, slowly — finally — into the air.
Impossible to breathe easily until we were high in the sky and the seat belt sign turned off.
When I watch the videos of the takeoff and then fiery crash of the Air India flight 171 last week, I can’t help thinking that Air India flight out of Ahmedabad a half-century ago with its “mechanical difficulties” might also have ended in disaster. I was in my mid-20s then. What a lot of life I would have missed. What a lot of life those many victims of last week's crash will miss.
be chic, stay slim, live well — Anne Barone
Anne Barone's new book available in paperback and Kindle ebook.
The Barone System in paperback—and Kindle
The Barone System is available at the links below.
|| 13 May 2025
Good Words For Anne’s Books And A Sunscreen Reminder
Recently an email from Synthia had good words for my books and also reminded me to preach my annual sermon on sun protection for the face.
Synthia wrote:
Just purchased your new book and I'm so excited to read.
Like many others have explained to you, your books have changed my life. I was able to travel much in the last 20 years, and for the most part, keep my wardrobe and weight in check and just live a very European inspired lifestyle.
I am so grateful for you and the lessons you have taught me which I now teach the new generation; my children who are now adults. I am proud of their interest in travel, reading, food, cooking, etc...They are rarely on social media and focus on developing their minds and living a full life.
My husband and I are planning a trip to Scotland this July. I don't know what to expect but I will let you know!
Merci to Synthia for her comments on my books. Perhaps after her trip to Scotland she will report her take on Scottish chic and slim.
You may remember that about a year ago, I shared with you Synthia’s experience with a Merkel Cell Carcinoma that had developed in the area just below her eye and required rebuilding her lower eyelid after the carcinoma was removed.
A Reminder:The area just beneath the eye is particularly sensitive to sun’s harmful rays, So a good sunscreen (without any carcinogenic ingredients) and sunglasses with UVA and UVB filtering are helpful in protecting you from things that might develop there.
be chic, stay slim, live well — Anne Barone
|| 10 April 2025
Choices
It’s spring here at Provence-sur-la-Prairie. The hailstorm over the weekend took its toll on the budding iris and roses — and a lot of the new leaves on the trees and shrubs. But despite the near-freeze early Sunday morning, the warmer days this week are encouraging the survivors.
One of my joys of spring is asparagus. My brother arrived this morning delivering two big bunches freshly cut from the field of a farm just outside the town where he lives. Bringing also just-laid eggs from the same farm. So omelette with asparagus is on the menu.
Recently two comments on my new book concerned choices. Nicolle in New Zealand wrote:
Congratulations on your new publication, I purchased from Kindle instantly. It was a very enjoyable read and compliments your other titles. Also I revisit your advice regularly and always read your website Nouvelle updates.
As I approach 50, the importance of exercise is made so clear, and your routine of Pilates and stretching is a good reminder for me to maintain my Tracy Anderson Method subscription as I age. Yes, it’s hard, but it’s harder not doing it. And in the end, we choose our version of hard, don’t we?
Warm regards, Nicolle
Vicki in Friday Harbor also wrote on the topic of choices. In her lengthy and interesting comments on The Barone System, she wrote:
One of the quotes I pay attention to daily is: What people have the capacity to choose, they have the ability to change. This one from Madeleine Albright. I firmly believe that our daily choices are just that: choices.
About six months ago my favorite neighbors decided that it would be better for their children to grow up in Europe and made the choice to relocate. Their sea freight is on the ship. They depart in a few days.
One of the questions I was asked often in the early days of this website was why I did not remain in France instead of returning to the USA. The answer was family reasons. But in hindsight it appears I might have made a better choice. Oh dear!
be chic, stay slim, live well — Anne Barone
Anne Barone's new book available in paperback and Kindle ebook.
The Barone System in paperback—and Kindle
The Barone System is available at the links below.
|| 31 March 2025
Reader Comments on The Barone System
Such a reward for me when a reader tells me my information has been useful. Recently I was especially rewarded by comments from Donna who has been reading my books and articles for more than 20 years. Donna wrote:
Hi Anne,
I have been reading your books and blog for over twenty years. The books changed my life by introducing me to a new way of living (the French way) which led to a better figure, better wardrobe, better work relationships (using the mystique technique) and more walking. It would take a book of my own to explain how your writings changed me fully.
I read your new book last night and was shocked by all the health information you now possess. I can tell that you have thought about and studied these issues for many years. I was very impressed and you have motivated me yet again, to become even more conscious of good eating and maintaining my health as I approach age 70.
When I look back on my weight journey over the years, I am always impressed that the factor that changed me the most was the Chic and Slim books, especially the first three. Your writings worked their magic on me as I believe your new book now has.
The other day I had a doctor's appointment. There was a 3rd year medical student with my doctor and as I was answering her intake questions, my doctor reviewed my weight graph with her. She asked me what the single most-important factor was in my weight loss journey which was slow and steady over several years. I told her it was the philosophy of Anne Barone's Chic and Slim books and found myself explaining the French Chic way of life that started it all.
Anne, I am so grateful you wrote those books. And I am so grateful to be able to start implementing the teachings of your latest one.
Thank you so much,
Donna
And, thank you, Donna for your lovely email.
Some techniques are useful for staying slim whatever your age. But each advancing stage of our lives brings new challenges to staying slim — and healthy. My aim in writing The Barone System was to give you both the techniques that helped me lose weight and stay slim 55 years, as well as those that I am finding helpful coping with the special difficulties in staying slim and healthy now that I am 80.
be chic, stay slim, live well — Anne Barone
Anne Barone's new book is here! Available in paperback and Kindle ebook.
The Barone System in paperback—and Kindle
The Barone System is available at the links below.
|| 26 February 2025
Comment On A Comment
Last week Provence-sur-la-Prairie was enduring a Mini Texas Freeze. This week we are enjoying lovely spring. Nice compensation.
Lots of interesting comments on the new book coming in. Karen in Rosemount commented that she did not remember me writing on the website about suffering the pelvic prolapse that I discuss in the book. That was because I did not write about it there. Nor did I write on the website about my severe digestive problems, my problems with low protein, the West Nile Virus episode, why I did not gain weight during the Covid pandemic as many did, and several other matters covered in the book. This was purposeful.
First of all, I particularly dislike buying a book by a writer whose articles I have been enjoying and finding that the book is just a rehashing of the articles with little or no new material.
Just as I have always tried not to repeat in a subsequent book remedies and techniques I wrote about in a previous book, in The Barone System on staying slim and healthy despite coping with the problems of ageing I wanted to offer material that I had not written about on the website.
Secondly, in the new book, I wanted to be able to not only discuss a problem, but to explain the solution that I found for that problem. In the case of my severe digestive problems, finding a workable remedy required years of research as well as many trials of various solutions — the majority of which, I am sorry to say, did not give the results I had hoped for. But just as in my mid-20s I eventually found a solution for getting rid of my excess weight, I am happy to say that I did eventually find a solution for those severe digestive problems and for other problems plaguing me the past six years. In the new book I was able to discuss solutions for those problems too.
More comments on the comments on the new book in coming Nouvelles.
be chic, stay slim, live well — Anne Barone
|| 10 February 2025
The Barone System in paperback—and Kindle
For those of you who prefer print over ebook you can find The Barone System at the links below.
|| 5 February 2025
The Barone System: 55 Years Slim and Living Well
Fifty-five years ago I lost 55 pounds. Now, here I am at 80 and, unlike many who successfully lose weight, I have kept the pounds from returning.
Previously my focus was on how chic French women stay slim. This new book is about how I do it. Not only how I stay slim, but healthy too — despite all the challenges of natural ageing.
The Kindle version of the new book is available on Amazon. You can read a sample there.
Kindle version of The Barone System on Amazon
The Barone System is also available in paperback.
The Barone System Print version ISBN 978-1-937066-26-0 is distributed by Ingram. With the print versions of my previous books, Ingram fed the books into the system and they appeared on the sites of various booksellers. I assume this will happen again. As soon as listings appear, I will give you the info about them on this site.
I may also do an EPUB version of The Barone System if I find there is a demand for it.
New Contact Email
During the time I was working on the new book I acquired a new email service. The old att.net contact address became inoperable. I did not post a new address because I did not have time to respond. For the moment the new contact address is baroneslim (the at symbol) pm.me
If I recieve too much spam and phishing email at the address, ProtonMail makes it easy to cancel the email address and replace it if blocking does not solve the problem.
be chic, stay slim, live well — Anne Barone