The Best Apps for Learning French

As you might know, Patrick and I are planning a trip to Europe. Though we haven't completely nailed down our itinerary, we know we're going to be spending a good long time in France. And from what I hear, the French really appreciate it if you at least attempt to speak their language. Ergo... I need to whip out the old textbooks.

Thankfully, now that we live in the digital age, there are plenty of options when it comes to brushing up on your parlance that don't include workbooks. In the last couple of weeks, I've tried out a handful of different apps (some free and some not-so-free) that guarantee you'll learn French. And the results are in. Here are my favorites from least to greatest.

3.  MindSnacks French.

 This app is game oriented, and expensive—but fun. The "free" version gives you one set of vocabulary (PG body parts), and three different games to play over and over again until you've mastered each word. It's repetitive but effective, and the visuals work like flashcards to help you memorize. Soon enough, you'll want to upgrade to the $5 version, and you'll realize it's just more of the same with other vocabulary.

PRO: Games that can be played in "silent" mode so your husband doesn't want to throw your phone out the window.

CON: Very little grammar integration or speaking practice, which is the point, right?

2. SpeakEasy French Lite.

Incroyable! An app suited for those of us who "say" we want to learn French, but really just want to get around Paris without looking like an American idiot. This app can be a handy quick-reference for tight situations. Need to get on a train fast? click the "Railway Trains" tab, and you'll find all the relevant questions—plus, if you're really in a pinch, you can just click the question, and Siri will read it aloud for you. Although I guess that doesn't really help the whole "lazy American" stereotype. Drat.

PRO: Free, quick-referernce for real-life situations: missed trains, convenience store items you forgot, and important life questions like "Ou sont les toilette?"

CON: Unappealing/disorganized design. Some of the lists are long, which means you may be scrolling a while to find what you're looking for. Also, this doesn't teach you French. It's just a cheat sheet, albeit a helpful one.

1. Duolingo

As you can tell from the photo and its place on my list, Duolingo is by far the best app for actually learning how to speak French (or Spanish, Italian, German, or Portuguese). The app walks you through countless free lessons, that include grammar explanations, new vocabulary, and practical speaking practice. Each lesson includes steps that record you speaking into your phone's microphone. Then, some computer program checks that you don't sound absurd! Nice right? Plus, every time you do something right it rings this beautiful sound that makes you feel like you're conquering the world.

PRO: Free app that actually helps teach the language basics, with good design and helpful explanations.

ADDITIONAL PRO: This app lets you "jump" levels if you've studied French in the past and want to start with what you already remember.

CON: Entirely addictive. Also, it requires sound, which can easily annoy the people around you.

ADDITIONAL CON: This app does not offer Chinese. So I can't brush up on the language I actually spent three years studying. Get cracking on that Mandarin version Duolingo!

So there you have it folks. My favorite French apps, reviewed. Did I miss any? What apps have you used for language that are helpful? I'd love to hear!

Au revoir mon frère!

Travel Bug.

If you know the Gibsons—you know we like to travel. Though we don't get to do it as much as we'd like, we try and make a habit of saving money like fiends for one sizable trip every year or so. We went to California in 2011, for our first anniversary, Seattle in 2012, for our second. And now... in 2013... we're planning another big adventure. This time... we're going to...

EUROPE!

We are so excited, we can't even contain ourselves. Last week, we bit the really difficult  bullet and snagged two plane tickets... we will fly into London on October 3rd, and out of Rome on October 24th.

Here's the thing. Patrick went to Germany, Switzerland and Italy a few years before we met. But I've NEVER been to Europe. My parents lived in Germany for four years before I was born. But I've NEVER. BEEN.

And that means I want to see just about everything. Which obviously, you can't do when your time (and funds) are hemmed in by... oh you know... reality. Plus, planning a trip can be pretty intimidating when you're looking at an entire continent.

So, I have two main questions:

1) What do we HAVE to see in England, France and Italy? 

2) What should we SKIP in England, France and Italy? 

All suggestions are welcome. I'll try to keep you updated as we make our plans!

Ultimate Guide to Nashville - (the email version)

So, it's been a few (okay more than a few) days since I've stopped in around here. Hope all (five) of you are having a great summer! Patrick and I just got back from vacation last week, and I've been playing catch up ever since. One of the things I'd been putting off was responding to a friend who'd emailed me asking for recommendations about traveling in Nashville. She's going to be here for a whole week in July, and wanted to know what fun things she and her family could get into. So, this morning, I sat down to write a response... and what it turned into was something I should probably be writing for Forbes, but instead—decided to post here! Perhaps this will convince some of you to come visit the Gibsons in Nashville... or better yet... move here!

So, without further ado...

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO NASHVILLE (the email version)

Dear [insert your name here],

Okay, so I HAVEN'T forgotten you! I've been so crazy busy the last few days, but I've been thinking about your trip and can't wait to hear more!

So it sounds like you're going to be here for a week, correct? Will you be working at all or just vacationing? There is plenty to see and do here... and lots that will be great for the kiddos too. ALSO - Patrick and I would love to have you guys over one night for dinner - or to babysit (for free) while you're here. (Not kidding.)  Just let us know what you need!!

Where are you staying? If you haven't made any plans let me know - I can try to offer a few recommendations. Also - be aware that I'm telling you a lot here about MY favorites in Nashville. So... if you're interested in twang and honky tonks... you can walk down Broadway and see that... then go see new Nashville:

RESTAURANTS

Kid friendly restaurants are all around. Some of our favorites:

• BurgerUp (an upscale burger joint with lamb burgers, quinoa burgers, bison, beef etc.)- they have a great atmosphere and books under the hostess table for kids to read during dinner. I'd go between 5-7 to be seated right away. After 7 there's usually a wait.
• Rosepepper - Mexican Cantina - some of the food is awesome (ie, the chimichangas) plus, there's a really great hack you can do during happy hour - 2 chimichangas and 2 of the city's BEST margaritas for just $20. Not bad.
• Bread and Co. - This is a place that you order up at the counter and can take stuff to go if you want. There's one right across the street from Nashville's largest public park, Centennial Park, and you could do a picnic.
• Edly's - a BBQ joint (there are 2 locations) - really delicious and kid friendly.
• Wild Cow - a vegan/vegetarian place in East Nashville people rave about alot. I must admit I haven't been there.
• Smiling Elephant - THE BEST THAI in Nashville. Hands down. Order the cashew chicken.
• Marche - for BRUNCH... any day. Beautiful and delicious.
• Jeni's - for ice cream. It's right across the street from Rosepepper
• Silly Goose - a great restaurant that's kid friendly and the Chef recently won a People's Choice award for Food & Wine Mag. Just next to Jeni's and across the street from Rosepepper.

Let me know if you are looking for any date-night type restaurants, too. (The Yellow Porch, Park Cafe, and Rolf and Daughters are some favorites off the top of my head)

 

COFFEE SHOPS

I don't know if you guys are obsessed with coffee like I am ... but there are a few great coffee shops that are great breakfast places around here. 

• Barista Parlor - hipster coffee mecca. Delicious homemade biscuits. Great boutique-style pour-over coffee... don't ask for cream unless you ordered a latte. I did that once and it was bad. (Go here for the scene)
• Frothy Monkey - there's one on 12 S and there's one in Franklin (and there's great shopping in Franklin... see below) - (Go here for the food and vibe)
• Crema - Really great views of the city... and in my opinion, the best coffee in town. (Go here for the views and coffee)

SHOPPING

Not sure if you like to shop, or what kinds of things you like to look for but here are my favorite Nashville treasures:

• OMG- a little off the beaten path, but worth a visit because the stuff here is pretty interesting and fun. Housewares, vintage clothes, lots of irreverent goodness. Tell the owners Kate and Ashley that Claire Gibson sent you. 
• The Flea Market - this is only the third weekend of every month. You can check dates here, but it's a fun time. Bring cash or checks if you're thinking of going home with anything. It can get REALLY hot. take a water bottle! 
• Shoppes on Fatherland and the Shoppes on Woodland. These are both really close to each other and are full of some really cool "incubator" shops. Since they are so small, the rent is affordable for new entrepreneurs to try their hand at a business. I'd go to brunch at Marche, then walk up to the shops. 
• Downtown Franklin - a little out of the way (about 30 minutes from Nashville) but this has a very cute, southern feel to it. There's lots of different shops and some great restaurants down there.
• Parnassus - Book shop with lots of local authors and character. Usually have story time etc. for the kiddos!

SIGHTS

• The Frist - there's a cool exhibit going on right now about Art Deco Cars. It's there til September!
• Johnny Cash Museum - just opened. Haven't been. Sounds cool though. 
• Pedestrian Bridge - it's worth it to walk across and take in the city skyline!  Super fun. 
• Nashville Zoo - Could be fun if it's not too hot!
• Nashville Public Library - honestly I think it's underrated. 

OUTDOORS

• Hike Percy Warner Park
• Walk the Greenway (with me and Patrick!)
• Grassy Knoll Movies 
• Nashville Farmers Market - Find a buy peaches from the folks at the Peach Truck! 
• Canoe the Harpeth

MUSIC

Not sure that many of these places are "kid-friendly" - but they always have live music going on.

• Mercy Lounge
• Third and Lindsley 
• Family Wash (also a great restaurant, this is your best bet on kid friendly, I think)
• Third Man Records - Jack White's label, worth a visit
• Grimey's and Grimeys II - record shops with lots of character
• Ryman Auditorium is the home of the original Grand Ole Opry. Could be cool if ya'll got tickets to a show!

This is probably WAY more than you wanted... but there's plenty to choose from!! I'll help you sift through the madness if you need help.

--

There you have it folks. The Ultimate Nashville Guide - for my buddies in Nashville... what did I forget? For people traveling to Nashville... what questions do you have about planning a trip here?

Related:

Nashville Outdoors

What's New in Nashville

You're Invited!

Tomorrow, Patrick and I are headed to my favorite place in the world. 

St. Simons Island, Georgia, here we come!

THINGS I'LL BE DOING AT THE BEACH:

• Wearing my very first one-piece bathing suit that looks like this.
• Reading Bonhoeffer by Eric Metaxazs, then reading Mr. Peanut by Adam Ross. 
• Listening to the Great Gatsby soundtrack, in particular this song by Gotye. 
• Cooking this recipe for herb-encrusted pork at least once. 
• Celebrating Father's Day with my dad, who gives the best advice. 
• Celebrating my love, Patrick's Birthday!!! (June 17th)
• Enjoying the view and the yoga classes at the Cloister.

So while we're galavanting on the beach sipping mojitos and margaritas, I'll be taking a blogging break. I have a feeling it's going to feel good. 

But in the meantime, I'd love to invite you to follow my professional site by clicking "HOME" above, or by visiting www.clairegibson.com. On the right-hand side of the page, there's an option to enter your e-mail address and follow along. While we're gone, I'll be updating that site with a few articles I've written that you won't want to miss. 

Also, you can keep up with us on Twitter and Instagram. Duh. 

Happy Summertime!

HOW TO B-CYCLE*

I haven't owned a bike since I was 10 years old.

True story: When I asked my mom if we had a bike she could bring up to Furman so I could ride to class, she showed up in Greenville with the bike I had as a 10 year old.

Another true story: She made me go to a bicycle shop and listen to them tell her what I'd already told her — there's no way to make a bike made for a 10 year old work for a 20 year old. I haven't stepped in a bike shop since. (Though I've wanted to, bad.)

Thankfully, Nashville, like lots of other cities, has invested in a new bicycle share program called B-cycle. Over the last few months, we've watched bike hubs spring up across the city—stations where 10 bikes are locked up and ready for the renting. But as we passed by in our four-wheeled vehicle, I kept wondering... how does this really work?

So... over Memorial Day weekend, when the weather was perfect, Patrick and I decided to take some b-cycles for a spin. We made some mistakes and learned some lessons that I felt I needed to share. So whether you're visiting the city, or (like us) just don't want to shell out the cold hard cash for your own cruiser—here are five tips to b-cycling Nashville.

STEP ONE: Sign up online. This takes an extra few minutes, and just a little bit of forethought. When you sign up, you'll be mailed a b-cycle card that can work at any of the b-cycle cities (16 total).  We did not do this. We walked up to the station and clicked the screen, and put in our debit card, and took out a bike. (WARNING: You only have 30 seconds to take out said bike.)

STEP TWO: Understand the Cost. B-cylce bikes cost $5 per bike per day PLUS a usage fee of $1.50 every HALF hour after your first free hour. We did not understand this.

STEP THREE: Understand the Loophole to the Cost. Bike sharing is all about sharing. So the idea behind the "free hour" is for you to be able to grab a bike, ride to work, and drop off the bike at a different station. Little did Patrick and I know... that the "free" hour resets every time you check your bike in to a new station. Therefore, the next time we take a bike ride across Nashville, we will click in and out of a few stations along the way, so it really will only cost $5.

STEP FOUR: Ride across the Pedestrian Bridge. You just HAVE to. It's so gorgeous. (And there's a station to click in and out of on both sides.)

STEP FIVE: Return the bike.

It's that easy.

**Note: a former version of this blog post was titled "How to B-Cylce." My apologies.