Skip to content
Travel Kiddy
Menu
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Subscribe
  • Categories
    • Home
    • Travel
  • Contact Me
Menu

Macchiato; the Best Morning Coffee

Posted on November 1, 2020November 1, 2020 by Naomi Predmore

What is the best early morning coffee? Not all of us like to start the day with a coffee, but many of us do. One of the best coffees to start your day with, is a coffee macchiato. It is the perfect coffee to take some extra time over. You get a chance to relax and start the day with a delicious tasting coffee. But, as we coffee drinkers know, the perfect accompaniment makes your coffee taste ten times better.

The Perfect Accompaniment To Your Coffee Macchiato

I am lucky enough to travel frequently. During my travels, I have noticed that many Europeans love their macchiato first thing in the morning. They all enjoy it in different ways. On a hot summer´s morning in Barcelona, Spain, you will find the locals like to pour their coffee over ice. It is the best way to start the day when it is already hot 7 o´clock in the morning.

It goes without saying that you need something to eat with your macchiato. The tapas loving Spanish don´t really believe in big breakfasts. After all, around 11 o´clock they will all be coming out of their homes to enjoy a glass of wine and a tapa. Breakfast in Spain is always a light affair. A cooked breakfast with bacon, eggs or pancakes, would horrify them.

Sitting there at the cafe observing the locals ordering their breakfast, I noticed that several varieties of toasted bread were being served up. Some opted for the most simple version of the famous Spanish tostada – bread smoothered in olive oil with salt.

Another favorite seemed to be tostada with chopped tomatoes. This breakfast option is a taste sensation despite its simplicity. Fresh tomatoes and bread first thing in the morning – what can be better than that?

Coffee Macchiato in Italy

It is rumoured that it was the Italians that first came up with the idea of macchiato coffee. It is probably true, the name seems to roll of the tongue a bit easier for the Italians. They say it with a certain passion often accompanied by a hand gesture. The thumb is brought up to the fingers and the hand is slighlty raised. That is how you order coffee when you are in Italy.

The Italians also like their tostada in the morning, but they are more adventurous as far as topppings are concerned. You will often see them order Parma ham or cheese. Needless to say, both varieties are topped with a liberal amount of olive oil.

Any coffee in Italy is often served with a small almond cookie. In the morning, this is often dipped into the coffee after the main breakfast has been enjoyed.

Morning Coffee in France

Do they drink coffee macchiato in France? They must certainly do, but perhaps it is more popular in the south of France. The French are not great believers in breakfast at all. They may just opt for a coffee with a juice.

If a French person decides to have something to eat for breakfast, he or she will often order a croissant. The croissant may be filled with creamy cheese or jam. No matter what, it is always torn apart and often dipped in the coffee.

Don´t be surprised if you notice the French ordering a glass of wine or champagne with their breakfast. It is apparently good for the digestion according to the French. Who are we to say that they are not right?

Breakfast in Germany

Yes, even the Germans love their coffee macchiato. However, in general, you will find that they will wait until later in the morning to enjoy a specialist coffee.

The efficient Germans love to start their day early. Maybe this is why you see them sitting down for coffee and cake around 11 am. Both the Germans and the Austrians pride themselves on their cakes. German cafes are packed with delicious tasting Stollens and other fruit based cakes. In Austria, you can enjoy a slice of the famous Sachertorte with your coffee macchiato.

Anyway, there you have it on the macchiato. Here’s one final Macchiato – Explanation from Convergent Coffee on this fabulous drink. A whirlwind tour of European breakfast traditions. I hope that it gave you some ideas on how you can enjoy your own coffee macchiato in the morning.…

Read more
plumbing questions

Common Questions to Ask Professional Plumbers

Posted on September 8, 2019September 8, 2019 by Naomi Predmore

When you encounter a clogged toilet or a leaky faucet at home, you must call professional plumbers immediately. You must not ignore them because you won’t learn anything that way. If the plumber is nice, he may teach you a thing or two about what he knows. Here are some questions you should definitely ask the plumbers who go to your house to fix the plumbing problem you have:

What caused the plumbing problem?

It would be best to get to the bottom of the problem. It won’t be hard to find out what caused the problem anyway so may as well find it out. For example, if you are dealing with a clogged toilet then the cause of it was flushing down things that should be thrown to the wastebasket. Thus, you must put a sign beside the toilet to prevent that from happening in the future. There are some plumbing problems that are so strange that you won’t know what caused them. Thus, it would be better to ask the expert instead of guessing. Besides, you will never be right with your endless guessing.

How long will you take in solving the problem?

Since it is going to take some of your time, you would want to know how long the plumber will take to get it done. It really depends on the problem. Some problems take only a few minutes while some would take them several hours. Of course, you should ask them in such a way that it would not appear you are hurrying them up. If they think you are hurrying them up, they may get angry. They may even lose their concentration so better ask them nicely. They may even tell you the duration of the task with a smiling face. Now, that is a good sign of a professional plumber.

Do you need any additional materials?

If they answer no then that is a good sign. It means you are dealing with the professional plumber who brought all the things needed to solve the problem. Of course, the same can’t be said for amateur plumbers as they probably just brought the basic tools and would need you to go buy the rest. This is why you should only deal with professional plumbers. You may need to pay them a huge professional fee but it is going to be worth it because they arrive in a van full of the needed plumbing equipment.

What can I do to prevent the problem from happening in the future?

You would definitely hate encountering the same problem over and over again. The plumber probably did something to help prevent that from occurring again in the future. Of course, it won’t hurt to ask as the things you would need to do won’t be that hard anyway. Yes, the plumber will just tell you preventive steps in making sure simple plumbing problems won’t happen again in the future. For example, if you are dealing with a leaky pipe, he would advise you to buy a new one.

Once you have a new pipe installed, it is pretty doubtful it will leak again anytime soon. Another example would be if you encounter a clogged drain. The plumber would just tell you to throw the waste particles into the garbage can and not down the drain. That would prevent the drain from getting clogged. It is common sense but some people still make that mistake.

Once you find out all the answers to the above questions, you will feel confident about everything going along smoothly. Besides, you are dealing with a professional plumber and he probably won’t mind if you will ask him a few simple questions. You will rarely encounter a plumber who does not want to entertain questions because he would want to get the task done as soon as possible so he can move to the next one.

It would be a great idea to list these questions down so you won’t have to waste time thinking about what to ask him. The sooner you ask him, the sooner he answers. There are plumbers who take time in answering questions asked to them but that does not happen very often (unless you have a particularly excellent company like those at Las Vegas emergency plumbers).…

Read more
man shopping for a work boot

Choosing the Best Work Boots

Posted on January 7, 2019May 1, 2019 by Naomi Predmore

Apart from your hard hat and construction-grade overalls, your work boots are vital additions to your daily uniform. Not only do they enable you to walk through your work area, but they can also protect you from nasty injuries such as a falling pipe or a descending chunk of steel.

Choosing the Right Work Boots

Choosing the right work boot for you can be very tricky, especially with the many models and makes out there. You need to make sure that you’ve purchased the right footwear so that you will feel protected and comfortable while at work. It will also make your workday much easier.

Although there are numerous factors that go into making the right work boot for each type of job that needs one, selecting what meets your needs best isn’t complicated at all. In this article, we have listed four main factors that you need to consider to do just that.

1. Safety

Whether you need electrical-resistant work boots for working in a power plant or composite toe construction shoe for masonry, every workplace has its own hazards. Safety is a must. It’s actually the most vital aspect of any work boot. Thereby, choosing the right pair can protect you from injuries, or even save your life. No one actually knows tomorrow. So, it really pays to be prepared with the right gear for your job.

However, with the numerous variety of protective features, it can really be a headache for you to decide what you need and what you don’t need. Here is a list of some important safety features:

– Steel Toe – If you work in the constructive industries, lumber, or carpentry, a pair of work shoes with steel toes is a must. Boots with safety steel toes are a great idea since they can protect you from serious foot injuries.

– Composite Toe – A composite safety toe is made of Kevlar,, plastic or carbon fiber, and are good for people who spend a lot of time working outdoors. They are usually better than steel safety toes since they aren’t detected by metal detectors.

2. Support

Another factor to consider when choosing work boors is support. Support in a work shoe is determined by several elements that work together to make your feet comfortable. When selecting a work shoe, consider the shank, insole, midsole, outsole, and puncture plates since they all contribute to ensuring sturdy support for your feet.

If you have experience blistering or discomfort with your work boots, you may want to consider changing your boots’ insoles. It’s also important to remember that midsoles are an important part of any work shoe and can make a big difference in your shoe’s overall support.

3. Comfort, Flexibility, and Fit

If you spend about twelve hours/day working on your feet, you do without a doubt need comfort work shoes. 
Maximizing comfort of your work boots can greatly improve your overall job performance by keeping your mind distraction-free and uplifting your spirit.

You also need to consider the fit. Look for any hot spots or pinching since they are some uncomfortable areas that aren’t likely to diminish over time.

Lastly, most work shoes are made of leather; a material that gives them flexibility. Leather work boots are recommended as they conform to your feet by repeated use. To maximize your work boots’ flexibility, you need to consider moisturizing them regularly with a conditioner.

4. Waterproofing and Insulation

Walking around at your workplace with waterlogged boots or boots with frozen toes can be very uncomfortable. That is the main reason why you need to weatherproof your boots to increase their comfort. Moisture also attracts and facilitates the growth of bacteria, and if you’re always on your feet wearing wet shoes, it can be a big threat. Thus investing in quality waterproof work shoes will keep you warm and 
safe.

Insulated work shoes, on the other hand, can make working on the outdoors much bearable, and are a must especially if you work in the cold or snowy climatic regions.

So, the next time you go shopping for the best work boot, keep in mind the above features and you’ll be skipping your way to injury-free life at your workplace. Remember that your safety is much more important than your job and it’s important to ensure you have safety gear every time you are working. …

Read more
hot tub outside

How Much is an Inflatable Hot Tub

Posted on October 13, 2018 by Naomi Predmore

Are you thinking twice about purchasing an inflatable hot tub for your back yard? Are you afraid that investing in one won’t be a good idea? Such a hot tub might prove to be more beneficial than you think. This article will provide with you with some examples as to why an inflatable tub is a great buy.

Benefits of Hot Tubs

Stress-reliever

You can relieve stress by having a dip in a hot tub, and an inflatable one can do that for you easily and without fuss. Just plug an electric air pump, put in some steaming water and voila, you have your hot bath within minutes.

Affordability

You can find one in almost every department store and home depot. You can even find brands that sell their tubs online. Contrary to popular belief, being low-priced does not necessarily mean they have inferior quality. Just ask your friendly sales rep and they will provide you with high-quality inflatable tubs at a fraction of the cost of ceramic ones.

Portability

Aside from being cheap and a great stress-reliever, you can really benefit from this kind of tub because of their high portability. When you travel a lot and you need a nice hot bath from time to time, you can always hitch in your portable tub inside your car trunk or other mobile storage, thus allowing you to use it anytime during your travel sprees. Its extreme portability is something you can never enjoy from those made from heavy ceramics.

Space-saver

People living in cities, where living space is small and very limited, can really do well by having this tub around. That way they can enjoy having a hot bath while still maintaining their valuable space. After bathing, just drain the water with a hose, deflate, fold the tub down, and then store it for another bathing day.

Variety

Last but not the least is the wide variety of inflatable tub models to choose from. Depending on your needs and taste, you can choose from simple, single-person tubs to large inflatable Jacuzzis. Modern manufacturing technologies have produced inflatable baths in all sizes and functions, so there is surely a model that will match your needs and lifestyle.

Installation

Next up, inflatable versions are extremely easy to install. For the most part, each comes with a self-inflating pump. And the whole process of deflating them is quick and easy too. All you need is access to a water supply (like a garden hose), a flat surface that can support it when full, and an electrical outlet. That’s it.

Take It with You

Whereas a traditional spa is fixed in one spot, the beauty of an inflatable spa is that you can move it from place to place. Maybe you’re heading camping, to a buddy’s house, moving house, or simply want to make the most of the weather – it’s very portable and easy to transport from one location to the next.

Relaxation

Of course, a key reason for using a hot tub is to relax, de-stress and soothe your whole body. And you receive the same great benefits inside an inflatable spa, as you do in a traditional one. The combination of warm water and jets smoothly caress your skin, while you tilt back your head and let your thoughts drift.

Keeping Clean

The fact is, a regular spa collects dust very easily, and it therefore demands to be cleaned frequently. By contrast, you need only set up an inflatable hot tub when you actually intend to use it, so it won’t sit gathering dust for long periods of time. The rest of the time it can be packed up and put away in storage. Ultimately this translates to less cleaning and less overall time spent maintaining one.

Selection

As you’ll discover very quickly, inflatable spas offer a much wider selection of colors and design than regular hot tubs. So if you’re searching for a tub that best suits your personality and favorite color scheme, then this is probably your best option.

Bonding

Lastly, remember that people love using hot tubs. And if you’re able to supply one for others to use, you will be very popular. So if your aim is to make a good impression and spend quality time with someone you care about, or you simply want to improve your social life, an inflatable hot tub might be exactly what you need.

Buying tips

Portability

It goes without saying, but an inflatable tub offers one huge advantage over a fixed unit – portability. Your standard hot tub is a very heavy unit, with plenty of hard plastics, wood and internal workings which make them a permanent, fixed object in your home.

That’s not the case with inflatable hot tubs, which can happily sit in one place for years before being let down, packed up and moved to a new location. You can even take it on holiday or put it in the garage when not in use!

Comfort

Now, you wouldn’t really accuse any tub of being ‘uncomfortable’. After all, it’s something that they’re explicitly designed against, but there’s no denying that when it comes to comfort, hard plastics are often less comfortable than malleable, inflatable plastics which offer a little give when you lean back into them.

Choice

It’s possible for manufacturers to commit resources to create a great many different shapes, sizes and models of the hot tub.

Price guide

Inflatable hot tubs are made with more affordable materials and often have fewer built-in features like speakers, multi-jet support or advanced lighting systems. If you want to be a smart buyer, then you can find many guides on Linton’s in the Garden website to get educated.

As such, these ‘pure’ hot tubs are significantly more affordable than their hard-sided, fixed relatives. Often, you can find a high-quality inflatable hot tub for around a tenth of the price of the aforementioned hard-sided models.…

Read more
young adults playing foosball

Foosball as a Game for the Whole Family

Posted on September 26, 2018February 6, 2019 by Naomi Predmore

A table soccer may be just what you were thinking of when you were trying to find something to do to keep your family busy when you cannot go outside and there does not seem to be anything to do. Of course this is not simply a game that is limited to being played, but it can break up the doldrums that come with cabin fever.

How to play table soccer?

Table soccer, or foosball, as it is often called, is something that comes with its own set of rules, just like the real game! There’s more to it than spinning the handles, and if you want to play well and to play fairly there are a number of different things that you need to keep in mind.

First, let’s start with the kick off. If there is whole on the side of the board, a third person might push it through, but if you do not have one, the ball should be placed under the foot of any five figure. This is the player who is going to do the kick off, and it should not happen until both players have agreed that they are ready. One rule that is very popular is that you need to make a pass of the ball on the 5 bar before you start to do anything else with the ball. Otherwise, any goal that you score does not count and your opponent receives possession of the ball.

There are several rules of the table soccer game that you are going to need to learn if you are going to be a good player. For instance, if the ball ends up leaving table, it goes back to the player who served it for another 5 bar kick off. If the ball comes to stop between the 2 bar and the goal, you should have a kick off played from the 2 bar, though if the ball falls dead anywhere else, it is going to need to go back to the 5 bar.

When do you score when you are playing table soccer? Any player on the field can score a goal, and if the ball enters the goal but bounces out, that will still count as a goal. The question of whether you can score a goal against yourself (something that happens quite often when you are dealing with new players) is something that should be decided on before you start the game. Some people feel that you should not be able to score goals against yourself period, while other people feel that if you score a goal against yourself due to an infringement of the rules by the other player that it should count against them in a deduction of points!

Table soccer, like any game or sport, does have it’s problems with knobs, people who don’t know the game, and are unwilling to learn. Most generously, they will figure it out at some point and get better, but some people remain beginners for their entire lives. Some beginner behavior that you might recognize will include lifting the table while the ball is in play, banging or jarring it, or even kicking or bumping it. If the ball is in play, they might blow on it or even put their hands on the playing field, actions that are not allowed.

Think about the fact that the whole family can be hanging out around the table watching and cheering each other on as you go and face one another in a family tournament. It can be a great way to get the kids away from the television and in a somewhat active state as they will be moving their hands and in all likelihood be jumping around as the ball is knocked back and forth between the two teams. There are many different models and styles that one can choose from and there are different types and sizes of tables that one can buy to be able to enjoy and entertain oneself during the game.

Some options that are out there are tables that have electronic scoring or ones that will cover the entire kitchen table. However, because these are table versions you will be able to store them easily and will not need a dedicated part of the house to be able to store the game for use.

Being able to bring you and your family together for a night or afternoon of fun and excitement without spending a lot of money or leaving the house is one of the best things about this table game. It is about being able to have the fast paced excitement and fun as well as quality time all rolled into one.

Depending on how big of a table as well as the features that you are looking to get for the game will carry a large weight as far as pricing for the game is concerned. Features such as automatic scoring or how detailed the players in the game are will add or subtract from the price of the table game. Make sure to know how large and what you want before going and getting a game that will not fit and therefore not store easily in your home.…

Read more

The 7 Most Romantic Travel Destinations inside the United States of America

Posted on September 6, 2018September 17, 2018 by Naomi Predmore

The United States is full of beautiful sites that you can visit on trips that will undoubtedly be super accessible in comparison to an international trip. Therefore, here we have the most romantic travel destinations inside the United States of America:

Lanai

It’s one of the most visited islands in the United States. The view, nature, the paradisiac beaches, hotels, and everything, without a doubt, is a dream for anyone, especially for those couples in love.

Santa Barbara

It’s one of the most beautiful places in California. Very quiet, but full of places that you will not get tired of visiting, especially in case you want to get out of the city.

Cape Cod

Is a rustic site where you will fell in love once you get there. The place it’s full of cabins, beautiful beaches, and exquisite places to eat. With lots of colors, you will have the chance to practice any outdoors activity like bicycles, kayak, and many more.

Napa Valley

It’s a paradise, not only for the landscape but also for the quality of their wine. With different places to visit such as vineyards, golf courses, restaurants, and fully equipped resorts.

San Agustin

A place full of history. The only place with European flair you can find in the US. Located in Florida, it has different tourist and historical places to visit that you will never get tired of.

Aspen

This perfect place to ski is the closest thing to the Alps you will find in the US. It’s one of the most visited sites in the US when in season, thanks to the fun activities you can do, in addition to skiing.

Maui

Another beautiful island where you will find peace and relaxation. You can do different water activities, as well as beautiful sites to visit like the archipelago.

Traveling is the guilty pleasure of many, and it’s a good way to share and reconnect with that person you love so much, archive memories in photos and in your mind, of wonderful moments that could experience in places like these, so, it will be worth it.…

Read more

6 Affordable Family Travel Destinations to Consider in 2018

Posted on September 1, 2018September 17, 2018 by Naomi Predmore

Traveling is one of the biggest pleasures in life. In the world, there are millions of beautiful sites that would be ideal to go on vacation, so here we show you some affordable family travel destinations to consider in 2018:

Ocean City, Maryland

It’s a very beautiful beach to visit. It’s filled with many attractions like restaurants, shops, and activities to do. For example, the Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum is there to blow your mind.

Grand Canyon

One of the most visited tourist sites in the US. A natural wonder able to attract everyone like this one will never be found again. Here, you can also meet other tourist sites such as the Colorado River with its parks and all.

Niagara Falls

It’s one of the most beautiful places in the world. It’s an excellent option to travel with your family, in a more affordable way. You should also take a look according to the season you travel, because in holiday seasons, everything will, undoubtedly, be more expensive. It’s better to visit this location in autumn or spring. You can also visit different attractions, boat trip, and other activities.

San Diego

San Diego is a city that also serves to make tourism by the number of entertainment sites it has. From parks to zoos, San Diego offers a “Kids Free San Diego” plan where children can enjoy the entire month of October without paying anything.

Branson, Missouri

This destination isn’t so common to visit, but it will be worth doing it. It has many amusement parks which will keep children (and also adults) very entertained. Also, other great places to visit are Table Rock Lake or the Titanic Museum.

Yellowstone

This would be more a trip to nature, where you can save a lot of money camping and bringing your own food. It has many tourist sites that will make you go speechless, like Mammoth Hot Springs, and Grand Prismatic Spring.

Never stop traveling, as getting to know new places is what makes memories. I know it’s something complicated by the expenses you would have to take care of, but if you want to indulge yourself, why not? The important thing is to share and get to know new places.…

Read more

8 Easy and Affordable Home Decor Ideas You Should Implement in 2018

Posted on August 27, 2018September 17, 2018 by Naomi Predmore

Decorating a house is one of the favorite activities to do for many women. But it’s not always as easy as it sounds, because sometimes what you may like the most is the most expensive thing in the store. So, we bring you a list of easy and affordable home decor ideas you should implement in 2018:

Photos

The photos are a familiar touch to give to your home. So you can put photos anywhere in the living room or in the corridors of your home.

Books

Placing books anywhere in your home is also a nice idea to give another vision to your home, and whether it’s placing a bookshelf or simply at a table, it looks cool.

 

Candles

Candles are a romantic touch to add them anywhere in your home. Currently, many candles are used in different sizes all together as a centerpiece.

Vintage

Don’t be afraid to use anything you have stored and look very old that’s in good condition. Whether it may be tables, furniture, lamps or whatever, this is a new technique that is being used a lot.

Colors

The colors are what will give life to your house. At the moment, neutral colors are fashionable, but whether neutral or bright, it depends on your tastes.

Mirrors

The mirrors will always be a good addition to the decoration of any house. You can buy any mirror that goes according to the decoration of your house, and try some vintage, elegant, modern options.

More Space

Try not to decorate your house so much, have more space in each room, which will give more light to your home. Besides that, it will help your space look bigger.

Your Style

Everything has to go with your style. Don’t put something just because it’s fashionable. You have to be faithful to what you like because it’s your home and you have to feel comfortable in it.

It’s not necessary to spend thousands of dollars to decorate your house, you can also find accessible ways to decorate it like these that we mentioned, and there are many more. We hope this list has been very helpful.…

Read more

Search

Follow Us On

Visit Us On TwitterVisit Us On FacebookVisit Us On PinterestVisit Us On Instagram

Recent Posts

  • Macchiato; the Best Morning Coffee

    Macchiato; the Best Morning Coffee

    November 1, 2020
    What is the best early morning coffee? Not all of us like to start the day with a coffee, but many of us do. One of the best coffees to …
  • Common Questions to Ask Professional Plumbers

    Common Questions to Ask Professional Plumbers

    September 8, 2019
    When you encounter a clogged toilet or a leaky faucet at home, you must call professional plumbers immediately. You must not ignore them because you won’t learn anything that way. …
  • Choosing the Best Work Boots

    Choosing the Best Work Boots

    January 7, 2019
    Apart from your hard hat and construction-grade overalls, your work boots are vital additions to your daily uniform. Not only do they enable you to walk through your work area, …
  • How Much is an Inflatable Hot Tub

    How Much is an Inflatable Hot Tub

    October 13, 2018
    Are you thinking twice about purchasing an inflatable hot tub for your back yard? Are you afraid that investing in one won’t be a good idea? Such a hot tub …
  • Foosball as a Game for the Whole Family

    Foosball as a Game for the Whole Family

    September 26, 2018
    A table soccer may be just what you were thinking of when you were trying to find something to do to keep your family busy when you cannot go outside …

The ultimate guide to reducing the cost of your family holiday

Get more stuff

Subscribe to our mailing list and get interesting stuff and updates to your email inbox.

Thank you for subscribing.

Something went wrong.

we respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously

Travel and Memories, Learning for Life


Travel Kiddy is a small blog project focused on me, Naomi Predmore, and my beautiful family. I started writing this blog as a simple way to share our family trips with our relatives who live away from home, and little by little, it started growing and changing into what it is today.

IMPORTANT LINK

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Contact Me
  • Privacy Policy

CONTACT INFO

  • 1077 Ray Court Wilmington, NC 28412
  • [email protected]
  • 910-367-8302
©2021 Travel Kiddy | Built using WordPress and Responsive Blogily theme by Superb