3rd Place Mom

Raising a kid on a budget via thrift shopping, cool apps and swaps. Learn more from @3rdPlaceMom.

If you are a parent and are reading this you know how much raising a child can cost. I find it interesting that Baby Center’s website created a cost calculator. When I looked at some of the amounts they included I was embarrassed personally. I overpay in daycare but its because my daughter goes to an organic Spanish Immersion school. According to websites like First Five California, Urban…

My first baby is Giovanni my dog.

When I decided to move half way across the country to live with my boyfriend (now husband) my first request was to own my own dog. Being new to a big city it was someone I could count on and love. Due to my husband’s allergies to pets I looked long and hard before deciding on a Morkie. A Morkie is a Yorkie and Maltese combination breed that is hyper allergenic.

The drama began that I wanted this…

Red Throne Events throws awesome Thing One and Thing Two party in California. What's your best birthday party as a child?

As a child I remember birthday parties being the highlight of my memories. Surrounded by family and friends I get to eat as much food, cake and drink pop. My favorite food for a party was nachos. I know is sounds weird but I loved that giant can of cheese with jalapenos from Costcoand their giant bag of chips. We cooked the cheese in a crock-pot and letting it melt all over the cheese. After a…

Now you’re almost ready for take off! Let’s get on the plane towards your trip.

BOARDING

Up until recently most airlines allowed families to board first. On my flight from MSP to SAN with Delta. Airlines I learned that the policy has changed and only families who purchased a ticket for a child who needs a car seat may board early.

Give a ticket to your little one(if they can handle it) to carry…

Traveling with kids – Part 2

So before we explored what to do before you get to the airport, now let’s look at some tips while at the airport.

SECURITY

At most airports (MIA, SAN, MSP) there is a family lane for security. It may not be clearly labeled so ask for it.

Your child will have to go through a metal detector in your arms. If…

Traveling with Kids – Part 3

Ok we’re packed, made it to the airport, through security and now it’s time to get on the plane.

AT THE GATE

Bathroom check. Go to the bathroom, change the diaper, change clothes, etc. Believe it or not airlines are not required to have a changing table on board. If you’re lucky they will have one available. Take care of business before you board.

Give your child a snack. You don’t want the…

Traveling with kids – Part 1

When getting ready for a trip there are multiple parts so I am breaking them out into sections. Here is Part 1: Before you get to the airport. PACKING Don’t just keep a change of clothes for your little one in your carry on but also for you. You never know when your little one might puke or spit up on you too! Be prepared with one more outfit and diaper than you would already take.

Getting…

Traveling with kids – Intro

I love to travel. So much that I go stir crazy if I don’t get out of the state once a year and up until having children out of the country every year. To date I have traveled to 27 countries, studied abroad in two countries, four continents and about 25 states within the United States. It was instilled in me from a very young…

Learn how to make my banana boat delight snack.

I will be honest I am blessed to have an amazing husband(Elliot) who loves to cook. Being a child of divorced parents he was left alone at home with a sitter while his mom worked nights. His step father wasn’t much of a cook himself and the first time watching Elliot didn’t know how to make mac and cheese. So my husband learned very quickly how to cook for himself.

Elliot is always on the look…

I must admit my daughter is too old to be swaddled or to use “Baby Merlin’s Magic Sleepsuit” but it doesn’t mean I don’t want to buy one! You know when you hear of a product all of sudden you’re “in the club”. Everyone you talk to has heard of it, knows someone who has it or owns it themselves. It’s like a life changing discovery for you in the moment about something that has existed for a while…

Free or Cheap Kids Activities

Like most Americans I too like FREE or cheap things to do with my daughter. When it comes to being a parent exposing my child to as many things as possible while being easy on the wallet is a bonus! So I thought I would put a list of ideas of FREE or cheap things to do with your kiddos:

Visit a local park.Don’t limit yourself to one with a playground. In many…

Today my colleague came back to work and I felt for her knowing how difficult the first day and even a couple weeks can be difficult from my own experience. There is a tug-o-war between I want to be home with my baby but while at work. This is no surprise thanks to the Lean In movement started by Sheryl Sandberg.

Maternity Leave is an interesting concept. It wasn’t until I read this article that…