Moms - How to Spend the Economic Stimulus Rebate on Yourself

As mothers, we always put everyone else's needs and wants before our own. When your Economic Stimulus Check arrives, I know your instinct will be to pay off bills, buy underwear and socks for the family, replace that worn our couch, get new tires for the car, or spend it on the kids. Let's face it, our kids are already spoiled enough with cell phones, computers, iPods, video games, $60 shorts and $30 t-shirts from Abercrombie or Hollister. There's some money coming for them and hubby too. Combine that money for household related, boring expenses, but take your entire share ($600 or $300) and spend it selfishly on yourself. Mother's Day is almost here and that's a great excuse, as if you needed it, to splurge.

Here are 10 suggestions for pampering yourself.

1. The number one luxury I would recommend is a massage. I don't even consider that a luxury but rather a necessity. I am on a tight budget but massage is one thing that I allow myself to have at least once a month. If you have never had a massage than you don't know what you are missing. It is wonderful. It is so relaxing and calming, your stress will melt away, if only temporary. You will sleep better, exercise better and just overall, feel better. Lot of massage therapist offer packages. Buy several massages at once and get a discounted rate while insuring more massages. When all the money has been spent, you can find comfort in knowing you still have paid massages waiting for you.

2. Go on a shopping spree. Buy yourself some new clothes. It really is therapeutic and makes you feel refreshed, fashionable and pretty. Buy new make-up and throw away all those messy pieces of make-up that you're holding onto. Buy some new bras and throw your old ones in the garbage. Get some good quality bras. You'd be surprised how much better a new bra can make you feel. Buy new shoes. Every woman likes new shoes.

3. Join a gym. If you have been wanting to get some exercise and time to yourself but didn't have the money for a gym membership, use this opportunity to join one. You will feel better, look better, sleep better and have more energy. We all know the importance of exercise.

4. Buy jewelry. If you love jewelry than go splurge on those diamond studded earrings you have had your eye on. Buy a new ring or necklace. Whatever your money can buy you that you will enjoy.

5. Go on a spa weekend getaway. Leave the kids with hubby and go stay in a hotel that offers spa treatments. Pamper yourself with breakfast in bed, followed by a great morning massage. Enjoy a weekend of facials, paraffin wax treatments, foot rubs, manicures, pedicures, body scrubs and waxing. Have people wait on your every need for a change.

6. Convince some of your other mom friends to cash in on their part of the Economic Stimulus check too and all of you take a short plane flight together somewhere to just have lunch and shop. Search for great plane fares on the Internet. I know some airlines that offer terrific web deals, sometimes for last minute travel. You can take short flights for $59 or $69 one way. There are also some web sites created just to help find last minute deals on airfare. Fly on the spur of the moment or plan ahead, whichever you prefer. Either way you will feel like a movie star just flying out to have lunch and shop.

7. Hire a maid to come in once a week or once a month and/or a personal chef to come in and cook dinner. Enjoy one or both until your money runs out

8. Go on a gambling trip with friends. Enjoy Vegas, Atlantic City, Biloxi, what ever casinos are close to you and enjoy the sounds, lights, and excitement. There are great shows that you can watch and terrific restaurants to try.

9. Go to a local hotel and just relax for a night or a weekend or longer. Read, watch television, order room service. If you want, stay close enough to home that you can call your husband over in the middle of the night for a booty call. Have your way with him and send him back to the house. This is assuming your kids are older or you have a babysitter.

10. Grab some friends, rent a limo and go sightseeing. Or invite your husband or lover along for a romantic cruise. (I guess you can share this one if you want to) Have some champagne and enjoy the ambiance.

Whatever you decide to do, do it guilt free. You deserve it!