Improve Your Sex Life In Six Easy Steps

In addition to chilling on this place and space, I write for other outlets. So when I’m not over here (where all the cool kids are hanging out, by the way), you can catch me on the other corners of the web.

Along with a short blurb, here are some of the dating/relationship articles that I’ve written over on the HowAboutWe.com blog, The Date Report:


Your sex life could be better in six easy steps --

Six Things Women Really Need to Stop Letting Interfere with Their Sex Lives

"The 'I Don't Shave/Wax in the Winter' Mantra. We women are pretty good at keeping up with our manicures during winter months, but leg shaving and bikini waxing often fall off our radar. Getting a bikini wax isn't exactly fun, so if we're going to do it, there'd better be a beach somewhere. Or Hawaii. But you know what's better than Hawaii? Mind-blowing oral sex. Enough said."

Read more...

I was totally obsessed with this meme -- 

Sh*t Guys Say to Girls (When They're Not Really Interested)

"'I have too much sh*t going on right now.' That's a pretty bullsh*t excuse, no? Alright, fine. Maybe he does have a lot of stuff going on in his life right now. Maybe the timing is a bit off. (I mean, it's true what they say: the right person at the wrong time = the wrong person.) But guess what? There will always be sh*t going on. It's called, wait for it... life. You shouldn't have to wait for him to decide that you're important enough to be a part of that "sh*t." And you have a life too. So keep it moving and start living it."

Read more....

And then there was that time when I was engaged. To be married. For like a week. There was a lot of drama in the comments section of this article. Whoops -- 

Why I said No To My Valentine's Day Marriage Proposal

"Although breakups suck big time (this one certainly did), staying in a relationship that's not working sucks more. Believe me. I once read an article that proclaimed something along the lines of "when it comes to entering a serious relationship, men choose, while women settle." Well... not this woman."

Read more...

Take your pick(s), lovelies! Facebook "likes" and re-tweets will be greatly appreciated. I know what you’re thinking: more self-pimping. Apparently I’m learning a lot from Kris Jenner... and all things Kardashian.

Happy Reading!

Flirting With Red

For the past couple of weeks, I've been flirting with different shades of red lipstick. It's a must-have beauty product, but it's taken me awhile to come around to it. I think it's because red tends to look dull on me. Meh.

But, alas, I've found a shade that I'm totally loving. Behold Rimmel London's Berry Queen. I posted this picture on the Mommy Delicious Facebook page the other day and you guys gave it rave reviews. Thanks!

But the real test came this weekend. I had a busy Saturday night and this delicious single momma needed to look good. The night commenced with a dinner party in Midtown Manhattan with my gals M and T. There was laughter, the sharing of dating tales, and sangria. Good times. The night culminated in Murray Hill at a crazy fun birthday party for guys from my undergrad years. There was singing, dancing, and shots of vodka. Very good times.

{L to R: yours truly, T, and M}

I added a little spice to the red lipstick by wearing red skinny jeans from American Eagle. Ooh-la-la. The black halter vest and cream blazer (from H&M) helped color block the look to perfection. I finished the outfit off with my Arden B faux fur vest.

{Ring, cuff, necklace: H&M;
stacked bracelets: Aldo's;
nails: Essie Really Red}

{Suede wedges: Steve Madden;
scarf: H&M; bag: Aldo's}

Excuse the blurry pictures. My iPhone was not my friend on Saturday night. What'd you guys do this weekend? Anything fun?

Hope you all have a fashionable and fabulous week!

There's Power In Support

For the past couple of weeks, I've been having flashbacks to when I was in graduate school. Maybe it's because some of my friends are still in grad school and I feel their pain. Like, really. 

I've been particularly thinking about my last few weeks of grad school and how I was justthisclose to finishing with my second Masters degree (M.Ed.). Once I successfully completed a Special Project. My Special Project. Ahh, [not-so-good] memories…

Being the Type-A personality that I am, I double double-checked all the sections of my Special Project before handing it in – all 30 pages of what I felt was the culmination of long days, longer nights, over-caffeinated beverages, carpal tunnel from my poor fingers ferociously typing away at my laptop keyboard, the early onset of Astigmatism from starring at my computer screen far too long, shoulders that I’m sure rivaled “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” from, well, hunching over for hours on end, blood (figuratively), sweat (literally), and tears (again, literally). Because of all this, I was oh so sure that my Special Project, my baby, was complete to perfection when I handed it in.

It was not. A few nerve-wracking weeks later, my Advisor returned it to me and it was bleeding. My baby had red markings all over it – elaborate on this assessment of your client, discuss what you attribute your clients’ behaviors to, talk less about this theory, edit this ENTIRE section. Ouch! After my advisor returned my Special Project to me, I had one week to revise it and turn it back in for a second assessment. If the second assessment was not good enough, then I would fail the project and wouldn’t be able to graduate.

I’d been a full time graduate school student and single mom for two years, and while I knew I was so close to graduating, I was exhausted beyond measure and overwhelmed beyond what I ever thought possible. Between motherhood, work, and school, I just knew that I wouldn’t have the time or energy to revise my Special Project.

So I called my sister and asked if she could babysit. Without hesitation, she said, “Yes.” 

Support.

If it weren’t for support, I wouldn’t have made it through graduate school. No way, no how.  And not only the support of my sister either. There was my godmother who, although she lives in another state, would encourage me through her phone calls, inspire me through her text messages, and cheer me on through her emails. There was my old college roommate, T, who would send me care packages equipped with vitamin C and a “You can do this” pick-me-up message. There was my good friend, L, who would remind me that although grad school sucks big time, I was doing a good job. They were my girlfriends Tati and M who would listen to me vent for as long as I needed to. There were my blogger pals (yep, you guys), Facebook buddies, and Twitter followers who would cheer me on. All. The. Time. Sometimes it seemed as though y'all believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. Feeling that kind of love was really, really touching. Overwhelming, even. 

Unwavering support.

And then there was Aiden. My beautiful, too-amazing-for-words Aiden. His smile and contagious positive energy made the hard work all worthwhile because I knew that it would pay off for the both of us. His presence alone helped me to endure the sleepless nights, and the blood (figuratively), sweat (literally), and tears (again, literally). I did it for him. For us. For our future.

I’ll admit that I don’t know much about life. However, one of the things I do know is that when it comes to parenting and getting through rough patches, the things that mothers can accomplish with a little support, is nothing short of amazing. "It takes a village to raise a child," is what they say.

I’m a single mother, but I still made sure that I have my village – my support system – in place. Knowing that there are people in my corner whom I can depend on in the time of need (even if only to listen to me vent) makes me feel as though I can take on the world. Or at least try to. My support system need not be big in numbers and it need not be people who live in close proximity to me. But it is there. In place. In the time of need. And that makes a huge, huge difference in my life and in Aiden's life.

Do you have your support system in place?

Cobalt Blue in Miami Beach

I've been itching to get away from NYC and unwind for a couple of days for the past few months. Winter and work and stress and motherhood'll do that to ya. I didn't want to take off from work so I've been waiting for a long weekend (like this one) to get away. Between the cash flow from my day job and freelancing gigs, I was able to afford a plane ticket without breaking the bank. But not a hotel room. So I stayed with my very good friend (who also happens to be my old college roommate), T, who now lives in Miami Beach. Like, right across the street from the beach. Like, thisclose to water and sand and Heaven on Earth.

While I'm still in shock that I was just wearing tank tops, flip flops, and a mini-dress, and now I'm back to a scarf and a coat, I am very happy to have gotten away. I so needed that.

Since purchasing them a couple months ago, I've been living for these American Eagle cobalt blue pants. Naturally, I had to bring them to Miami. I paired it with a crisp white H&M tank with writings in pink and black. I finished off this cool and chic look with sparkly gold thong sandals from Aldo's.

{Eyes: Bobbi Brown; Lips: Rimmel London Berry Rose;
Necklaces: 1-- Michael C. Fina, 2 -- F21;
Ring, bag, tank top: H&M;
Pants: American Eagle
Sandals: Aldo's}

To hit the beach on Day 2, I wore my spandex mini-dress from H&M that hugs all the right places and spaces. The dress features a scoop neck and cap sleeves (not shown) and can be paired with anything for a fun and flirty look. Since it was a bit windy, I paired it with my denim button down shirt from, also from H&M. Classic.

{Necklaces: 1 -- Michael C. Fina,
2 -- American Eagle 77 Kids:
Sunglasses: David Yurman;
Dress and shirt: H&M;
Sandals: Aldo's}

Look at those clear skies and that beautiful water... how many more weeks until Summer?

Want your own H&M gear? Don't forget to enter my kick-ass H&M sponsored giveaway -- $250 H&M gift card plus tickets to the next Baby Loves Disco event. Woot!

Hope you lovelies are having a fashionable week!

{Shout out to my photographer, T. Love you, lady! xoxo}

Target Celebrates "Read Across America." PLUS Cool Giveaways!

You guys know how important I think it is to instill a love of reading to our kids. I've spoken about it so many times on this place and space. Need a reminder? Head here, here, and here.

{Last year's "Read Across America" event}

You can also head on over to this post where Aiden and I covered the National Education Association's (NEA's) "Read Across America" event at the New York Public Library. The event was filled celebrities (including the fine piece of male specimen, Common) reading Dr. Seuss classics to the kids, and Aiden and I had a great time! Check out some pics from last year, including the fine piece of male specimen, Common. Yum!

"Read Across America" is a Target sponsored event that clearly illustrates how the mega brand is doing their duty of instilling a love of reading among children. In fact, Target is right on track to giving $1 billion for education by the end of 2015. Boy, if I didn't have a reason to love the store before...

I'm always excited to discuss the importance of reading even more. Which is exactly why I'm happy to be partnering with Target again to let you know that this Saturday, February 25th from 9am -- 11am, all Target stores nationwide will be hosting a FREE in-store reading to celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday! Hold your applauds. It gets better. During the celebration, there will be reading nooks throughout Target that'll be inspired by Dr. Seuss' "The Lorax" and readings by Target team members. No applauds yet. There's more. Every child who attend the in-store reading event will receive a reusable Target bag filled with Dr. Seuss' reading activities, a bookmark, crayons, and snacks. Okay... now you can applaud.

Want to applaud even more?

GIVEAWAY!
Five (5) Mommy Delicious readers will win 5 Dr. Seuss classics in a reusable bag. Woohoo! Want to be one of the five winners? Of course you do!

Here's how to enter:
Leave a comment below stating your favorite (or your child's favorite) Dr. Seuss book and why you love it so much. Pretty simple, huh?

The giveaway will end Sunday, February 26th at which point the winners will be chosen. Until then, mark your calendars and head to your local Target store this Saturday for some in-store reading treats.

Good luck and happy reading!

UPDATE: THE WINNERS ARE -- L and G, Chanel8216, Hallie, Maria Wen Adcock, Rhonda. CONGRATULATIONS. Stay tuned for an email from me.

{This giveaway is being sponsored by Target.}

DVF ♥ GapKids Collection First Look!

Okay, so I don't have a little girl mini-me, but... hot damn!... take a look at these totally adorbs pieces from the DVF ♥ GapKids Collection! The collection will hit stores and the Internet (hello online shopping!) on March 15th and will feature printed dresses, leggings, tops, and so much more for little tots and big girls! Sweet!

Are you marking your calendars? Because I've got March 15th circled so that I can snag something for my neice. (BTW... times like these I totally wish I wore a size 8 or 10 in kids. Just saying...)

There's also an equally adorable video with DVF herself and cute kids all wearing the designs. Love! Check it out on the GAP website. And, uh... get excited!

H&M Fashion at Baby Loves Disco! PLUS $250 H&M Gift Card Giveaway!

Last weekend, I went clubbing at La Poisson Rouge in Greenwich Village here in NYC. I know what you're thinking: "What else is new, Mommy Delicious? You always go clubbing, you little socialite." Yes, this is true. But this time I took Aiden along with me. I know what you're probably thinking: "Have you gone insane, Mommy Delicious?!" Now, now... don't go running to call child welfare services on me just yet. Let me explain.

I was invited to cover the Baby Loves Disco dance party on an assignment for H&M, and since I always wear H&M and it's like one of my favorite places to shop, I just had to jump all over that. WORD!

Baby Loves Disco transforms the hippest night clubs into child proof discos so that families who are looking for a break from the routine playground ordeal can let loose for a few hours. As it states on the Baby Loves Disco website, "This is NOT the Mickey Mouse club, and Barney is banned." HA! It's an afternoon dance party with real music -- classic disco tunes from the 70s right up until the present. And when you want to take a break from dancing (but, like, why would you want to do that?!), you can head over to the arts and crafts area for a little fun with the kiddies!

{Arts and craft-ing it up!}

{twirling with the bubbles}

{breakdancing}

When little man and I were there, the DJ was spinning and mixing on the 1s and 2s playing so many hit songs from Michael Jackson ("Don't stop till you get enough...") to Taio Cruz ("I throw my hands up in the air sometimes, singing 'ayo'..."). Trust me on this: it's SO much fun!

It was so perfectly great because I was totally in my element -- good dancing, good music, good fashion... what's not to love?! And I was able to share my love with my Aiden. In a kid-friendly way. And I got to dance all afternoon in my 5-inch platform wedges with my favorite guy. Perfection. At its finest.

{The emcee was getting the crowd going!}

Now let's talk about the outfits, which were sponsored by H&M. I was able to purchase so much when I went on my H&M shopping spree for both Aiden and me. I was totally in shopping heaven! H&M is all about offering quality pieces at affordable prices. And how great is it that H&M takes responsibility for how people and the environment are affected by their operations?! Very! From their better convention cotton (95% of cotton is grown conventionally) to their better working conditions in factories, H&M is on point!

All of Aiden's outfits were pretty solid contenders:

{red tie, gray sweater, plaid pants,
black & white checked shirt last seen HERE}

{cobalt jacket, patterned shirt, navy blue pants}

But in the end, this one was our fave:

{blue shirt, patterned tie, navy cardigan, red pants}

{What a great pair! My outfit via H&M was last seen HERE}

How could you NOT love this?!

GIVEAWAY!
One (1) very lucky and fashionable Mommy Delicious reader will win a $250 H&M gift card in order to go on a mini shopping spree! PLUS, you'll get tickets to the next Baby Loves Disco dance party! SKEE! Want to win? Well, of course you do! Here's how to enter:

1. "Like" Mommy Delicious on Facebook AND share this giveaway on Facebook. Make sure to tag Mommy Delicious when you share it so that your entry will count. Leave a comment saying that you've done so.

Want extra entries? Well, duh... it increases your chances of winning!
1. Head over to Mommy Delicious on Facebook and comment on the post about this giveaway stating what outfit you'd buy from H&M with your gift card. Leave a separate comment saying that you've done so.
2. Follow Mommy Delicious on Twitter AND tweet this giveaway. Make sure to @MommyDelicious in your tweet so that this entry will count. Leave a separate comment saying you've done so.
3. "Like" H&M on Facebook. Leave a separate comment saying that you've done so.

Total of FOUR entries per person. One (1) winner will be chosen via random.org on Friday, March 2nd. The H&M gift card and Baby Loves Disco tickets will be mailed directly to you.

GOOD LUCK and HAPPY SHOPPING and HAPPY DANCING! Woot!

UPDATED: WINNER ANNOUNCED -- Selected via Random.org, the winner is The November Issue! Congratulations! Stay tuned for an email from me.

{Disclaimer: This giveaway is being sponsored by H&M. All opinions expressed herein are my own.}

Pretty in Pink with H&M

This past weekend, Aiden and I headed out to Greenwich Village for a pretty sweet dance party, Baby Loves Disco. We had such a fun time! I'm in the process of putting together a detailed post of the event, but in the mean time, enjoy my outfit choice of the afternoon.

I was clad head-to-ankles in H&M, which is one of my favorite places to shop. I really love the way the cobalt blue blouse looks when pair with the pink blazer. And you simply can't go wrong with black skinny jeans and platform suede wedges (Steve Madden). I was comfortable enough to dance the afternoon away with my lil man while remaining fashionable. Score!

{Blazer, blouse, bag, jeans -- H&M; lipstick -- Cover Girl}

{Wedges -- Steve Madden; earrings -- Aldo's;
ring, bracelet -- H&M}

 Hope you're having a fashionable week!

{Disclaimer: Thanks to H&M for sponsoring my Baby Loves Disco outfit! All opinions expressed herein are my own.}

The Beauty of Embracing Who You Are

Today is "100 Days of School," a celebrated day at school where each student has to bring in some sort of art project that displays "100." For those of you who don't know, it's kind of a big deal. Being the type-A that I am, I was pretty set on creating a masterpiece with Aiden for today. But my ideas were much bigger than my abilities. Aiden and I attempted to do not one, but two "100 Days of School" projects before I decided to go the "easy route." I was stressing myself out. I was stressing Aiden out. It was past his bedtime. He was getting cranky. I was getting cranky. Totally not worth it. So what'd I do instead? Aiden and I counted out 100 honey nut Cheerios and glued them on construction paper to form the number 100. Not exactly a masterpiece, but hey...

You know what? It worked. His teachers were happy with the project. But more importantly, HE was happy with it and beamed with pride. And that made me happy as well. 

I'm not the creative/artsy type. Not in the this-art-project-is-going-to-be-so-dope type of way anyway. But I'm good at other things. When it's time to read a story to Aiden's class, I'll jump all over that. Or when it's time to help out for a celebration or parade or another big event, you bet I'll be there. But art projects? Umm, not so much. 

And you know what? That's okay. Because other great things happen when I embrace who I am. And it's some kind of wonderful...

A few weeks ago, Aiden had kindergarten interviews for private school next fall (stayed tuned for a detailed post regarding my thoughts on that experience). It wasn't until I was right in the thick of a school tour/interview process, surrounded by couples -- married couples -- that I realized just how far I've come as a single mother. Almost two years ago, I was reluctant to leave a toxic relationship with Aiden's other parent because I was nervous/anxious/confused/unsure/and down right scared of being a single mother. I wasn't sure how others would judge me. I wasn't sure how Aiden would judge our situation. I questioned whether I was actually enough for Aiden, and whether I was cut out for single motherhood. But... I took it one day at a time. 

For better or worse, I learned how to embrace who I was/am. And you know what? It's been some kind of wonderful. Aiden and I are happy and healthy and we have a pretty lovely life. When I can sit in a group interview surrounded by other older, married couples who are advocating for their child, and not feel intimidated, but advocate for my child just as passionately and eloquently in a poised and put-together manner... Yeah, that's some kind of wonderful. 

Embrace who you are. Wear it well. And rock the life out of it. Because when you do, great things will happen. And it'll be some kind of wonderful.

How do you embrace who you are?

The Amazing Max and The Box of Interesting Things {REVIEW and GIVEAWAY!}

**Winner Announced!

Boy is it good to be Aiden! Why? Well the kid's social calendar at four-years-old is better than mine. And I'm 27. He's always got something going on, and he loves it. and I love being his plus one. 

Last week I was lucky enough to tag along with him as he indulged in a little magic. Along with my friend, T and her daughter, A, we headed to midtown Manhattan to see The Amazing Max and The Box of Interesting Things at the off Broadway theater, Manhattan Movement and Arts Center (MMAC). 

{Little buddies, A and Aiden}

Let me tell you, to say that the kids had a ball is an understatement. They really enjoyed themselves and laughed at like, every joke. No, it wasn't a comedy show. (or was is?) but Max certainly told enough jokes to make it feel like a comedy show. Even the adults were laughing hysterically! 

But let's talk about the magic tricks. "Amazing" is certainly a fitting name for Max. And his tricks. In fact, I was totally and completely left in awe and several times I proclaimed my desire to "be just like Max when I grow up." I mean, how dope would it be if I were a magician and made things disappear right before your eyes? Just like Max. And how cool would it be if I defied the laws of physics by making things reappear in a completely different place than it disappeared? Just like Max. And how awesome would it be if I were able to read minds? Just like Max. 

Needless to say, the 60-minute family show was some kind of wonderful. I really like that many of the children was sitting right on the floor of the theater, up close and personal with Max, while the adults held it down at our assigned seats. I also loved that the show was interactive. Max did a stellar job at engaging the kids by picking some of them to be his "helper." And each "helper" received a magic wand at the end of their act. It really made the kids feel extra special. 

After the show, Aiden and I were invited backstage to meet Max and say "hello," which was SUCH a sweet treat. Then we  were allowed to take pictures with Max and get his autograph! 

{The Amazing Max, Aiden and me}

Aiden raved about Max and the magic show all the way home. Little did he know we were going to be seeing Max the following day at the J&R Jr. grand opening extravaganza media preview. See, the kids' social life rocks. (By the way, if you haven't checked out J&R Jr., the new kid-friendly addition to the J&R family, I suggest you do so. Stat! You won't be disappointed and the kids will love it.) Max performed at the stores' grand opening extravaganza media preview and had the crowd dying with laughter. And "oohing" and "aahing" to his tricks. When Aiden saw Max, he exclaimed, "Max!" and was super excited to see the tricks all over again (as if he hadn't seen them less than 24-hours before, but hey... to each his own!) It totally warmed my heart. 

{The Amazing Max at the J&R Jr. media preview}

The Amazing Max is running from now until June 30th at the Manhattan Movement and Arts Center (MMAC) located at 248 West 60th Street between Amsterdam and West End Avenues in the Lincoln Center area. Tickets start at $29.50 and the show is 60-minutes long. To order tickets, call 212.239.6300 or head over to telecharge. Visit The Amazing Max website to learn more information. You can also find Max on Facebook or follow him on Twitter. 

GIVEAWAY!

One (1) lucky Mommy Delicious reader will win a Family 4-pack of tickets to see The Amazing Max and The Box of Interesting Things. Want to win?! Well, of course you do! Here's how to enter:

1. "Like" Mommy Delicious on Facebook AND share this giveaway on Facebook. Leave a comment below saying that you've done so.

Want two extra entries?

1. "Like" The Amazing Max on Facebook and leave a separate comment saying you've done so.

2. Follow @MommyDelicious on Twitter AND tweet this giveaway to your followers. Be sure to @MommyDelicious and @TheAmazingMax in your tweet! Leave a separate comment saying that you've done so.

This giveaway ends Friday, February 17th. Good luck!

**Congrats Aisha! Enjoy the show!

{Disclaimer: I was provided with tickets to the show in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed herein are my own. This giveaway is being sponsored by The Amazing Max.}

You CAN Afford A Little Luxury In Your Life

Written by Suzanne Cramer

We all have our vices when it comes to impulse buys and little luxuries. For me it’s a manicure and a good cup of coffee. For you it may be an expensive dinner out or the latest tech gadgets. Whatever your downfall when it comes to spending know that you are not alone and every now and then it’s okay.

Let’s face it life happens even when you are trying to dig your way out of debt. By completely depriving yourself of all luxury you may actually be hurting your progress. Every now and then treat yourself or give in to the vice-some freedom can help to keep you on track.

The caveat? Every now and then is NOT everyday- Keep your indulgences in check or at least a line item in your budget.

Budgeting for luxuries

You know creating a budget and following it is the first step to financial success and a bright financial future. Without a roadmap its hard to know where you are going and how long it will take you to get there.

Start with your needs – food, mortgage or rent, car payments, insurance, utilities and other monthly bills.  Once you determine how much money, if any, is left at the end of each month or paycheck, you can then give yourself a few dollars for those much needed occasional indulgences.

Put those luxuries into perspective

What’s a luxury to you? Is it something that’s never within reach because of the price tag? If so, it may be time to redefine what a luxury or indulgence means to you.

While some people don’t consider it a luxury unless it’s the best of the best – a four-star hotel, the newest technological gadget, or high-end designer sunglasses – it’s important to put things into perspective.

Little luxuries don’t have to cost a lot; there are a lot of ways to make them happen on the cheap. Consider the following:

"Daily deal" promotions -- Are you a member of Groupon, Living Social, Eversave, or other group discount subscriptions? Growing in popularity every day, they send daily emails to their fan base with a “deal of the day.” Often these promotions offer substantial savings of 50 percent or more off goods and services, such as spa and hair treatments, restaurants and hotels, kid’s clothing stores, and more. Not only can you buy the day’s deal at a significant discount, you may also find hidden treasures right in your own neighborhood. So if you’re not already a subscriber, check them out and start saving today.

Freebies for kids -- Be on the lookout for great deals for your kids. You can save a bundle eating out at restaurants where kids eat free or finding hotel deals that provide free breakfast and entertainment for your family. In addition, you can plan a number of family activities that are absolutely free – do something outdoors, play in the park, and visit free museums.  The deals are out there, it’s just a matter of finding them.

Make budgeting a family affair -- Enlist the help of your family when creating and sticking to your monthly budget. It’s a great idea to get kids in on the action and teach them at a young age to spend wisely. Give them a budget and have them plan the trip. It’ll not only help you save time and stick to your budget, but it’ll help your children understand the cost of entertainment, the value of a dollar, and how to prioritize wants vs. needs. And who knows – they might even have fun doing it!

Regardless of how and when you decide to enjoy your luxury, remember that needs and wants both have a role in your life. Pre-planning can go a long way in maintaining a healthy financial lifestyle. Allow yourself to spend once in a while, as long as you’ve saved for it.

What are your luxuries? How do you budget for them?

Suzanne Cramer is a certified credit counselor and a Social Media Specialist for CareOne Debt Relief Services. Suzanne writes for Divorce, Debt and Finances and Major Life Challenges. Follow Suzanneon Twitter @ADivorcedMom where she shares her insights as a single-divorced mom with tips and tricks to keep your finances in check.