Being a mom means meeting other's needs, sometimes at teh expense of your own. But it's impossible to take good care of your family if you're not taking good care of yourself. Here, we present a few products and servcies to recharge or energy tank—mentally and physically. We think you'll like them as much as we did!

Our testers: M - Mari, MFM Assistant Editor; D - Denise Springer, MFM Editor; K - Karen, MFM Ad Exec.

a Design Cosmetic Brushes
aDesignBrushes.com
Great brushes matter. I like a Design Cosmetic brushes because they are sturdy, soft, and portable. I used a few of the brushes with the mineral makeup I swear by, and they kicked it up a notch. The line contains a wide range of brushes appropriate for cleansing and makeup application. -M

Mamaisms T-Shirts
MamaismsGear.com
Mamaisms Gear promotes what they call an “attitude revolution” via powerful (and sometimes wry) comments on fitted ladies T-shirts ($27). Their motto? Mamamisms—because the world needs a dose of common sense. We think these fun Ts run a little small, so if in doubt, order larger. -D

Truly Mom planner
TrulyMom.com
This stylish planner is like a mobile office—stocked with a calendar, address book, sticky notes, and day planning pages in a completely mobile and stylish package, this planner can take mom from home to office, day to night. The whole thing can be folded up and carried, or the calendar or address book can be removed and carried separately. -M

Socket Pocket
SocketPocket.com
I like easy solutions to annoying problems like my phone charger always getting tangled on the counter. Enter the Socket Pocket ($10)—an ingenious little device that replaces your standard two-socket outlet plate and provides you with a pocket to hold your charger and phone (or other small electronic device) when in use. -M

Avanti Skin Centers, Norman, OK
AvantiCenters.com, 405-321-SKIN
It was with fear and trembling that I signed on the dotted “bikini laser hair removal” line, but the professional staff at Avanti made me feel so at ease and the process was over in no time. I look forward to completing the six sessions and never touching that area with a razor again! MFM readers may save 25% on all laser hair removal packages through Saturday, May 31—call for details. -D

The facial and microdermabrasion treatments I received at Avanti were wonderful. The technician I worked with was helpful and informative. The overall experience was relaxing and rejuvenating, and best of all, I was left with soft, clear skin. For a mom who does not like to pause, this was a 90-minute break that was well worth it. -M

oYikes! Square Bag
oYikes.com
As a mom moving from the baby stage to the toddler phase, finding an appropriate bag to make the transition can be a challenge. The Square bag ($95) is a great transitional tote that may take me through my kids’ teen years. With ample space for my cell phone and agenda, my son’s bottle of water and Transformer toy, and my daughter’s tiara and potty-training necessities, this bag is a mom essential. -M

Mariposa MedSpa, Oklahoma City, OK
MariposaMedSpaOKC.com, 405-759-SKIN
Fraxel is one of the new laser resurfacing procedures which causes collagen to replenish, resulting in healthy, younger-looking skin. I chose Fraxel because the down time is minimal—only a few hours for me. I must say, this is not for the faint of heart. There was definitely pain involved. The discomfort lasted for about 2 ½ hours. My face appeared sunburned for a couple days and looked dry for about a week—but it’s working! Photos: top left, Karen before Fraxel treatment; bottom left, Karen right after the treatment that shows the sunburned look; on right, Karen one week after the second treatment. –K.

 

Therametics.com, 405-319-8130

Thermametics is a local company that develops topical products to treat skin problems like aging, eczema, psoriasis, redness, dry skin, and acne. I used their facial cleanser ($20), S3 Soothing Skin Serum (for eczema; $45), and Dermal Repair Serum ($45) for the signs of aging I battle. I give all the products a thumbs up. My now smooth, soft, even-toned skin especially likes the Dermal Repair Serum. -D

The foaming cleanser is a luxury, and the acne treatment lotion and serum are both pleasantly, and naturally, cinammon-scented. I noted a matting effect when I used the products, which was a lovely side benefit. -M Flojos Mom & Me Flip Flops
Flojos.com
My daughter is still young enough to love having the same shoes as mommy, and these flip flops ($11 and up) are adorable! In a variety of styles and colors, these versatile and comfortable rubber flip flops will take us through the summer. -M

Photo Books and Collages
RocketLife.com and HeritageMakers.com/VanessaHill
Here’s a great, fast project idea. In minutes you can create a photo collage 4”x6” up to poster size) or customized photo book (soft or hard cover) using your pictures and RocketLife’s software. The innovative software stores your photos and project on your computer, not theirs, so uploading and editing is a snap. -M

Milestones & More Book
MilestonesAndMore.com
Even the most organized moms have trouble keeping it all straight. This book is a great start. Each section has guidelines and a place to record your child’s information. The sturdy, spiral-bound board book format makes it easy to carry and refer to as often as needed. -M

Pandora Jewelry
Pandora-Jewelry.com
Pandora beads are an innovative alternative to standard charm bracelets. The beads screw onto bracelets and necklaces. Hundreds of bead styles are available—in gold, silver, gemstones, and Murano glass—to mark special occasions from Mother’s Day to any old day. Available locally at Paul Brockhaus Fine Jewelry and other retail stores. -M

Look, Mom! You Could Win...

Count the daisies planted in the May issue of MFM and, using this entry form, tell us how many you found and how we can find you. Enter by Friday, May 23 and you could win these great gifts:
•    Four tickets to the Oklahoma City Museum of Art and a Chihuly note card set (okcmoa.com)
•    $50 gift certificate toward any laser service from Mariposa Med Spa
•    Assortment of adult and baby products from Therametics
•    Glo Brightening facial from Avanti Skin Centers
•    Sterling silver Pandora beads from Paul Brockhouse Fine Jewelers
•    Gift certificate for 6 free meals from Dishing It Up of Norman (DishingItUp.net)
•    $100 gift card from Edmond’s Bella Strada Spa & Salon Suites opening in mid-June
•    Mamaism T-shirt
•    1,000 Best Baby Bargains book
•    Milestones & More book
•    Socket Pocket

Therametics