May 5, 2014

The 36th Annual AAFA American Image Awards Support The Special Olympics

CELEBRITIES AND STAR ATHLETES TURN OUT FOR THE 36th ANNUAL AAFA AMERICAN IMAGE AWARDS IN SUPPORT OF THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS

Arlington, VA – April 30, 2014 – The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) celebrated another star-studded evening honoring excellence in the U.S. apparel and footwear industry last night at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City. Hosted by Academy Award-winner Marlee Matlin, the 36th Annual AAFA American Image Awards, benefitting the Special Olympics, drew many top industry executives as well as celebrity supporters of the Special Olympics including NBA great Sam Perkins and Olympic figure skater Michelle Kwan. “My dream is that we can live in a world where we celebrate the joy of our athletes, where we use their strength to inspire greatness, where we break down barriers for all people with intellectual disabilities,” said Kwan in her opening remarks.

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An Olympic procession featuring ten Special Olympians kicked off the program. “Tonight, we come together as an industry to celebrate the excellence, leadership, and dedication of tonight’s honorees and to recognize and applaud the Special Olympics organization and the Olympians here with us,” said Rick Helfenbein, AAFA’s Chairman of the Board, and President of Luen Thai USA. “We all salute your courage, your determination and your leadership encouraging and empowering people to overcome disabilities and become productive citizens, and, to help create a world more welcoming and inclusive as a society.”

The crowd of over 450 attendees were particularly enamored with lively host Marlee Matlin who kept guests laughing and engaged with humor and expressive sign language voiced by her interpreter. “It takes more than a village to accomplish the awesome humanity we are celebrating here tonight,” said Matlin. “A special thanks to the AAFA for their good work on behalf of the fashion industry and their commitment to giving back to amazing organizations like the Special Olympics.”

Marlee & Michelle

Marlee & Michelle

William Sweedler, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Tengram Capital Partners, accepted the “Man of the Year” award thanking his family and wife whom he lovingly titled the “Woman of the Century.” Sisters Sarah Ahmed and Zahra Ahmed, Creative Director and Director respectively of DL1961, accepted the “Denim Brand of the Year” award with a humble speech acknowledging denim’s universal appeal, noting: “Everyone in this room at some point in their lives has worn a pair of jeans!”

Robert Graham CEO Michael Buckley and Co-Chairman & Chief Creative Officer Robert Stock both took part in the event’s “Festive Black-Tie with Sneakers Optional” dress code sporting sneakers from the newly-launched Robert Graham footwear collection as they accepted the “Menswear Brand of the Year” award. Cutting-edge designer Ruthie Davis accepted the “Footwear Designer of the Year” award while acknowledging her special guest, recording artist Ashanti, who wore the designer’s shoes to the event and has been a longtime, loyal supporter of the brand. Supima Cotton President Jesse Curlee accepted the “Premium Fiber Brand of the Year” award; and Chairman and CEO of Starwood Capital Group Barry Sternlicht was presented with the “Humanitarian of the Year” award in absentia.

Ashanti & Ruthie

Ashanti & Ruthie

All honorees received fashionable dress form-shaped award statuettes styled in custom knit dresses designed by award-winning knitwear designer Linda Burhance. Additional VIP guests included Steven Cox and Daniel Silver of Duckie Brown, and menswear designer John Bartlett who also took to the red carpet in colorful Ruthie Davis sneakers per the event’s dress code. we wearSMour mission

Forty percent of the event’s net proceeds will benefit the Special Olympics. For more information on the 36th Annual AAFA American Image Awards, please visit www.wewear.org/americanimageawards.

Sarah & Zahra

Sarah & Zahra

About AAFA

The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) is the national trade association representing apparel, footwear and other sewn products companies, and their suppliers, which compete in the global market. AAFA’s mission is to promote and enhance its members’ competitiveness, productivity and profitability in the global market by minimizing regulatory, commercial, political, and trade restraints. Learn how AAFA wears our mission at www.wewear.org.

About Special Olympics

The Special Olympics is an international organization that unleashes the human spirit through the transformative power and joy of sports every day around the world. Through work in sports, health, education and community building, Special Olympics addresses inactivity, injustice, intolerance and social isolation by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities which leads to a more welcoming and inclusive society. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the Special Olympics movement has grown from a few hundred athletes to more than 4.2 million athletes in 170 countries. With the support of more than one million coaches and volunteers, Special Olympics is able to deliver 32 Olympic-type sports and more than 70,000 competitions throughout the year. Visit Special Olympics at www.specialolympics.org.

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May 4, 2014

Make Mom Feel Exotic With Jasmine

Mom, a name that means so much.  A woman who loves you, a woman who stands by you through broken hearts and many tears.  If a mom is an extremely special woman than you should give her an extra special gift this mother’s day.  I’m not talking some little thing you threw together in 5 minutes because you forgot it’s mother’s day.  No, I’m talking a gift that makes her feel pretty an makes you feel good about giving it to her. Halle Berry has your back with her new fragrance Exotic Jasmine.

exotic jasmine halle

Exotic Jasmine from Halle Berry is a fragrance with a little bit of a zing to it.  I love this sent and I honestly didn’t think I would be into floral scents.  I have always loved soft fruity, tropical scents. I even had my mom try it out and she is a lot like me. Doesn’t really like floral scents. She couldn’t get enough.

As a real estate agent for 25 years my mom had to be around people everyday. I know that when your that close to people you don’t want them to not be near you because your fragrance is over powering or doesn’t smell good. With Exotic Jasmine you can bring out your inner goddess & everyone will be asking you what you are wearing.

So make mom feel great this mother’s day and get her Exotic Jasmine by Halle Berry.  She will love it! (Dad will too 😉

www.halleberryfragrances.com

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May 2, 2014

THE LITTLE GREEN TIN CAN – BAG BALM – SINCE 1899

Bag_Balm

I wash my hands constantly to avoid getting sick. The results of this keeps me healthy (flu free) but my thumbs would get so dry that the skin would spit on my finger tips near my finger nails.  The cracks were so painful especially when washing my hands or applying lotion which would make them sting. They would bleed if my thumbs were banged or pressure was applied to them. I needed a product that I could trust and that would work fast! I actually stumbled on to some great advice from an older women in a fabric store one day. Not meaning to ease-drop, this woman was talking to another woman about Bag Balm, a product made in Vermont since 1899. She stated that she keeps a tin of Bag Balm by her sewing machine for when she pinpricks her fingers while sewing. She said it soothes and heals her fingers in minutes. Plus, it was the best product that she ever used to moisturize her dry winter skin.

Well I was in desperate need of a repair…… so I purchased Bag Balm!  This product simply is AMAZING!!!  It heals cracked and chapped skin quickly with no stinking!  It soaks into skin in minutes, leaving your skin soft and healthy!  It is an anti-chafing product for when I ride my bike long distances.  I massage Bag Balm on my feet before my run and I have not developed any sores, calluses or blisters. My feet are baby soft, keeping moisture in!  Does wonders for my chapped lips and is easy to carry in my pocket to reapply! Here are other uses for Bag Balm which I can’t wait to try:  Scrapes, abrasions, pets paws abrasions, fading of acne scars, diaper rashes, splinters (draws them out), minor burns, athlete’s foot, sunburn, wart remover, protect against harsh climates, and eczema  – just to name a few!

It is astonishing what this little green tin can can do!  Bag Balm products are available in Drug and Grocery stores (typically in the skin care aisle), Farm stores, Pet stores, Hardware stores, and Feed and Tack shops or by calling direct at 1-800-232-3610.  For over 100 years, Bag Balm has fixed discomfort on the farm and in the household.

bagbalm.com

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May 2, 2014

Jane iredale “Dot the i” cleans up in no time

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I really envy women who wear Mascara flawlessly. I wish I could wear mascara more often but I am extremely mascara challenged and I only use mascara when I absolutely have to. When I apply mascara, it is always a fiasco. I usually end up with mascara dots under my eyes from blinking too soon and mascara on my eyelids from missing my lashes with the brush, I’m very serious. This results in a clean sweep of all eye makeup with eye makeup remover and having to start all over again.

I recently found out that  many of my mascara wearing friends often have the exact same problem as and their eye makeup remover is their best friend. I also found Jane Iredale Dot the i eye makeup remover swabs and my recent mascara application was much more successful than the last time. Jane Iredale Dot the i is now my best friend.

Jane Iredale Dot the i eye makeup remover swabs are ingenious. These 100% cotton swabs are individually wrapped and filled with pre-measured botanical and organic extract. Cucumber fruit extract, algae extract and aloe leaf extract combined, help calm and condition and hydrate your skin while removving your eye makeup. Dot the i  is alcohol free and safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers like myself.

They are so easy to use, simply bend the swab at the blue line, and the botanical liquid automatically fills the swab and you can dab and erase your makeup mistakes like magic. Dot the i is amazing and I suggest carrying some swabs in your purse and travel bags. There is no need for cotton balls or cotton pads to erase tiny and delicate eye makeup mistakes.

With Dot the i eye makeup remover pads, mascara applications are no longer a fiasco, they are Amazing.

Jane Iredale Dot the i are available at http://shop.janeiredale.com/

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May 2, 2014

OLIVAOLE: Non Toxic Skincare That Will Bring Your Skin Back To Life

OLIVAOLE’ was born by Cosmetologist and Make-up artist Lorna Karen’s desire to create nourishing and effective non-toxic, anti-aging skin care for consumers.

melinda kincare blog

OLIVAOLE‘s foundation is olive oil at its purest form and essence. The beauty creams are complimented with natural vitamins and nutrients that help feed and protect your skin. There are countless benefits in using organic and pure olive oil based products as part of your daily skin care regiment. Already naturally rich in iron and vitamins, all products have been fortified with additional natural nutrients that enhance the potency and effectiveness. OLIVAOLE’ formulas are jammed packed with anti-aging and anti-oxidant ingredients. They also include Squalene, an ingredient known to regulate sebum production whilst naturally moisturizing the skin.

melinda skincare blog

OLIVAOLE’ encompasses all of its vital elements into a pure and natural form. Carefully mixing a perfectly balanced formula of only pure and natural ingredients that keep your skin moisturized, feeling fresh and younger looking.

Creator Lorna Karen urges consumers to look at the ingredient list before they buy. Many people who are prone to breakouts may be under the assumption that using oil-free creams, foundations and concealers help their skin. Many beauty companies manufacture oil-free versions of just about everything. However, most dermatologists suggest that having “oil-free” inscribed on the label is mostly done for marketing purposes. In fact, if you read the fine print on most oil-free products, you may very well find oils on the list of ingredients. Many companies include synthetic oils in order to call the product oil-free, the irony is that synthetic oils are actually more likely to irritate your skin and worsen the natural bodily oil secretion.

All OLIVAOLE’ products are also free of parabens, animal products, petroleum and sulfates.

OLIVAOLE’ products are made in the USA. For more information please visit: www.olivaole.com

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May 2, 2014

NOXEMA is 100 Years Old and Still Amazing

 

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I often us Noxzema Deep Cleansing Cream. I like how my skin feels after I wash with it and it definitely has helped minimize blemishes. My mother recently told me she used Noxzema in the 70’s and loved the brand. I didn’t realize how old Noxzema was until I did a little research. Noxzema was invented by Francis J. Townsend, a doctor and was originally formulated to treat sunburns. Many people were amazed at how well this cream worked with exema suffers and the name “NOEXEMA” (No-Exema) was born.

Noxzema was marketed as a skin cleanser and cold cream 1n 1950 and has been growing in popularity ever since. My mom says that Noxzema Deep Cleansing Cream has the same Eucalyptus and menthol fragrance that she remembers when she was young.

Noxema

Noxema

What I like about Noxzema is the clean fresh tingly feeling I get after washing my face. Noxzema does a great job remvoving dirt from my pores caused by make-up and other impurities. You will be amazed at how soft your skin feels after using Noxzema. Noxzema is Dermatologist tested and has 7 products in their line.

Check out the entire Noxema line at noxzema.com

Happy 100 Birthday Noxzema!

Adrienne

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May 1, 2014

Keep your “cool” with Total Refresh™ cooling body cloths from Ban®!

Most of us can relate to a busy lifestyle and hectic daily agenda! How would you like to be able to get a quick “total cooling and refreshing” pickup “anywhere or anytime” during your active day?

Ban Total Refreshing Cooling Body Cloths

Ban Total Refreshing
Cooling Body Cloths

Well here’s your solution…. Ban® Total Refresh™ Cooling Body Cloths! These amazing portable cooling cloths are different than any “wipes” you may have tried in the past. They contain the unequaled, exclusive
PowderSilk™” technology that’s imported from Japan! The minute you apply the cloth to your skin you’ll feel a wonderful cool sensation with an instant “PowderSilk” finish that leaves your skin feeling soft, smooth, and energized! My hands even feel that “silky” sensation after using the cloths! Total Refresh Cooling Body cloths can be used anywhere on your body or face whenever you need to freshen up and get a nice “recharge” throughout the day!

I really love the feel of these cloths, and I believe you will too!! In fact, here’s what other women have said they felt after trying Ban® Total Cooling™ Body Cloths:
“100% instantly refreshed”
“Three times cooler in one swipe”
“The cloths instantly remove sweat to freshen and revive”

I couldn’t agree more, and personally, I’ve noticed that I maintain a fresh clean revitalized feeling throughout the day, similar to the way I feel in the morning as my day begins.

Ban® Total Refresh Cooling Body Cloths are very affordable ($3.49), and you have three scents to choose from. They are all very subtle and appealing!
Enliven – a fresh spring scent
Restore – a light powder scent
Invigorate – a soft clean scent

Ban® Total Refresh™ Cooling Body Cloths are available across the nation in the deodorant isle at :
Mass retailers
Grocery stores
Drugstores

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About KAO USA INC:
“Kao USA Inc. is a leading manufacturer of premium beauty care brands that are recognized around the world for their innovation and quality. The Kao USA Inc. portfolio includes Ban® antiperspirant-deodorants; Jergens® and Curél® hand and body lotions; Bioré® facial care; John Frieda®, Frizz-Ease®, Root Awakening®, Luxurious Volume, Sheer Blonde®, Brilliant Brunette®, Radiant Red®, Full Repair™, Precision Foam Colour and Luminous Color Glaze® professional hair care. Founded in 1882, Kao USA Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kao Corporation.”


(“Quoted and/or Paraphrased” information in this article was obtained from a PR-Fact sheet. Any personal commentary was my own opinion from using the product provided to me.)

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April 30, 2014

Joan Jett and I Backstage

enya and joan jett

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April 30, 2014

Fast Acne Fix With Murad

Acne is a big pain and it seems there is never any product out there that targets just acne.  Murad Acne Spot Fast Fix targets the acne with one simple dollop on the pimple.  Murad’s Acne Spot Fast Fix contains 3.5% Benzoyl Peroxide that kills the bacteria causing acne.  Not ony can this product be used on your face, try using it on your “body acne” such as spots on your chest, shoulders and back.

Before use, make sure you cleanse your skin to give it a “clean canvas” then spread the treatment on your problem areas.  It has been my experience that products and treatments do not work if my skin is not cleansed so always be sure to cleanse.

For more information on Murad products visit www.murad.com

acne spot

 

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April 29, 2014

An enlightening interview with reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Robert Anderson

An enlightening interview with reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Robert Anderson
During National Infertility Week I recently received an amazing opportunity to interview an extremely dedicated double board certified specialist in Obstetrics, Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology, and Infertility, Dr. Robert Anderson. Dr. Anderson is the Founder and Director of the Southern California Center for Reproductive Medicine.

Timing couldn’t have been more perfect as our interview would coincide with the 25th anniversary of National Infertility Week Awareness.

Who better to address and educate us regarding infertility and the latest advanced treatments than a very successful specialist in his field, and dedicated in,“helping couples become families“, like Dr. Anderson.

Dr. Robert Anderson  Founder & Director of The Southern California Center for Reproductive Medicine

Dr. Robert Anderson
Founder & Director of
The Southern California Center for Reproductive Medicine

MY INTERVIEW WITH DR. ROBERT ANDERSON:

1. VICKI: You’ve been a practicing reproductive endocrinologist for over 25 years and are double board certified in obstetrics , gynecology , reproductive endocrinology, and infertility. That’s quite an impressive track record… Congratulations ! What motivated you to pursue this particular field of reproductive medicine?

DR. ANDERSON:”I think it was a couple of factors. One, it’s very dynamic field that is changing all of the time and it still is relatively young. The first IVF baby was born 1978 so it hasn’t been around for a long time. Scientific advancements seem to happen almost every year and continue to improve our ability to help our patients. It’s a challenging field, an ever changing field, and one that is a lot of fun to be in. Secondly, what we do make such a huge impact on patients’ lives. My patients aren’t sick, they’re not dying, but their ability to go from a couple to a family when they weren’t able to do that before just transforms them in way that I think very few other fields can do. Certainly having my four children I see that more than ever.”

2. VICKI: I believe you made a great choice with reproductive medicine for all the right reasons, Dr. Anderson. That being said, with the ultimate outcome to have child , what are some of the challenges facing a couple that might bring them in to see you?

DR. ANDERSON: “Well the biggest one is age. Now more than ever age is a tremendous factor, if not probably the most important factor, but there are certainly other causes such as male problems, ovulation, blocked fallopian tubes, structural problems, and things like that. Age, however, transcends all of them! In any factor that we see that causes infertility, the older a woman is the more difficult it will be to correct.”

3. VICKI: You are experiencing encouraging results within a wider age range. How does this affect an older gal who would like to have a child ?

DOCTOR ANDERSON: “Well we are, but you know one of the things , and this ties into the whole perception of age not necessarily being a factor in fertility, is that women of virtually any age can get pregnant if they are willing to use an egg donor. I’ve had women get pregnant up to the age of 54 but they are using eggs from somebody who’s 20 to 25 years old.

You see in the public, celebrities in their mid to late 40’s and some of them in their early 50’s getting pregnant, and most of them are using egg donors and just aren’t saying they did.

You could be 48 years old and get pregnant…. No big deal….Well it is no big deal if you’re using eggs from a 22 year old!! A lot of our patients do believe that it doesn’t matter, and you can wait as long as you want, and “so & so got pregnant with twins when they were 47″…etc.

Well I can tell you this… I’ve been doing this since 1986 and I’ve never seen a woman over 45 get pregnant using her own eggs. The reason for it is that when we test their embryos they are all abnormal. The incidence of abnormality is 100%.”

4.VICKI: Wow! That’s some very interesting data for one to consider! I’m very curious about your successful “One Embryo, one Baby”via your “SET” Technology . Could you please share a bit about that with our readers?

DR. ANDERSON: “Sure… The thing that’s really changed everything is our ability to test embryos for their genetic makeup before we put them back into the mother, and that’s made everything that we’re doing now possible!

“In the past when you did in vitro fertilization going way back to the beginning, the early pregnancy rates (when I got into this 27 years ago) were about 10 to 20 percent positive. Obviously technology has changed a lot since then. In those days because we didn’t know if the embryos were genetically normal or not we had to put in more than one in order to even get that not so great pregnancy rate. Even as things got better over the last 25 years, or so, we still put in multiple embryos because we just didn’t know if we were putting normal ones in or not. The older the person was the more we put in so occasionally you’d have a situation where more than one of those embryos was normal. When that happens you end up with a multiple pregnancy. A lot of times it was twins. Probably, most frequently twins, but we all had triplets, quadruplets, and sometimes even more! Those are obviously undesirable outcomes.

Now, because we can test the embryos, and we know that they are genetically normal, if we only put one of those in and it’s normal the pregnancy rates we’re getting in women under 40, for instance, are about 85%! It’s almost a total reversal from when I got into this field, and it’s simply because we now know which embryos to use and not to use! It’s like nothing I’ve seen in the field!!! That’s HUGE!”

5. VICKI: What a wonderful advancement for the field of reproductive medicine! That is quite amazing, as is your sought after Southern California Center for Reproductive Medicine which is staffed with a variety of exceptional professionals with varied expertise that compliments your mission in helping a woman to bring about a healthy pregnancy. Is it a “team work” approach that helps your endeavor and deals with some of the challenges we’ve addressed in this interview to achieve such successful outcomes?

DR. ANDERSON: It’s essential! First of all, we have an exceptional team put together in that regard. From our clinical staff , being my nurses who are the primary educators for our patients who tend to the large amount of teaching that we need to do both in terms of the helping patients understand the treatment, process and why we’re doing the the things we’re doing and instructing them how to give the injections, managing medication and all of that.

Then we have our laboratory staff, especially the ones that work in the invitro fertilization lab that do some very technical and specialized procedures that are really amazing when you think of what they are able to do…

Along with all of our support staff... nutritionists, acupuncturists, counselors… everything you can image to help the couples along because there’s many components to their needs and treatment plan, and we think that its best accomplished by a lot of specialists who are able to do their particular part.. very well!

6. VICKI: No wonder you, your incredible staff and clinic are known world wide! With your amazing 85% success rate “in helping thousands of women achieve a successful pregnancy”, and personally after viewing all of the heartfelt videos of some of your patients, I can see why you have treated women from all over the world. How might a person from another state or country, who is dealing with infertility be treated by you, and are there suggested places where they might stay while being treated?

DR. ANDERSON: We’ve had patients virtually from every continent come to us over the years, and certainly from other states is not as difficult, but what usually happens is now I’ll conduct an interview with them like they were here via SKYPE. We do our new patient visit that way. I get all of the information and they send me all of the records if they have some and then often times the treatment can be coordinated with a doctor in their home town. If we need to start and do some tests or even do the very beginning of there treatment that they can begin it at home and then they’ll come out here for the critical part.

We actually have a concierge service dedicated to helping them set up anything they can think of like transportation, places to stay, things to do while they’re here, giving them shots, helping them with places to eat, or whatever they want…everything ! We’ve made it very easy for them, plus it’s a nice place to come. People love coming to Southern California!

In fact, yesterday I had one of those patients from Rhode Island who had done an IVF cycle and it hadn’t worked. I looked at the way it was done and I spoke with them and made some suggestions, especially regarding the genetic testing. I asked her if her physician had talked to her about that and she said that “he doesn’t do it, and that he doesn’t think it’s necessary!” I said that it certainly isn’t necessary, but it sure has made things work a lot more frequently….why wouldn’t you want to do that! But the point is that we do some things that people aren’t doing! We focused on staying on the cutting edge and keeping track of the developments in the field that are most significant !

I go to the European Fertility Society Meeting every summer because the Europeans do things a whole lot differently than we do and a lot of times they’re able to do things before we can and use medications before we can because they don’t have as many of the regulations in some of those countries as we do.

If you’re not really kind of keeping your finger on the pulse of this field , you’re not going to be able to do the things that we’re doing, and then there are people who live in parts of the country where they just don’t have a lot of these services available just because of location.

VICKI: In closing , Dr. Anderson, I really can’t thank you enough for your time and wish you continued success with your wonderful endeavor in helping women be able to experience the miracle of child birth! All the best to you, your staff, and the Southern California Center for Reproductive Medicine, which, by the way, has two beautiful locations in Newport Beach and Mission Viego.

All of Dr. Anderson’s conversation was so good to hear, and very encouraging with the knowledge that things can work out, and not only is there another chance but another choice to look into with Dr Robert Anderson and the Southern California Center for Reproductive Medicine.

I encourage you to view Dr. Anderson’s website: http://www.socalfertility.com/

View the wonderful testimonials, and whether you are experiencing reproductive problems, or know someone who does, be proactive with the available information and reach out to Dr. Anderson and his staff. You’re only a phone call away…..

Southern California Center For Reproductive Medicine:
• Mission Viejo
949-542-7171
• Newport Beach
949-642-8727

(Information included in this interview with Dr. Anderson was obtained from an interview I had with the doctor. Much gratitude to Dr. Anderson for his time, wonderful commentary, and “up to the minute” information regarding reproductive medicine and infertility. May this be very inspiring to all who seek assistance in overcoming their challenges in starting a family.)

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