Being such a widely experienced issue, we recently consulted one of our state’s leading experts on addressing- and resolving- infertility. Here, Dr. Hugo Ribot, surgeon and co-founder with Dr. Malcolm Barfield of the Georgia Advanced Surgery Center for Women, weighs in on infertility and a largely unlooked, yet easily resolved, cause.

the common issue

LBD/LRW: Dr. Ribot, do you see infertility as an increasing phenomenon?

Dr. Ribot: The incidence of infertility is not necessarily more common as the years go by, but the reason it seems more common now is that maternal age has crept further and further into late 30s and early 40s for childbirth, which means we’re getting a decline in ovarian reserve. A woman can be in great shape, eat organically, not have a single wrinkle, and still have ovaries that produce eggs that are harder to fertilize.

LBD/LRW: Infertility can also be the result of the male partner, correct?

Dr. Ribot

Dr. Ribot: Absolutely. Thirty to 40 percent of the time, it’s a female factor. But, 30 to 40 percent of the time it’s a male factor. And then 10 to 15 percent of couples have unexplained infertility. They’ve been tested from head to toe and everything seems normal: eggs are released, they’re timing intercourse correctly, there’s regular ovulation, and still no pregnancy.

This is a discouraging category for a couple because if they’ve truly been tested from A to Z, there’s not a lot of hope for pregnancy unassisted.

the causes

LBD/LRW: What are the primary causes of infertility?

Dr. Ribot: Causes can vary, but a very common cause of infertility— and often of unexplained infertility–is endometriosis. Here’s why: A lot of more educated ladies who have heard of endometriosis assume it entails painful periods or painful intercourse. That’s actually not the case in many women. Dr. Barfield and I (us “old guys”) have been doing laproscopic surgeries for many, many years, and we’ve seen many women who do not experience pain, are not surviving on Advil. The only way endometriosis has manifested itself is that they couldn’t get pregnant.

LBD/LRW: What are the “hidden” signs of endometriosis?

Dr. Ribot: Here are the symptoms, but not all of these may be present. Painful periods and painful intercourse are common. But other lesser known symptoms include painful bowel movements, especially during periods, or past experience with painful periods.

If you don’t have any symptoms currently, but when you were 14 you did, or if you had to be put on the pill as a teenager due to painful periods, or if your mom had to take you to the doctor because you were crying from pain during your period, those are all signs–even if you haven’t had pain in decades. And sometimes there is no pain, only a failure to get pregnant.

LBD/LRW: Isn’t endometriosis something that is considered first in a woman who is having difficulty conceiving?

Dr. Ribot: Surprisingly, no. The reason is that the only way to truly discover endometriosis is through laparoscopy: the use of a tiny scope inserted through the

Laparoscopy in action.

belly button that has a high-def camera attached that shows a blown-up, 3D image of the entire abdomen and pelvis. This used to be an automatic part of an infertility workup; doctors automatically scoped everyone to look for blockage and endometriosis.

But now that the success rate of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is so high (there used to be a 10 to 15 percent success rate, but now it’s almost 60 percent), the same doctors who used to be the super stars of minimally invasive surgeries like laparoscopy, go straight to In Vitro for two reasons: First, to be honest, it’s a very lucrative procedure, costing $10-12K per cycle—sometimes more; and second, they know that, despite the high cost, it usually works. So, they go straight to the big guns to get everyone pregnant. But, a simple outpatient procedure may have been all that was needed. Truly.

the solution

LBD/LRW: So if a couple is struggling with infertility and frustrated at their options (or lack thereof), what should they do next?

Dr. Ribot: Schedule a laparoscopy procedure with a surgeon who specializes not only in laparoscopy, but in also excising and removing endometriosis. We see women all the time who have tried Clomid, fertility treatments, the works. Then they come to us as a last resort before In Vitro, and we scope them, find and remove endometriosis, and bam! They get pregnant. We see this, literally, all the time.

LBD/LRW: We know there are different ways to “remove” endometriosis, but excising it is the most effective in resolving infertility, correct?

Dr. Ribot: Absolutely. Unless a surgeon does laparoscopy very often, they’re not comfortable excising (cutting out) the endometriosis, which is the only way to truly remove the endometriosis below the surface that may be causing the infertility. Most surgeons will simply do ablasian or coterization, where they timidly burn off the endometriosis on the surface. This is a terrible way to approach it because endometriosis is like an iceberg: most of it resides below the surface.

LBD/LRW: What’s involved with excising endometriosis? Is it painful?

Dr. Barfield

Dr. Ribot: Dr. Barfield and I do this day in and day out. It’s a brief outpatient surgery, covered by insurance, where we make a tiny incision inside the belly button, pass a tiny scope (5 milimeters) into the abdomon, see inside with the scope’s high-def camera, blow it up on our screen, and then use tiny instruments to remove tissue without disturbing any blood vessels or causing any bleeding.

We literally remove all traces of endometriosis. Then we put in tiny stitches, wake up the patient, and they’re out of the office in 30 minutes. Within a couple of days, they’ve fully recovered. Much less recovery, stress and cost than IVF!

And the best part is that within a matter of months, these women get pregnant unassisted!  

the success

LBD/LRW: And you honestly see success with this all the time?

Dr. Ribot: All the time. One of our patients is a nurse. She went to infertility specialists at age 32 or 33. They told her she had a diminished ovarian reserve and did insemination and a score of other very expensive procedures–everything short of In Vitro. They she came over to me. We scoped her and found endometriosis all over. We excised the endometriosis, and boom, she got pregnant. After that pregnancy, we scoped her again when she wanted to get pregnant a second time and found a few more little new spots in different areas and removed them. Bam, she got pregnant with twins at age 36. Unassisted!

LBD/LRW: The moral of the story?

Dr. Ribot: Definitely try this first. It’s a totally clean, easy, safe outpatient surgery covered by insurance. To date, we have zero percentage of complications, which very few surgeons in the nation can say. Zero percentage of infections, organ injury, hemorrhage, readmission to the hospital, transfusion needed, etc: zero percent since day one.

LBD/LRW: So, to summarize, the risks are incredibly low. And the payoff is incredibly high.

Dr. Ribot: Absolutely.

the guide

Dr. Ribot practices at the state’s leading surgery center specifically designed for women, Georgia Advanced Surgery Center for Women:

958-A Joe Frank Harris Parkway

Building 2, Suite 107

Cartersville, GA 30120

678-605-9399

www.ga-advancedsurgerycenter.com

This is what it looked like before. A sea of “blah”. Now I’m a fan of neutrals, but this bathroom was ridiculously dull. And since it was the kiddos’ bathroom, I wanted to give it both a dose of color and a bit of whimsy.

Here is the moodboard I created for the bathroom and shared with you a little while back….

And here is the bathroom after:

We added board and batten to the walls to give them texture and interest. We painted the lower half Behr’s Swiss Coffee and the top Martha Stewart’s Azurite.

I added some fun art to the walls. The top piece is a sign I created (free printable here) and the bottom is a piece of vintage art I found from The Graphics Fairy and tweaked to make it match the color scheme.

The fabulous shower curtain is from one of my great sponsors, Elisabeth Michael. I purposely chose a longer size and hung it up close to the ceiling to give the room the illusion of being taller.

We removed the towel bar from the wall and added hooks to the top of the board and batten. I added numbers above the hooks for a little touch of fun (just like I did in my boys’ bedroom in our first house).

Four hooks for four kiddos…

A perfect way for each kiddo to know which towel is his (or hers).

No more blah beige here! The new bathroom is so bright and happy. I just love it!!

And the kids love it too!

the guide:

Wendy is the author of the popular decorator’s blog, The Shabby Nest. Decorating is her passion, and her family is her inspiration. Her goal is to create a warm, welcoming environment without breaking the bank. And she loves to share her ideas with you.

Alisha McKellar

So Alisha launched a “Win Your Way to Prom” writing contest, inviting any junior or senior girl currently enrolled in the show choir at North Paulding High School to enter to win a virtually expenses-paid night to their prom. Here’s how it went down, in Alisha’s words:

the contest

To win the contest, all the girls had to do was write an anonymous essay about why this experience would mean so much to them. The winner would win the things they needed for prom. I can tell you that I probably went through an entire box of Kleenex reading through these girls’ essays. Choosing a winner from this group of amazing girls was probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my business so far. There wasn’t a single bad essay, and each girl had their own incredible story to share.

the community outpouring

Before I share the winner, and her photos from prom day, I would love to thank all of the people who helped make my crazy idea a beautiful reality!

First of all, Mrs. Wernette, the choral director at North Paulding High School. She was the entire reason this was even possible! Even though I’ve only just met her, I can tell she is an amazing person by the type of students she is teaching. They all seem to love her and they speak so highly of her.

the sponsors

Ed Long, with BB&T at 7 Hills, for the two Prom Tickets

Urban Renewal Consignment, located in Marietta, for the beautiful dress

La Bella Spa & Salon, located in front of Seven Hills, for hair and makeup

King Tux Rentals, located near Town Center Mall in Kennesaw, for the tuxedo rental (and also for working with local high schools for music program fundraisers)

And an enormous thank you to Acworth Florist, not only for the amazing flowers, but also for such incredible customer service

Elizabeth, at Little Black Dress Little Red Wagon Magazine, for all of her support and help

The winner also received a gift certificate for a manicure/pedicure from a private sponsor.

And, although the winner already had shoes she loved, I would still love to thank Kristi, at Lola Rose Boutique in Ivy Walk, Vinings, for offering one of their gorgeous pairs of shoes!

the winner

Here are two favorite pics of the winner, Brittany~

To view a full gallery of Brittany’s photos, check out Alisha’s blog. 

The first morning he did take this photo

But that was as far as we got.

It didn’t take me long to get in 100% vacation mode.

But I still thought a what I wore post would be fun to share my vacation outfits, so I’ve put together some photos for you. Sources are listed under each photo with links where available.

for the flight

jeans: emersonfry lowrise vintage | blouse: old navy {old} | shoes: DSW life stride romp wedge

to the club

dress: borrowed | shoes: payless {old}

to mama’s fish house

dress: nordstrom rack max studio | shoes: payless metallic wedges

to the luau

dress: old navy printed ruffle sundress | shoes: payless {old}

to casual dinner

shorts: jcrew 5″ chino | shirt: marshalls {old} | necklace: target {purchased recently, but can’t find it online} | shoes: payless {old}

to the zipline

zip-up: lululemon in stride jacket | capris: marshalls | flip flops: rainbow {old and very worn in}

to the snorkle trip

tunic: marshalls jordan taylor | sandals: gap outlet

to the bbq

shorts: banana republic factory store | shirt: target {old} | necklace: target | sandals: gap outlet

to the beach

dress: old navy {recent purchase, but can’t find online} | flip flops: rainbow

dress: target kimono dress | sandals: gap outlet

coverup: target ruffled tube dress | flip flops: rainbow

coverup: nordstrom riviera stripe tunic | flip flops: rainbow

beach accessories

sunglasses: banana republic | hat: san diego hat company large brim hat

beach bag: lands’ end canvas washed tote

to swim

old navy | rey swimwear | lands’ end canvas | old navy

And that is what I wore {Maui edition}.

the guide

To follow Emily’s creative life {and snag a free printable download or two}, visit her at www.jonesdesigncompany.com and www.facebook.com/jonesdesigncompany.

by Holiday

I have a confession to make. I’ve been on vacation. And we all know what happens on vacation. Sayonara workouts and healthy food…hello laziness and ice cream. I knew this week of bliss was on the horizon, but surprisingly enough my mindset has changed a bit. Since beginning this 90 day challenge I have been focused on changing everything in my life, not just the turkey sandwich I typically eat for lunch. After all, we make thousands of decisions on a daily basis and the decision of what to have for breakfast is just one of them.

a shake-y start

When I told Bill (my uber fabulous trainer who I can’t stop bragging about) that I would be heading to Florida for a week his response was this: “Awesome! Bring your Magic Bullet Blender (it’s a perfect size for travel), pack your shake mix, and have a great time.”

Really??? Is he serious? Does this guy honestly think I’m going to make SHAKES for breakfast and lunch while lounging on the beach? Clearly he was hallucinating.

While I decided to leave my blender at home, I reluctantly threw the shake mix in my suitcase. After all, there are pictures of me wearing offensive spandex clothing on the internet. Maybe I should give the whole “nutritional shakes on vacation” thing a whirl.

cravings…of a new sort

Holiday (left) at Hard Rock Cafe this week, with bestie Dacia.

I never thought I would say this…but…wow. I am so glad I did. Within a day or two I was actually CRAVING a shake for breakfast. The thought of greasy food made me nauseous, and all I could think about was blended frozen strawberries. Our beach house was fully stocked with a blender and just about everything else I could think of. No excuses.

Yes, I sat on the beach and enjoyed a Vi-Shape shake for breakfast. I even whipped up another batch for my mom and sister- and guess what? They were hooked after the first taste. We had a great time experimenting with different recipes and combinations…and I’m pretty sure we hit the JACKPOT with the cocoa powder, iced coffee, peanut butter concoction. Watch out Starbucks…Visalus just may have you beat on this one.

it’s official…i’m a junkie

This year has been one of tremendous change for me- it’s all about baby steps and making the commitment to change. This isn’t to say I didn’t have my fair share of indulgences while lounging in the sand for a week. Come on people, I’m only human. But after almost a month of swapping a meal or two a day for a nutritional shake I can really see and feel a difference.

I’ve decided this challenge isn’t going to stop at 90 days- this is something I will continue to incorporate into my daily life. Yep, it’s official. I’m turning into a Visalus junkie and my body is saying thank you.

a recipe

Here’s a winner: Oreo Cookie Cheesecake Shake

the guide:

Get your shake on. 

Bill Burke Personal Training: 404.625.6562

Anyone up for a little girl time at the spa? Oh, everyone?! Well, one of you (and your very grateful bestie!) will be the lucky winner of a little pampering. Invigo Day Spa – which was recently voted “Best Day Spa in Cobb County” – is giving away a Custom BFF Package to one LBD|LRW fan. The winner and her friend will each get to choose their desired one-hour treatment (can be the same or different) from the following list:

• Essential Cleansing, Gentleman’s, Acne or Teen Facial

• 60-Minute Swedish, Sports or Deep Tissue Massage

• 60-Minute Head, Hands and Feet Massage

• 60-Minute Energetic Stretch

• Hand & Foot Treatment

• Body Polish Treatment

• Water Lily Cooling Wrap

We are sure that with one visit you will fall into L.O.V.E. with Invigo, the luxurious haven of serenity in East Cobb. While the atmosphere is wonderful, the people and their level of service are even better! So enter today and tell ALL of your friends to do the same (and to take you with them if they win!!).

the giveaway:

Entering is easy!

1. Go to Invigo’s Facebook page.

2. “Like” their page and leave a comment.

3. Come back here and tell us you did it!

the guide:

location: 2550 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 125, Marietta, 30066

phone: 678.905.7377

website: invigodayspa.com

Eating healthy takes a lot of discipline, forethought and knowledge. Or, maybe just a personal chef to do all of that for you!

We have just the lady to help you out – BJ Corpening, owner of Bread of Life Personal Chef Services. After taking her one and only nutrition class while pursuing her Culinary Arts degree, BJ began researching the options and benefits of healthy cooking and eating. It was at that point she realized her purpose in life was to help others in the quest to eat natural, healthy foods that benefit the body. Read on to hear her story and see what she can do for you.

Little Black Dress | Little Red Wagon: What is Bread of Life all about?

Chef BJ: It’s mainly a personal chef service, which is how it all started. I’ve recently branched out to corporate and individual catering. I make meals that are healthy, balanced, fresh, organic, and hormone free.

LBD: How did you get started in this business?

Chef BJ: After I got my degree, I tried the restaurant business and didn’t really like it. I prayed a lot about the decision, because I didn’t want to go into business for myself. But it seemed like the best way to get my culinary point of view across about being a healthy cook. Obviously, restaurant-style cooking is not always the healthiest way, so I decided I had to cook on my own. That was 2004, so I’m in my ninth year!

Chef BJ cooking up some goodness!

LBD: Why this is type of cooking so important to you?

Chef BJ: People always say, “I should eat healthier…I should…I should…I should.” We don’t take the time to actually do it. People choose convenient food over fresh foods. I’m telling people, “It’s cheaper, it’s easier, it’s healthier to cook from fresh than it is from convenience foods.” Convenience foods will just add a lot of garbage to people’s system and if they want to lose weight and just feel better overall, this is one way of doing it.

LBD: So this all came from your one nutrition class in school?

Chef BJ: This one semester of nutrition just clicked with me and I started reading on it and I was just absorbed with the fact that food was so important. I realized we aren’t eating just to feed ourselves; we’re eating for our health. It was like dominos, needing to know more and more. It became important to me to know the source of my ingredients.

LBD: What are some practical tips for families with kids about eating more naturally?

Chef BJ: Find out what they like and cook the same thing on your own. Like chicken nuggets, for instance – make them yourself at home, either fried or baked. If you can have your children help you in the kitchen – chopping or stirring – it will make them want to eat it. They take ownership of it and they love that and become interested in it. Take them to the grocery store or the farmers market. They will see that this is where our food comes from and this is why we eat it.

LBD: Tell us about all of the services you provide.

Chef BJ: I do the personal chef services, where I bring everything needed to cook meals and prepare them in people’s homes. I usually cook multiple meals while I’m there and vacuum seal them for easy storage. I also do catering services, dinner parties, cooking lessons, and romantic dinners for two.

We found that Chef BJ comes highly recommended from those who have benefited from her services!

“On behalf of Smith & Howard I would like to say thank you for your catering services during our busy season this spring. Many of our employees reported higher energy levels due to the health conscious menus you selected. We were also very impressed with your professionalism and flexibility to accommodate the wide range of tastes of our staff.”

Patsy O’Brien, Chief Operating Officer at Smith & Howard and catering client

the guide:

website: breadoflifechefbj.com

phone: 770-634-8049

email: bjc30066@hotmail.com

If you are doing Disney, be sure to do it the right way! Possibly more than any other family adventure, Disney takes meticulous and detailed planning when you’re talking about loading up the minivan with two or three little ones and heading to the magical mecca. To help you out, we got some tips from Disney planner extraordinaire, Jill Paxton. Jill owns Enchanting Memories Travel, which caters specifically to the minivan-packed, children-toting Disney crowd. Here are a few suggestions she has to make your trip go a little smoother (and cheaper!).

1. The Disney dining plan can save you money on meals, but you will want to make your dining reservations about 180 days in advance to really take full advantage of them.

2. Disney offers free shuttles to and from the parks for people staying at one of their resorts.

3. You will need to get a Park Hopper ticket to enter more than one of the four Disney parks in one day.

4. Before you book, be on the lookout for specials that Disney is running. They run them throughout the year.

5. Check park hours when planning your trip, because the parks usually close earlier during off-season months.

6. Staying onsite allows you to use Magic Hours – meaning you get in the parks an hour earlier and leave an hour later than everyone else!

Jill with Mickey Mouse

7. Get the FASTPASS ticket and avoid the lines! If you have it, you’ll get a ticket at each ride allowing you to come back at a specified time and get right on without the wait!

Her final tip? Use a travel agent that knows Disney {such as herself}! They are privy to tricks and tips that you aren’t – and that you don’t have the time to research and figure out!

the guide:

website: enchantingmemoriestravel.com (get a free quote)

phone: 404-245-1399

email: jill@enchantingmemoriestravel.com

Once again, Taste of Marietta was a huge success! Tents full of scrumptious fare, hordes of eager hungry people, and great live bands filled the Marietta Square, making for an exciting fun-filled day of tasting.

the grand champs:

Here are the 2012 Taste of Marietta food winners. The judging was TOUGH (LBD|LRW’s Elizabeth Cossick was a judge)…everything was delicious. But here’s how the votes fell:

 The Big Chicken

Hottie Hog’s smoked wings

The Grillmaster

Dave Po’s St. Louis Ribs

Finger Lickin’ Good

Grand Champion BBQ’s ribs

All American

Delightful Bitefull crab sliders with mac-n-cheese

Best International Cuisine

Taqueria Tsunami shrimp tempura taco

Most Unique

Fusco’s Via Roma’s fried mozzarella cheese curd

Best Comfort Food

Keegan’s Pub Grilled Mac-n-Cheese Pulled Pork Sliders with Tomato Bisque

Dangerously Delicious Dessert

Chocolate and Spice Eatery’s brownie raspberry crepe with fresh strawberries, peanuts and Nutella

Tastiest Taste

Chicago’s shrimp ‘n grits

Blazin’ BBQ

Sam’s BBQ-1 spare ribs

a new national sponsor! 

Plus, TUMS was a national sponsor for this year’s Taste of Marietta! You probably saw their team walking the square, bags on their shoulders, passing out their new TUMS Freshers to thankful, indigestion-suffering tasters (you might have been one yourself). And, if you were a recipient, you noticed the refreshing minty flavor of TUMS’ newest brainchild. We talked to Mandy Hennebry at TUMS and got the lowdown on their new product…and why this national superstar chose to sponsor our very own Taste of Marietta.

LBD|LRW: Why did TUMS decide to sponsor Taste events around the nation?

Mandy: This is a very big year for TUMS. We’ve got the biggest launch in 80 years – the TUMS Freshers. It’s one of those ah-ha products that has been a while in the making. We know that over ninety-percent of people who suffer from heartburn, also suffer from bad breath and Freshers address that problem. So, naturally we thought of the Taste events to tell people about this! Thousands of people are indulging in food and drinks, getting heartburn and bad breath – what better way to introduce Freshers?

LBD: So, why Taste of Marietta?

Mandy: It’s definitely an excellent event – one of the best taste events in the South. It’s perfect timing, great weather. And it’s got a ton of great food.

LBD: And these TUMS Freshers are primarily targeted to women, correct?

Mandy: Yes, if you think about a woman being out to dinner with friends or at a potluck dinner – anywhere food is involved – and she’s indulging, she’s having fun, she doesn’t want to have to deal with heartburn or bad breath. We like to call these times “moments that matter.” The Freshers are perfect for those moments. Also, the pocket-size packs make them perfect for on-the-go moments, because they fit in a purse!

If you didn’t try the Freshers at the Taste of Marietta, you can also go to TUMS.com or their Facebook page to get a coupon. Hint: They like to run contests with fabulous prizes {such as Tori Burch clutches} on Facebook, so check regularly!

the gallery:

Here are more details about the position:

• Supplemental income; commission based
• Part-time, flexible hours; work from home and in the community
• Prior sales experience preferred, but not required
• Position includes full sales training and all sales materials
• Position also provides the support of a fun, creative team at LBD|LRW
• Excellent people skills, organization, follow-through, professionalism, and a friendly nature always a plus! (We don’t like working with grouches.)

If you are interested in applying, please e-mail a resume to info@blackdressredwagon.com. We will set up interviews with qualified candidates.