Could it be the dressing?

Ever watch "The Doctors?" Well, if you know Philip McClusky, you probably have. He proudly showed off what a raw diet did for him on a past episode.

Since viewing that show, I have continued to tune in from time to time. On one occasion, I learned about a salad that has been rumored to induce labor.

Since 1993, Caioti Pizza Cafe in California has been serving up "The Salad" to expecting moms "eager to sample a salad made world famous by claims of the labor-inducing properties of its salad dressing."

"This world famous dressing is a natural recipe made with pure olive oil, balsamic vinegar, sun-dried tomatoes, spices, herbs, seasonings and love. It has acquired a following among serious foodies who appreciate its balance of flavors and versatility as a salad dressing, marinade or condiment."

It makes sense, especially considering the fact that it is packed with a hefty does of balsamic vinegar and herbs, which I can only assumed include basil and oregano. These ingredients have been suspected to have labor-inducing qualities when conditions are right.

The dressing is served over romaine and watercress with walnuts and Gorgonzola cheese. I made a similar version at home minus the watercress and cheese, so hopefully the real secret is in the dressing. I've been having VERY REGULAR contractions all morning (if this post doesn't make sense, you know why). I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

An interesting combination

Just knowing that my baby girl could be making her grand exit soon has made it extremely difficult to sleep lately. Sometimes I'm up all night with false labor symptoms, while other times I'm just wide awake thinking about when the real thing might happen.

I often give up on the sleeping thing early, rarely staying in bed as long as I've planned. I end up heading downstairs to the couch, remote in hand, searching for something else to occupy my thoughts.

The other day, I caught an episode of Everyday Food with breakfast as the topic. Most of the recipes weren't something I'd eat for the first meal of my day, but I was interested in a particular smoothie combination.

Served alongside the featured Ginger Carrot Bread was a Mango-Carrot Smoothie. I can't believe I've never thought about making one myself.

The smoothie consisted of mango, carrot juice, yogurt (substitute raw nut- or coconut-based yogurt, coconut milk or banana to keep it raw; I highly recommend coconut milk), lime juice, honey (use agave to make it vegan) and ice. It was so easy that I had to whip one up today and share it with you. It was worth waking up for :-)

Cleaning house

I can tell my due date is quickly approaching, as my nesting instinct has been in high gear. Last week, I found myself running around the house trying to get things ready before my little bundle of joy arrives.

In fact, by the end of the week, we thought she might make an early appearance. But, since we were hoping she'd wait a little while longer (as if we have a say in when she comes out), I spent the weekend on our couch.

During my leisure, I discovered that Hayden Panettiere's birthday is this Friday, August 21. How cool would that be if my Hayden was born on the same day?

I also caught the Barefoot Contessa's recipe for Plum Crunch, which I opted to rawify for a snack. I just chopped up a ripe plum, mixed it with some pie spices and agave, and topped it all off with a crumble of almonds, walnuts, oats, prune pieces, agave and spices. Yummy for my tummy.

Eating this cleaner version is probably a good idea, as the big day draws near. I not only need to clean my house, but my body as well. I think I'm just about ready to finally meet my baby girl.

A toast to green smoothie day

I have to thank my raw foodie friend Lenette for reminding me that today has officially been declared International Green Smoothie Day. So, as suggested in her e-mail, I opted to join her in "a toast to health, high-energy living and green smoothies."

Actually, I probably would've had a green smoothie anyway, but in honor of the event, I decided to simplify this morning's smoothie and go back to basics. You know; stick to the original fruit and greens formula.

Hayden thought we (yes, she's still in my bulging belly) should concoct ours with a tropical theme, so I blended together pineapple, mango, strawberry and banana. To keep my iron level up, I selected spinach as our green and made it extra beneficial with a touch of young thai coconut water. Yum!

Hopefully, this inspires you to join in the celebration today or any other day. Raise your glass and drink up :-)

For another little sprout

As I mentioned in my last post, I've been meaning to decorate a onesie for little Caleb, a.k.a. "YS2." You may already know his blogging parents, HiHoRosie and Yardsnacker.

Anyway, I picked up another pack of onesies today and painted up this pint-size masterpiece for their little sprout.

Happily modeling the finished product is none other than Teddy, our resident training baby. Jacob has been practicing caring for him while he waits for his real sibling to arrive.

In the meantime, we've got some more onesies to deck out. Hayden is definitely going to have her own personalized style.

Girls can wear blue, too

I don't know who came up with the idea that baby girls should wear pink and little boys should stick to blue, but I feel the need to break that rule.

Actually, contrary to modern belief, pink was once considered a masculine color, while blue was its feminine counterpart. It wasn't until recently that the roles were reversed.

So, although I'm having a girl this time (or at least I think I am; I hear those sonograms aren't always 100 percent accurate), I have opted not to overdue the pink theme. I've made sure she has a variety of colors in her wardrobe, and upon hearing my idea, my brother-in-law's wife gave Hayden a black onesie that reads, "I can't wear pink everyday."

I'm the same way; pink may be my favorite color, but I can't see myself dressing from head to toe in it all the time either. I even mix and match my accessory hues.

For instance, I'm back on a creative kick, moving on from onesies to jewelry (Don't worry HiHoRosie; I still plan of making one for Caleb when I get a chance). My mom inspired me again by requesting a custom-made necklace and earrings set for her birthday this year (I did something similar last year, and I wanted to get a jump start this time before the baby arrives).

While I was at it, I decided to make a mommy necklace for yours truly, in celebration of becoming a mom of two. Those who don't know the sex of my unborn child may mistake the blue accents as a sign that I'm expecting another boy, but I think it is still quite feminine. Besides, I look better in blue anyway.

I also took the opportunity to make some matching earrings. I just had to have a set. Maybe I'll give them to Hayden one day (when she's all grown up and having her own kids, of course) and tell her the story behind it. I'm sure she'll look beautiful in them :-)

Mmm ... blackberries :-)

I am so lucky to have an ample supply of fresh blackberries coming my way. My mom has been picking them at a family friend's house, and then generously sending a good share my way.

Hayden seems to enjoy them a lot, like when I scattered a few through the strawberry spinach salad I posted about recently. She even sparked a craving for them yesterday morning, sprinkled in my raw pudding.

Another way she likes them is as the star ingredient in my Chiaberry Breeze, which you may remember from last summer. If not, here it is again:

Chiaberry Breeze
About 1 cup blackberries, centers removed
1-2 Tbsp. chia seeds
drizzle of agave nectar
touch of vanilla
dash of sea salt
1-2 Tbsp. water, as needed

Place the separated blackberries in a small glass. Using a spoon, muddle the berries to remove some of the juice, while still leaving many of the berries intact.

Add the chia seeds, agave, vanilla and sea salt. Stir to combine. This mixture should still be a little runny, so add a some more water, if needed.

Refrigerate for about an hour, so it can gel. Garnish with a few whole berries. And, as usual, enjoy!

Hayden also seems to have a thing for chia seeds. I hope this doesn't mean she'll look like a Chia Pet when she comes out. If she is anything like Jacob or myself, she'll have a full head of hair. Let's just hope her head isn't covered in sprouts.