I Admit
I have a few disclosures to make.
This morning Gigi was simultaneously asking me to get her a snack, pick out her clothes, fix her hair and read to her.
Exasperated, I said, “Geeg! I can only do one thing at a time!”
Lulu then piped up, “Gigi, Mommy has two hands…not fourteen!”
I admit she may have gotten that from me.
Our lofty goals for the day included cleaning the house, finding some shoes to wear for some book photos on Saturday and then making something quick and easy for dinner.
I admit that I have a cleaning lady coming tomorrow (remember Betsy the Shower Sorceress?), and that she will now be coming once every two weeks. I also admit that I clean before she comes.
I’m not trying to impress her (she’s seen my closet and the monstrous hairballs that Gigi produces), I just want to free her up to do the tasks that I really don’t want to do. I wonder if she’ll help my friends move.
After some not-so-deep cleaning, we went shopping. I admit we ate lunch in the car.
I also admit that my daughters know every word to Ke$ha’s Tik Tok. There’s nothing quite like hearing a two and five-year old sing about brushing their teeth with a bottle of Jack.
The first store we went to, we found the shoes.
I admit they are a size bigger than I normally wear.
What gives, Nine West?! I’ve been cramming these dogs into 10s for years now. (That’s right, kids. Size 11. Holy Mother of Peas.)
Our quick find freed up some time to play in the crowded and inherently unsafe outlet mall treehouse.
It just looks like a lawsuit.
I admit I usually make up dozens of excuses not to stop at the crowded and inherently unsafe outlet mall treehouse. How could I say no, though? I had gotten what I’d came for: peep toe, slingback 2x4s.
We made it home just in time to start dinner…or flip through Vogue for hair pictures to show to my stylist tomorrow.
I admit that even I can’t pull off the all over gray look.
Although given the rate I’m going, you can let me know if I make it work by the time Lulu is potty-trained and Gigi’s started kindergarten.
As for dinner, I admit I pulled this one out of my…um, crowded and inherently unsafe outlet mall treehouse?
Chickpea Curry Salad
Makes 6 servings
- 1/2 c. vegan mayonaise (i.e. Vegenaise)
- 1/2 t. garlic salt
- 1 t. curry powder
- 1/2 t. Dijon mustard
- 2 t. lemon juice
- 2 T. prepared chutney
- few grinds of cracked black pepper
- 2/3 c. chopped celery
- 3 c. precooked brown rice (you could sub quinoa, millet, wild rice or some other grain)
- 1 c. canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 apple, diced
- 1/3 c. chopped toasted almonds
In a large bowl, combine mayo, salt, curry, Dijon, lemon juice, chutney and pepper.
Stir in celery, rice and chickpeas.
Chill until ready to serve. Before serving, stir in chopped apple. Serve over greens of your choice and top with chopped almonds.
Not so bad for a quick summer supper. I admit I hate the word “supper.” It sounds like something Pa would eat after tillin.’ And I’ll be the first to admit, I’m no Pioneer Woman.
And I don’t have 14 hands.
Why hello there fellow big foot (and I mean that in the nicest possible way, I truly do). I’ve been sporting skis since I was 13. Uncool. I have no clue how I figure skated in these things for years without tripping myself, my dance partner, or team members more often. But thanks for the head’s up on Nine West – I don’t think I ever want to purchase a size 11 shoe if I can help it.
And your supper looks super.
I’m loving Lulu’s sweeping hairdo!! And also the fact that she sticks up for Mama, too cute!
I love that you added rice to that salad. Yummy idea. I’ve been in need of some Indian inspired dishes and this looks perfect!
Size 11?? Oh my gosh, we have the same size feet! That os SO good to know other womem have big feet too, I literally thought I was the only one!! *phew*
Shoes…you’re “only” a 10 or 11? Honey, I am a size 12 feet! Ever since I was 12 yrs old in 7th grade. How’s that for Fun Times? Not so much..haha!
That chutney…we are on the same wavelength b/c I have been making two versions of tofu recipes the past couple weeks using that exact chutney as a key ingredient! I love that stuff! It has no/minimal garlic, onions, salt which for me, is a very happy day indeed!
Hey, great post as usual! I never comment but I just HAD to correct something today
That gray haired model who you said is “22 years old and WANTS her hair to look like that” is actually Kristen McMenamy and she is FORTY-THREE years old! And she’s still walking runways and posing in Vogue!!! Isn’t she gorgeous??
Those shoes are so cute. I am a bit of a shoe freak.
I’m a little bit jealous of that salad! I’m nursing a little one that has fits whenever I have beans in any shape or form – and since I used to eat the darn things daily, I’m completely suffering from bean withdrawl (and probably lack of protein)…and I don’t like tofu. Any thoughts on substitutes that won’t make my little guy curl up into a gassy ball? Perhaps I can just suck it up for the next year…
Oh, lord, my mother always says “supper!” She just spent the last two weeks with us, and since I’m a supper hater, too, I was constantly referring to “dinner” just to ensure my 2-year old doesn’t start talking about supper!
Good to know 9 West makes 11′s. After 2 kids, my feet are now in the 11 category, too. We’ve talked about trying for a third, and I have no idea where I’d buy shoes if my feet had the audacity to grow again. My closet full of 10′s makes me weep!
2×4′s . . . snort!
I haven’t tried that chutney. I will look for it next time. I avoid the outlet mall playground like the plague too. Luckily, my boys are getting old enough now that they don’t care about that stuff. Those shoes are super cute!
I clean before the cleaning lady comes too…no way am I letting a stranger see how my bathrooms NORMALLY look. I have two little boys…their bathroom skills need to be, um, fine-tuned a wee bit.
The salad look yummy…definitely going to try it.
i always wished I had big feet – all the good shoes run out for my little feet super fast. lame.
cleaning lady = worth it. i dont know who would do all the stuff i really can’t bring myself to do (toilets, windows) otherwise. but hey maybe Lulu can help me sweep up some time.
Lol…that Lulu quote is too funny. Don’t you just love what kids pick up?
My mom used to clean before the housekeeper came over too, and it drove me nuts–but now I completely understand!
Interesting – I bought a pair from Nine West heels over the weekend (size 10s unite!)…I’m wearing them right now…and I could totally go for an 11. I already feel like a freak w/10s, so opting for an 11 never crossed my mind. I’m barely 5’4″? What’s the deal?
You may not have 14 hands, but you make great use of the 2 that you have!
Dangit! Everytime anyone mentions Tik Tok I have to watch this, because I love it and it fills me with joy – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZWaWrvJ7nA
My best friend is a 10ish. I’m a 6 1/2, but I’m 5′ tall.
I need Lulu around to point out the number of hands I have to my L. Yeesh! Demanding little things.
DROOOOOOOOL…that salad sounds perfect. absolutely perfect.
don’t worry about the shoe size…i’m a 10 too, but sometimes have to get an 11 in certain brands!
Your posts are so entertaining. Love them.
I have big feet too. At least compared to my friends. I have been a 9 or 10 since I was 14!
Also, my feet are really skinny so they look alien like.
That is all.
Size 11 here too. Although, I’ve been an 11/12 since about 8th grade! I’m lucky if I can find shoes in a regular store rather than online.
I also just bought my first pair of 11′s after wearing a 10 for around a decade!
Oh my gosh, I HATE the word supper too. Glad I’m not the only one! My parents say it all the time (that and Warsh as in Warshington D.C., ugh) and I cringe every time!
Hi!
That model is actually 43 years old. Here’s an article that talks about her:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/alltherage/2010/07/vogue-advances-grayhair-chic-with-silvertressed-model-kristen-mcmenamy.html
Ahh, Megan. You have exposed that I know absolutely nothing about fashion…and what I don’t know, I completely make up. Well done.
I love those shoes!! So cute! And they look versatile :> LuLu sure looks like she’s growing up in these pics…sniff, sniff. Hope the photos shoot goes well!
Those shoes are so cute…and so are your children! I have been reading your blog for a little while now and I really enjoy it. You have a great style of writing, inspiring recipes, and adorable kids. They brighten my day.
Thanks Amelia! I’m happy to do it!
I love supper! But then again I’m from backwoods hickville so really I have no choice in the matter.
Also wow am I ever so glad that someone commented about that model’s actual age! Because we really need to keep it to the facts and forget about jokes over here.
If you are looking to me for your fashion news, Andrea, you have bigger problems than saying the word “supper.”
Looks like a great summer meal.
That salad looks so yummy…easy…and great for a hot summer evening! Writing ingredients on grocery list right now!
OMG! I read supper and thought… “No, Mama Pea! Say it isn’t so! You just said supper and I had such high hopes for you. Now I picture you wearing a bonnet and ringing the bell for Little Joe and Duke to come in from herding cattle.”
Thankfully you redeemed yourself and all is right in the world again.
Yum – I am making this one. We are obsessed with all things chickpea and curry in my house so thank you!
Also, a quick confession. I fear one day getting pregnant and my feet growing. They are currently a size 9 (ok, maybe 9.5 on a bad day), and I hear they grow when you get prego. The horror! I will be binding my feet before I know it.
Andrea I loved the joke! I just think this woman is rocking the natural grey hair and I was also sort of shocked she isn’t 22. Also, I love and use the word supper too.
Megan, I knew you meant nothing by it. I also appreciate you pointing out how amazing that woman is. Yay for silver foxes!
I cannot STAND the word supper!! also – meal. I don’t know why, I dislike both of those words.
I do, however, love shoes. and those are FAB!
I love that you are a size 11! My sister is a 10 and I always buy her the clearance shoes that I love since they never have my size.
thank you so very much for our chat yesterday – i am feeling much better and keeping things in perspective. you da best mama
p.s. the shoes were totally worth the trip
I eat lunch in the car constantly so I admire you for providing a healthy lunch that is on the go. Better than the crap you can get in a drive thru.
Beyond unrelated, BUT – I really, really, really want to recommend that you guys go see Despicable Me. The husband and I saw it this weekend and we were both in love. It’s so rare you find a kid’s movie that doesn’t rely on ‘adult humor’ to be funny but this one totally didn’t. Plus it was adorable and I think Gigi and Lulu would love it.
Just in case you wanted to know, you made this girl feel a little better about herself today by disclosing your shoe size
I swear that shoes are getting smaller lately. I’m wearing a bigger size, too. Damn those double digits. At least I’m in good company 
Oh, and your new shoes are fabulous!
I love that outlet mall! I actually know which one you’re talking about
Cute shoes! I wear a size 11 (and a size 12 narrow running shoe, which are sooooo easy to find), so I love that Nine West actually goes up that high.
I’m a huge fan of Nine West shoes! Love the pair you found.
The only thing that rivals my love of shoes? Food–and that salad sounds ah-may-zing.
ooooh love that tasty dinner – and LOVE that your added almonds!
Dang, those are some sexy shoes. I can’t believe I’ve found someone that has … well, larger feet than I do (my coworker called me sledfoot). Rock those size 11s! You have better foot leverage than the rest of us!
Love the new hat/bowl that Lulu is wearing
For the record, to all of you lovely ladies giving me props, this is the only size 11 I have in my closet. I’m blaming Nine West…or perhaps my feet are ballooning in the summer heat?
I just found your blog through Choosing Raw. Love it. I also love that TJs Mango Ginger Chutney – is it not amazingly good?! Just had to get that out of my system!
Oh and I ate half my breakfast in the car and half on the bus so I’m with you!
Ahh…thank you Angharad! Any friend of Gena’s is a friend of mine. Can I eat the chutney straight from the jar? Bonus points if I am able to do it while driving.
cute shoes! your posts are so clever. you were destined to be an author
Thank you, Andrea. I was destined to be a mother. Becoming an author was just plain lucky.
That would be nice if one could have 14 hands. Maybe a bit freaky, but you wouldn’t want to mess with someone with 14 punches and slaps at one go! lol.
I think it’s hilarious that your daughters know all the lyrics to Ke$sha. I wonder if they understand what they mean though? Hee hee hee….
They certainly don’t know what “Jack” is and they have an entirely different meaning for “Po Po.”
My mom ALWAYS cleans before the cleaning lady comes! I never understood it as a kid, but now that I have my own place, I’m starting to kind of get it.
Oh, and I have the same size feet as you. Whatever to the size of the shoe, it’s just a number!
I wish I had 14 hands sometimes
Would be nice, haha.
Shoes are so cute. I love hearing about your daughters singing to Ke@sha’s song, that is so funny
I’ve been wearing size 11s for a long time now, and my feet are very narrow so finding shoes is almost impossible. I am so afraid of what will happen when I get pregnant…I don’t want them to get even longer!
Also, I canned homemade mango chutney today! It was very easy to make… if you’re interested, here’s the recipe link! (I left out the nuts, BTW – I wasn’t sure how they would hold up to preserving.)
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/mango-chutney-recipe/index.html
someday I’m hoping to do the full gray hair thing. I don’t want to have to fight gray hair my whole later on life. Until then it’s au natural!
I can not wait to try this! Looks like a delish supper or lunch! I was wondering though, did you have anything else with this? Or any suggestions of something to have? Pa Pea is a big feller at my house and I am afraid after a long day of doing chores he might still be hungry and I always have a terrible time thinking of things to go with things.
We actually had Gardein chicken tenders with this, but you could easily do some whole grain toast or pitas with it and a side vegetable.
Mmm…the chickpea curry salad looks delicious! Must try that soon.
I have pretty large feet as well. I think it runs in my family.
MMMM…made this today and it was so yummy! I will be going back to work soon (teaching assistant) and I am always on the lookout for fast, yummy, easy to pack lunches. I am thinking this will be one of my go to lunches!
this looks so good! just bookmarked it to make sometime soon!