
Today marks one year, or 52 weeks, I’ve been doing This Week at the Brennan’s!
Here’s what happened this week:
I think the biggest thing I absolutely need to mention first is Brooke, my sweet and only daughter, had her birthday this week! She turned nine and we had a small little family party for her. She asked for “squishies and LOL dolls” so after some googling, I discovered what they were and Brooke gave me plenty of reasons as to why it was important that she get as many as possible for her birthday. So, I ordered some from china and they still aren’t here!! Haha! But I was able to find some other LOL dolls and she got some other gifts from her grandparents. Raise your hand if you’ve never heard of squishies orLOL dolls before!!
I made a cookies and cream ice cream cake (except really it was pie) which was to die for and it went over really well! I had to apologize to her because she wanted a specific ice cream cake from the store and I decided to make it from scratch (with store bought ice cream and hot fudge…haha!) because IT’S JUST WHO I AM. It turned out to be the better option because she LOVED it and thought it looked amazing and tasted even better. But of course it did! It’s hard to go wrong with store bought cookies and cream ice cream, covered with hot fudge, Oreos and whipped cream all served together in a graham cracker shell, right? Took about 20 minutes to make, start to finish.
I’ve been having the hardest time this past week finding time to get to the very last few things on my to do list done. They are the things that totally get neglected week in and week out because I just don’t have the time. Well, this week I discovered that there’s a reason they are the last things on my list: because I hate them and they take me forever. It was a lot of website stuff I couldn’t for the life of me figure out, and after this week of working 6 hours straight on it, ugh! Still couldn’t figure it out. Frustrating for sure.
By Friday this past week, I was in a funk and just had to get out of the city. Sometimes I feel like I’m an extrovert and the city helps me thrive, but lately, I’ve been wanting to be more of an introvert. The city has felt a bit…suffocating. So, I took the train north, past city limits and found some quiet spots with no honking or sirens. It was actually great! I was gone all day and I came back refreshed.

Eddie is slowly starting to get a cold with a low-grade fever to go with and every so often will cuddle with me, which is so so sweet! But one day this past week, he didn’t want to cuddle with me at all! He just wanted to lay across my lap so I couldn’t do anything. It was the weirdest and funniest thing. He knew he was being such a ham, but refused to move regardless. What a stinker!
Here’s what’s Coming up this week:
I’m starting a workout routine with my friend Anne! I went tonight to meet her at the gym. We hardly did anything and I’m already sore. #toomanysquats
I am finally going to fold the four loads of laundry that have been sitting in the basket for a few days. Dishes I’m forced to keep up with, Laundry not so much. So I will hopefully stay on top of that laundry game this week.
Tomorrow, I’m doing an instagram live about how to make perfect chocolate dipped strawberries at 9pm Eastern. Yes, its a pretty simple thing to do, but I’m going to give you all my tips and tricks that all add up to make unforgettable and easy-as-pie chocolate dipped strawberries.
And, of course Valentine’s Day! I didn’t realize it was so soon! It just snuck up on me, so we’ll see what I can come up with for my kiddos. Always a little candy with a small toy or something random I find at the Target dollar spot. (Love that place)
That’s it 🙂 Have a wonderful day!
And don’t forget to find me on Instagram Stories for more NYC fun in real time.







547 Comments
Katie Koziel
February 14, 2018 at 7:04 amHow exciting to make it a full year with this series! I left a comment on the Liquid Sunshine post, I am excited to try it soon!
Laura S
February 14, 2018 at 7:12 amCommented on kale southwest salad 🙂 can you post the birthday pie soon? My fiancé would LOVE it!!
Shana
February 14, 2018 at 7:43 amHappy 52 weeks. I love seeing what’s going on at the Brennans each week. Commented in your Edward at Two post!
Cherie H. Laiche
February 14, 2018 at 7:55 amCommented on the Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Bars.
Jordan
February 14, 2018 at 8:08 amI commented on your Fondue! Post!! 🤞
Emilee
February 14, 2018 at 8:11 amCommented on the Super Greens Southwest Kale Salad recipe! That dressing looks delicious!
Yehudis
February 14, 2018 at 8:14 amLove your blog and really loving your insta stories. I commented on the pumpkin cinnamon rolls post.
Amanda Elliott
February 14, 2018 at 8:16 amI checked out the Skinny White Chicken Chili recipe and left a comment. This is such a nice giveaway!
Allison Dewey
February 14, 2018 at 8:25 amI left a comment on “More Paris”
Emily Fletcher
February 14, 2018 at 8:25 amI commented on the ramen stir-fry.
Bonnie haas
February 14, 2018 at 8:25 amI left a comment on Girls Trip to Disneyworld. I would love to take my daughter their some day. You have some helpful info in that post!!
Courtney Cook
February 14, 2018 at 8:31 amYour blog is my favorite. I commented on your ” Easy peel hard boiled eggs” post. That technique saves me so much time and results in perfect hard boiled eggs.
Ashley
February 14, 2018 at 8:48 amLeft a comment on your Maui post. That Oreo cake looks awesome!!
Elsie
February 14, 2018 at 9:01 amHappy Birthday, Brooke!!
I commented on your blogging post, so helpful and informative!
Sarah P.
February 14, 2018 at 9:29 amHi, Lauren! I commented on the beautifully named Garlic Chicken & Kale Spaghetti page. GREAT recipe! Thanks! Happy blogging anniversary!
Heather Pack
February 14, 2018 at 9:36 amI left a comment on your “This Week at the Brennans” #39, the Halloween edition. Thank you for all you do!
Christina
February 14, 2018 at 10:14 amTotally jealous of that cake!
I commented on the HEALTHY CROCKPOT ENCHILADA CASSEROLE and actually put it on my menu for next week.
Courtney
February 14, 2018 at 10:15 amI posted on Eddie turns 2. I have loved reading these posts. They have been my favorites over the past year. I know this past year has been a whirlwind for you and your family. Thank you for always been so honest with us on all of them. I have appreciated that you are so open about how stressful life got and how you have found your stride in NYC.
Kristen
February 14, 2018 at 10:47 amI commented on How Blogging Became My Career. I really enjoyed that post! 😊
Dawn Ritz
February 14, 2018 at 10:59 amCommented on This Week…2/5/18 edition.
Renee Weyant
February 14, 2018 at 11:08 amI commented on the pumpkin cinnamon rolls! They look delicious and you have such a sweet (pun definitely intended) family!
Renee Weyant
February 14, 2018 at 11:09 amAnd happy birthday, Brooke!
Dena
February 14, 2018 at 11:14 amRaising hand……….squishies and LOL dolls…………and SLIME.. especially the slime, only because my daughter can make that herself and does so daily. But boy she watches alot of videos online about squishies (dr squish?) and slime. Happy birthday to Brooke!
Elizabeth
February 14, 2018 at 11:18 amSweet potato rolls! I can’t wait to try them.
Julie Jorg
February 14, 2018 at 11:21 amI commented and loved the kale salad recipe…super yummy! Thanks for being so real! Love your blog!!
Caryn Lance
February 14, 2018 at 11:33 amI posted on Edward at Two. You are an amazing role model Lauren! Happy (belated) birthday to Brooke!
Kelsey Lenzmeier
February 14, 2018 at 11:45 amCommented on your chicken spaghetti post! Mmm!
Alicia Morrell
February 14, 2018 at 11:58 amI left a comment on the lemon poppy seed bread,
Krystal
February 14, 2018 at 12:05 pmHappy Birthday Brooke! I left a comment on Eddie’s birthday post. I enjoying following along with your families adventures and how real you keep it!
Lena
February 14, 2018 at 12:18 pmMade a comment on your lemon poppy seed bread post. Thank you for this wonderful gift you’re giving us!
Melissa D.
February 14, 2018 at 12:30 pmThis worked out well as I wanted to comment on your Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Bars recipe post anyway! I made them last week and they were so, so good! I love just doing a quick check of your blog when I need a recipe and usually finding one that is a perfect fit! Thanks for all you do and for a fun giveaway!
Stephanie A Freeman
February 14, 2018 at 12:58 pmi commented on the new mac and cheese post. Looks delish!
Annabelle Gonzalez
February 14, 2018 at 1:21 pmI posted on your NYC Tour Guide!! I love reading your posts and knowing we are not only on the motherhood wagon, sometimes its overwhelming
Jan P
February 14, 2018 at 1:52 pmI left a comment on “Eddie at Two”
Ellen B
February 14, 2018 at 2:36 pmleft a comment on homemade crullers – they look so good!
Jackie Palmer
February 14, 2018 at 3:52 pmI commented on how blogging became your career.
Jessica
February 14, 2018 at 4:35 pmI left a comment on your pressure cooker macaroni and cheese recipe – so excited to try it!
Rosalind
February 14, 2018 at 4:53 pmThanks for the giveaway & for sharing your life & recipes! I commented on the SUPER GREENS SOUTHWEST KALE SALAD Post.
LT
February 14, 2018 at 7:36 pmCommented on the NYC Tourist Guide — suggested a bagel place for you to try!
Nicole P
February 14, 2018 at 7:36 pmI commented on the ramen stir fry recipe!
Danielle
February 14, 2018 at 7:42 pmCommented on your NYC apartment post! Love hearing about your adventures around the city (and we are completely there with you… strapping our three year old in a hiking backpack to get our family of five through the subway! Ha ha). Keep up the great work 🙂
Teresa Price
February 14, 2018 at 9:12 pmI left a comment on you cinnamon roll recipe… I went way back but we love cinnamon rolls. Happy birthday to your little girl. I have no clue what the toys she wants were but my niece will be 7 this summer so there is a good chance we will be learning about them. I love your weekly post about your adventures. Keep up the great job!
Wanda
February 14, 2018 at 10:48 pmPuff Pastry cinnamon rolls? OH MY!! Thanks for the giveaway Lauren!
Happy Birthday to Brooke! Hope Eddie is feeling better soon!!
Jan R
February 15, 2018 at 5:13 amI commented on your poppyseed bread post.
Zainab
February 15, 2018 at 5:48 amCommented on the best steak marinade! Loved the recipe! It was a winner at home!
Love all your family blogs! You have a beautiful family and children!
Sherry
February 15, 2018 at 5:49 amI left a comment on Gordon’s graduation post.
Mary Conaway
February 15, 2018 at 6:05 amI commented on the Hard Boiled Eggs from 1/3/2018. One of the Healthiest foods yet hardest foods for me to make so Thank-You!
Mary
February 15, 2018 at 6:18 amI commented on the pressure cooker baked ziti. Love your blog!
Cheryl
February 15, 2018 at 6:27 amI left a comment on the Whole Wheat Freezer Rolls recipe. Can’t wait to make those.
Robin R.
February 15, 2018 at 6:27 amI commented on the Caprese Salad.