
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
Carla
February 13, 2018 at 3:18 amHi there, I did it! Ha! I commented on the Korean Beef recipe!!!
Laura
February 13, 2018 at 3:22 amAmazing giveaway! And I’m dying to the cake you made your daughter. I left a comment on the chocolate chip peanut butter bars:)
Val Skallet
February 13, 2018 at 3:22 amI loved your suggestions in the NYC Tourist Travel Guide. ( I commented there). So many wonderful ideas summed up perfectly. I can’t wait to start planning a return trip!
Susie
February 13, 2018 at 3:25 amI commented on your peanut butter chocolate squares since those are the two things my husband loves most and I plan on making them for Valentines Day. I generally don’t comment but will often save recipes. I have been following you for a while now. What pulled me in was when you talked about your brother who has Down syndrome. I could relate to that and I have been a fan ever since.. You’re honest and have great recipes. It’s always good to hear from you. (even if it’s a ping in my inbox).
Meme
February 13, 2018 at 3:29 amLeft message on 12/27/17 post. Love those pictures on it.
Hannah
February 13, 2018 at 3:32 amI commented on the Baja Fish Taco post. It’s a win at our house!
Jill Boyce
February 13, 2018 at 3:35 amI left a comment on your pb cc bars… trying them soon.
Stacey Gillin
February 13, 2018 at 3:39 amLeft a comment on your NYC travel guide post!
Alison Amaismeier
February 13, 2018 at 3:43 amI commented on the MOJITO LIME FISH TACOS recipe – would love to make that one sometime!
Deannab1
February 13, 2018 at 3:46 amI left a comment on the southwest kale salad.
Molly Hubbell
February 13, 2018 at 3:49 amI commented on the Supergreens Southwest Salad.
Sandra Grieco
February 13, 2018 at 3:50 amCommented on a waffle and fruit recipe ❤️
Love all the recipes and following you! I’ve lived in Queens and Long Island my whole life and for sure you have seen and done more things in the city compared to me !!!
KATHY WILLIAMS
February 13, 2018 at 3:50 amLeft a comment on your Skinny White Chicken Chili. I made it for dinner last night and it was so good. I think it was better than Cheesecake Factory!!!!! Your kids are growing up to fast.
Terri Rubenstein
February 13, 2018 at 3:57 amI commented on your baked spaghetti recipe. Thank you!
Rachel J
February 13, 2018 at 3:59 amI commented on the nutter butter nutella icebox cake! Gimme a mouthful of that!
Janelle Hughes
February 13, 2018 at 4:02 amCommented on Eddie’s 2nd birthday. You are the cutest family and I love your recipes and weekly updates. Keep it up and blessings to you all!
Janelle
Carol
February 13, 2018 at 4:05 amI left a comment on another post ! I can’t wait to try the ziti !
Laura King
February 13, 2018 at 4:15 amI left a comment on the cheesy chicken spaghetti. I continue to enjoy reading your blog.
Lauren M
February 13, 2018 at 4:19 amI left a comment on your potstickers post. I have been wanting to make them for a while now and don’t know why I haven’t! Love your blog and your writing style.
Alisha s
February 13, 2018 at 4:21 amleft a comment on the pressure cooker ziti
Nancy Walker
February 13, 2018 at 4:24 amI left a comment in recipes on Craigo’s Breadsticks.
Elizabeth Paterson
February 13, 2018 at 4:24 amI commented on Craigo’s Breadsticks! I have to make those for my family!
Sallie Wiggins
February 13, 2018 at 4:26 amI love following your recipes and blog. Just left a comment on the NYC Adventure post. Thank you for sharing!!!
Karla
February 13, 2018 at 4:28 amI commented on the skinny white chicken chili. It was delish!
Laura
February 13, 2018 at 4:31 amI left a comment on your on pb choco chip bars.
Amy
February 13, 2018 at 4:32 amI commented on chocolate peanut butter bars!
Janet
February 13, 2018 at 4:34 amLeft a post on the baked ziti recipe. Thanks for all you do and share with us!
Sharon
February 13, 2018 at 4:37 amLeft a comment on your Algonquin Park post. What a super fun place to visit!
Jodi Pavlik
February 13, 2018 at 4:40 amI commented on your 1-hour cinnamon roll blog post!
Christie
February 13, 2018 at 4:41 amInstant pot ziti since I made it last night!
Kathy B
February 13, 2018 at 4:43 amI commented on your Frozen Banana Split Pie.
Sarah K
February 13, 2018 at 4:45 amCommented on the Craigos breadsticks post! Thank you for the opportunity to win 😊
Brittany B.
February 13, 2018 at 4:46 amSuch a fun giveaway, and I love the weekly Brennan posts! I commented on your Korean beef recipe, that looks DIVINE!
Tiffany
February 13, 2018 at 4:46 amCommented on the Low Fat Lemon Poppy seed Loaf 🙂
Lorri Blazer
February 13, 2018 at 4:47 amHI Lauren. I left a comment on your February 5th blog.
Amanda Anderson
February 13, 2018 at 4:49 amHappy 52 weeks! I left a comment on the NYC bucket list! Very interesting for this non NY mom to consider bringing kids to the city!❤️
Kate Greenwood
February 13, 2018 at 4:50 amI commented on the Caprese Salad from January 2018. Thanks for sharing and the giveaway!
Melissa Ritchie
February 13, 2018 at 4:54 amI commented on the one hour Cinnabon rolls. Amazing❤️
Nina
February 13, 2018 at 4:57 amI commented on your crockpot bolognese sauce recipe!
Kelly
February 13, 2018 at 4:58 amCommented on the delicious chicken tenders and ranch post. They are terrific!
Jenn
February 13, 2018 at 5:00 amHi, I commented on the banana choc chip pancakes! They look great! I love hearing your adventures in NYC! My husband commutes there every day – about 2 hours door to door. If you want a quick escape – come to the Hudson Valley! Cold Spring has nice shops and restaurants and Beacon has done an amazing re-birth. Tons of great restaurants, an amazing fresh donuts shop where you pick your toppings and really cool stores! If you can ever make it a little farther to my hometown of Poughkeepsie, the Walkway on the Hudson cannot be missed and the Culinary Insititute of America is only another 10 minutes north. When I need a little escape, I go to one of those towns with my friends or drive a half hour North to Rhinebeck for eating and shopping.
Lauren
February 13, 2018 at 6:21 amI have my eye on Poughkeepsie!
Karly H.
February 13, 2018 at 5:02 amSounds like Brooke had a great birthday! Hopefully Eddie ferls back to normal soon without getting any worse.
Thanks for offering a giveaway! I commented on your Top of the Rock post.
Kim McKitish
February 13, 2018 at 5:04 amCommented on Skinny White Chicken Chili. Looks delicious!
Alison Peterson
February 13, 2018 at 5:04 amI left a comment on the crockpot chicken nacho dip post!
Laura-Lee
February 13, 2018 at 5:04 amI left a comment on the skinny white chicken chili recipe! I can’t wait to try it!
Sarah England
February 13, 2018 at 5:05 amI commented on caramel apple cinnamon rolls! They look amazing!
Sarah Filchak
February 13, 2018 at 5:06 amI commented on the Chocolate chip peanut butter bars (they were amazing btw). Happy birthday Brooke! Keep up the great work.
Dana
February 13, 2018 at 5:07 amCommented on the post—Edward is Two!
Christine Belshaw
February 13, 2018 at 5:07 amLeft a comment on your Recipe Tostada Bites post. Glad you found a quiet and relaxing spot away from the city for your “refresh” day!
Hannah H.
February 13, 2018 at 5:09 amI commented on Eddie’s 2nd birthday post!