Birthdays Family This Week at the Brennan's

This Week at the Brennan’s

February 12, 2018
Brooke with her birthday cake

Brooke with her birthday cake

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.

Lauren with Eddie laying on her

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.

Brennan kids ready to go outside

  • Reply
    Carla
    February 13, 2018 at 3:18 am

    Hi there, I did it! Ha! I commented on the Korean Beef recipe!!!

  • Reply
    Laura
    February 13, 2018 at 3:22 am

    Amazing giveaway! And I’m dying to the cake you made your daughter. I left a comment on the chocolate chip peanut butter bars:)

  • Reply
    Val Skallet
    February 13, 2018 at 3:22 am

    I 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!

  • Reply
    Susie
    February 13, 2018 at 3:25 am

    I 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).

  • Reply
    Meme
    February 13, 2018 at 3:29 am

    Left message on 12/27/17 post. Love those pictures on it.

  • Reply
    Hannah
    February 13, 2018 at 3:32 am

    I commented on the Baja Fish Taco post. It’s a win at our house!

  • Reply
    Jill Boyce
    February 13, 2018 at 3:35 am

    I left a comment on your pb cc bars… trying them soon.

  • Reply
    Stacey Gillin
    February 13, 2018 at 3:39 am

    Left a comment on your NYC travel guide post!

  • Reply
    Alison Amaismeier
    February 13, 2018 at 3:43 am

    I commented on the MOJITO LIME FISH TACOS recipe – would love to make that one sometime!

  • Reply
    Deannab1
    February 13, 2018 at 3:46 am

    I left a comment on the southwest kale salad.

  • Reply
    Molly Hubbell
    February 13, 2018 at 3:49 am

    I commented on the Supergreens Southwest Salad.

  • Reply
    Sandra Grieco
    February 13, 2018 at 3:50 am

    Commented 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 !!!

  • Reply
    KATHY WILLIAMS
    February 13, 2018 at 3:50 am

    Left 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.

  • Reply
    Terri Rubenstein
    February 13, 2018 at 3:57 am

    I commented on your baked spaghetti recipe. Thank you!

  • Reply
    Rachel J
    February 13, 2018 at 3:59 am

    I commented on the nutter butter nutella icebox cake! Gimme a mouthful of that!

  • Reply
    Janelle Hughes
    February 13, 2018 at 4:02 am

    Commented 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

  • Reply
    Carol
    February 13, 2018 at 4:05 am

    I left a comment on another post ! I can’t wait to try the ziti !

  • Reply
    Laura King
    February 13, 2018 at 4:15 am

    I left a comment on the cheesy chicken spaghetti. I continue to enjoy reading your blog.

  • Reply
    Lauren M
    February 13, 2018 at 4:19 am

    I 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.

  • Reply
    Alisha s
    February 13, 2018 at 4:21 am

    left a comment on the pressure cooker ziti

  • Reply
    Nancy Walker
    February 13, 2018 at 4:24 am

    I left a comment in recipes on Craigo’s Breadsticks.

  • Reply
    Elizabeth Paterson
    February 13, 2018 at 4:24 am

    I commented on Craigo’s Breadsticks! I have to make those for my family!

  • Reply
    Sallie Wiggins
    February 13, 2018 at 4:26 am

    I love following your recipes and blog. Just left a comment on the NYC Adventure post. Thank you for sharing!!!

  • Reply
    Karla
    February 13, 2018 at 4:28 am

    I commented on the skinny white chicken chili. It was delish!

  • Reply
    Laura
    February 13, 2018 at 4:31 am

    I left a comment on your on pb choco chip bars.

  • Reply
    Amy
    February 13, 2018 at 4:32 am

    I commented on chocolate peanut butter bars!

  • Reply
    Janet
    February 13, 2018 at 4:34 am

    Left a post on the baked ziti recipe. Thanks for all you do and share with us!

  • Reply
    Sharon
    February 13, 2018 at 4:37 am

    Left a comment on your Algonquin Park post. What a super fun place to visit!

  • Reply
    Jodi Pavlik
    February 13, 2018 at 4:40 am

    I commented on your 1-hour cinnamon roll blog post!

  • Reply
    Christie
    February 13, 2018 at 4:41 am

    Instant pot ziti since I made it last night!

  • Reply
    Kathy B
    February 13, 2018 at 4:43 am

    I commented on your Frozen Banana Split Pie.

  • Reply
    Sarah K
    February 13, 2018 at 4:45 am

    Commented on the Craigos breadsticks post! Thank you for the opportunity to win 😊

  • Reply
    Brittany B.
    February 13, 2018 at 4:46 am

    Such a fun giveaway, and I love the weekly Brennan posts! I commented on your Korean beef recipe, that looks DIVINE!

  • Reply
    Tiffany
    February 13, 2018 at 4:46 am

    Commented on the Low Fat Lemon Poppy seed Loaf 🙂

  • Reply
    Lorri Blazer
    February 13, 2018 at 4:47 am

    HI Lauren. I left a comment on your February 5th blog.

  • Reply
    Amanda Anderson
    February 13, 2018 at 4:49 am

    Happy 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!❤️

  • Reply
    Kate Greenwood
    February 13, 2018 at 4:50 am

    I commented on the Caprese Salad from January 2018. Thanks for sharing and the giveaway!

  • Reply
    Melissa Ritchie
    February 13, 2018 at 4:54 am

    I commented on the one hour Cinnabon rolls. Amazing❤️

  • Reply
    Nina
    February 13, 2018 at 4:57 am

    I commented on your crockpot bolognese sauce recipe!

  • Reply
    Kelly
    February 13, 2018 at 4:58 am

    Commented on the delicious chicken tenders and ranch post. They are terrific!

  • Reply
    Jenn
    February 13, 2018 at 5:00 am

    Hi, 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.

    • Reply
      Lauren
      February 13, 2018 at 6:21 am

      I have my eye on Poughkeepsie!

  • Reply
    Karly H.
    February 13, 2018 at 5:02 am

    Sounds 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.

  • Reply
    Kim McKitish
    February 13, 2018 at 5:04 am

    Commented on Skinny White Chicken Chili. Looks delicious!

  • Reply
    Alison Peterson
    February 13, 2018 at 5:04 am

    I left a comment on the crockpot chicken nacho dip post!

  • Reply
    Laura-Lee
    February 13, 2018 at 5:04 am

    I left a comment on the skinny white chicken chili recipe! I can’t wait to try it!

  • Reply
    Sarah England
    February 13, 2018 at 5:05 am

    I commented on caramel apple cinnamon rolls! They look amazing!

  • Reply
    Sarah Filchak
    February 13, 2018 at 5:06 am

    I commented on the Chocolate chip peanut butter bars (they were amazing btw). Happy birthday Brooke! Keep up the great work.

  • Reply
    Dana
    February 13, 2018 at 5:07 am

    Commented on the post—Edward is Two!

  • Reply
    Christine Belshaw
    February 13, 2018 at 5:07 am

    Left a comment on your Recipe Tostada Bites post. Glad you found a quiet and relaxing spot away from the city for your “refresh” day!

  • Reply
    Hannah H.
    February 13, 2018 at 5:09 am

    I commented on Eddie’s 2nd birthday post!

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