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
    Lindsay
    February 13, 2018 at 5:12 am

    Commented on the pressure cooked baked ziti recipe.. I can’t wait to try it!

  • Reply
    Lynne Whittington
    February 13, 2018 at 5:15 am

    Left a comment on the “Top of the Rock” post.. Enjoy reading all your posts.

  • Reply
    Tina F
    February 13, 2018 at 5:27 am

    Hi Lauren! Just left a comment on your Chocolate & Peanut Butter Bars post. Can’t wait to make those! I don’t post very often but love reading your posts & especially watching your kiddos grow! Started following your blog back when Brooke was a little teeny girl & now she’s an older sister to 2 rambunctious brothers! So sweet!

  • Reply
    Laurie K
    February 13, 2018 at 5:33 am

    Hi Lauren!
    I left a comment on your Disney trip with your daughter. I really do enjoy going through your blog and this was a post I hadn’t read yet!

  • Reply
    Marcie
    February 13, 2018 at 5:37 am

    Skinny White Chicken Chili was where I left some love.

  • Reply
    Donna Abell
    February 13, 2018 at 5:38 am

    Left a comment on your Disney trip

  • Reply
    Alane
    February 13, 2018 at 5:39 am

    I commented on the Chocolate Cobbler recipe…perfect Valentine’s Day dessert!

  • Reply
    Catherine Smith
    February 13, 2018 at 5:40 am

    I commented on the pressure cooker ziti! I cannot wait to make it! Just love your blog.

  • Reply
    Mireya Martinez
    February 13, 2018 at 5:42 am

    Hey Lauren. I commented on your Skinny Baked Spaghetti. Thanks.

  • Reply
    Melanie
    February 13, 2018 at 5:45 am

    I commented on your 2017 Review post. Thanks for this opportunity 🙂

  • Reply
    Kory Hawk
    February 13, 2018 at 5:46 am

    Commented on your chocolate chip peanut butter bars since it was the most recent recipe I made. I love your blog and keeping up with your family adventures!

  • Reply
    Holly
    February 13, 2018 at 5:49 am

    I commented on the freezer rolls post. I sure enjoy reading about your adventures, family, and food.

  • Reply
    Kelsey
    February 13, 2018 at 5:50 am

    Posted on your roasted red pepper goat cheese alfredo! (The first recipe of yours I ever tried, we LOVE it)
    Your “This Week at the Brennan’s” posts are some of my favorite to read

  • Reply
    Kate Brinkley
    February 13, 2018 at 5:53 am

    Happy Birthday, Brooke! I commented on the Mom and Daughter Disney post 🙂

  • Reply
    Saralyn Buck
    February 13, 2018 at 5:54 am

    I commented on the pressure cooker baked ziti post. <3

  • Reply
    Diana T.
    February 13, 2018 at 5:55 am

    Thank you!! I left a comment on Lemon quinoa soup. Seriously drooling!

  • Reply
    Katie S.
    February 13, 2018 at 5:56 am

    I left a comment on the pressure cooked baked Ziti, it looks amazing and easy! Thanks for the real and delicious recipes, and your family is super cute, love your weekly family posts!

  • Reply
    Alycia
    February 13, 2018 at 5:58 am

    I left a comment on your pressure cooker baked ziti. I love your blog.

  • Reply
    Maria
    February 13, 2018 at 6:00 am

    Hi Lauren!
    Happy birthday to your beautiful little girl! Ice Cream Pie looks delish 🙂

    I commented on your skinny spaghetti bake recipe – thanks!

  • Reply
    Susan R
    February 13, 2018 at 6:01 am

    I left a comment on the post with your cutie pies in the laundry basket. 🙂

  • Reply
    Samantha Garner
    February 13, 2018 at 6:01 am

    Commented on the SHREDDED MEXICAN PORK. YUIM!

  • Reply
    latanya
    February 13, 2018 at 6:04 am

    I commented on the LOW FAT LEMON POPPYSEED LOAF.

  • Reply
    Sharidan Dillon
    February 13, 2018 at 6:07 am

    I left a comment on the Pressure Cooker Baked Ziti post.

  • Reply
    Lori Theisen
    February 13, 2018 at 6:12 am

    I left a comment on the Ramen Stir fry recipe

  • Reply
    Malinda Chaney
    February 13, 2018 at 6:12 am

    I left a comment on the February 5th This Week post. I just love the picture of Eddie standing on the clothes hamper. Too cute!

  • Reply
    Angie
    February 13, 2018 at 6:13 am

    I commented on your NYC tourist travel guide post.

  • Reply
    Susan Ginter
    February 13, 2018 at 6:14 am

    Eddie at TWO! Love hearing about the kids (well, I love the recipes too) but the fa!it is a bonus! Enjoy, I mean REALLY enjoy this time. They grow up so quickly. You’re a good Mom!

  • Reply
    Dawn
    February 13, 2018 at 6:14 am

    I commented on the Skillet Sheperd’s Pie recipe. So so delicious!

  • Reply
    Skylar Munster
    February 13, 2018 at 6:14 am

    I left a comment on your February 5th post for “This week at the Brennan’s”. They are my favorite to read and I always sit down with a cup of coffee to read them when they are published. 😊 can’t wait to try your cauliflower rice and veggies recipe when it is published 😍

  • Reply
    Serena
    February 13, 2018 at 6:16 am

    It’s fun to see what’s going on with your little family in the city and your kids are so cute! I commented on “PRESSURE COOKER BAKED ZITI” because it looks so good!

  • Reply
    Kelly Russill
    February 13, 2018 at 6:17 am

    Commented on your baked rotini lasagna! It’s sooooo so soooo yummy!! ❤️

  • Reply
    Christina Zsoldos
    February 13, 2018 at 6:18 am

    Left a comment on your NYC FAQs post.
    Happy Year to “This week at the brennans”!!

  • Reply
    Laura Cross
    February 13, 2018 at 6:19 am

    I commented on the white chicken chili post! Thanks!

  • Reply
    Natalie Howard
    February 13, 2018 at 6:20 am

    I left comment on “Getting Kids you eat Veggies” post! ❤️

  • Reply
    Jennifer Hoffman
    February 13, 2018 at 6:20 am

    I left a comment on the Pressure Cooker Baked Ziti post. Can’t wait to try that recipe! Love your website

  • Reply
    Susan Kucharek
    February 13, 2018 at 6:21 am

    I commented on the Christmas sugar cookies bars.

  • Reply
    Angie Morgan
    February 13, 2018 at 6:21 am

    I left a comment on your NYC travel guide post. Thanks for the info!

  • Reply
    Cortney Longfield
    February 13, 2018 at 6:21 am

    Commented on the Peanut Butter Chocolate chip cookie bars. Can’t WAIT to try them this weekend!

  • Reply
    Stacey B
    February 13, 2018 at 6:26 am

    I commented on your Cinnabon Cinnamon rolls! I’ve been following your site from the very early days, and enjoy reading your family posts in addition to the recipe posts.

  • Reply
    Heather
    February 13, 2018 at 6:28 am

    Commented on your easy dinner ideas!

  • Reply
    JIll
    February 13, 2018 at 6:28 am

    Commented on HOW TO MAKE STROMBOLI, our favorite!

  • Reply
    Carolyn Duncan
    February 13, 2018 at 6:29 am

    I left a comment under your Whole Wheat Freezer Rills Recipe.

  • Reply
    Lauren J.
    February 13, 2018 at 6:30 am

    Love your blog and honesty. I commented on your 45 minute spaghetti and meatballs which I need to try soon for my kiddos!

  • Reply
    Diane
    February 13, 2018 at 6:32 am

    I left a comment on your post about your blogging journey:)D

  • Reply
    Sonia
    February 13, 2018 at 6:34 am

    I left a comment on the Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Butter Crescent Rolls because YUM!!

    Regarding the city, I cannot tell you how many times I tell people that I was an extrovert before I moved to NYC and now I feel extremely introverted because the city will, quite simply, just wear you out. It’s also just so many people, all the time, which allows for some incredible experiences but is also just incredibly tiring at the same time. There are also some amazing places in Queens/Long Island that are quiet and green, if you know where to go!

  • Reply
    Brenda Brown
    February 13, 2018 at 6:37 am

    I commented on the Easy Peel Eggs post

  • Reply
    Monica
    February 13, 2018 at 6:38 am

    I left a comment on the Easy Peel Hard Boiled Eggs blog post. Happy Birthday to Brooke! I hope Eddie is feeling better, and I’m excited to hear more about your workouts with Anne. ;o)

  • Reply
    Leslie F
    February 13, 2018 at 6:39 am

    I commented on the make-ahead chocolate chip cookie mix. It’s the best! Thanks for the giveaway!

  • Reply
    Jessica McKenzie
    February 13, 2018 at 6:40 am

    I commented on the peanut butter chocolate chip bars. I love your blog!

  • Reply
    Peggy
    February 13, 2018 at 6:41 am

    I commented on How Blogging Became My Career. Didn’t know you had only done This Week at the Brennans for one year! Love love reading these stories! I found your blog by accident when Eddie was born. I am so happy I did! Have a great week!

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