
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
Sara M
February 13, 2018 at 6:42 amI commented on the Healthier Korean Beef post.
Kathy Bozarth
February 13, 2018 at 6:43 amI left a comment on your Xmas post 😀
Rebecca Dewey
February 13, 2018 at 6:43 amI commented on the Asian Lettuce Wraps. I hope you have a great rest of your week!
Theresa Burns
February 13, 2018 at 6:45 amMy first recipe from your site…GRILLED HONEY GARLIC SHRIMP! Apparently, that was 2011 and I have been using your recipes and enjoying your blog ever since!
Angela
February 13, 2018 at 6:45 amCommented on Oahu post! The cake above looks good.
DD
February 13, 2018 at 6:48 amI commented on your Christmas shoot one. I don’t know why, but that one sticks out at me. Maybe because pretending it’s christmas at anytime of the year always sounds fun, stressful and with lots of laughs!
Jessica Rhoads
February 13, 2018 at 6:49 amI posted a comment on your chocolate chip bars recipe. I hope I don’t eat the entire pan.
Karen
February 13, 2018 at 6:52 amLEft a comment on 1 hour cinnamon rolls. Seriously fast and seriously delicious!
Cindi
February 13, 2018 at 6:56 amHi, I left a comment on turkey Salisbury steak, which is one of our family favorites! Thanks for doing the giveaway!
Karen Muenchmeyer
February 13, 2018 at 6:57 amHi Lauren,
I liked and left a message on your Skinny White Chicken Chili blog post !
Ruth McGlathery
February 13, 2018 at 6:57 amLeft a comment on Ice cream crunch cake recipe! Boy does it look good!!
Melissa C.
February 13, 2018 at 6:59 amI commented on the NYC bucket list post! Can’t wait to get there! I love your blog! ❤️
April Collett
February 13, 2018 at 7:00 amI commented on your lasagna cups! Awesome!
Sarah Thompson
February 13, 2018 at 7:00 amI just left a comment on your White Chicken Chili post. YUM! I really love reading your “This Week at the Brennan’s” posts! I look forward to them each week 🙂
Stacy Lopez
February 13, 2018 at 7:02 amHi – I commented on your Banana Walnut Pancake recipe. We always have pancakes on the Tuesday before Lent starts! I thought these would be delish!
Emily Korbmacher
February 13, 2018 at 7:10 amCommented on the NYC apartment post, because seriously, it’s amazing that you live in NYC with 3 littles. I lived there pre-kids and I can’t even imagine. So inspiring! 🙂
Emily G
February 13, 2018 at 7:12 amI commented on the pressure cooker ziti. Can’t wait to try it.
Beth Ann
February 13, 2018 at 7:19 amI commented on your turkey Salisbury steak recipe. I found it when I was looking for healthier ways to enjoy some of my favorite meals. That is one of my favorites! I’m loving looking through every else’s favorite of your recipes.
It must feel wonderful to know how much you’ve helped other families. 🙂 Congratulations in one year. I look forward to more years!
Danielle Hoffmeister
February 13, 2018 at 7:33 amLeft a comment on 1-hour Cinnamon Rolls. Part to enter and part to remind me I really want to try them.
Nichole Sampson
February 13, 2018 at 7:37 amCommented on Peanut Butter Bars recipe. Your sweet Eddie and our son Sawyer were born in the same month. Love the updates on the family as we have 5 sons and are so in love with seeing others families! Been following for years. 😊
Brittany
February 13, 2018 at 7:41 amI commented on the Feb 5th week at the Brennan’s. Happy Valentine’s day! 💗
April Novakowski
February 13, 2018 at 7:43 amI left a comment on your snickerdoodle cookie post, love making these cookies.
Kyra Harmon
February 13, 2018 at 7:46 amI posted on your “how blogging became my career”
Monica
February 13, 2018 at 7:49 amI commented on the caprese salad. Looks so good. Love the fresh ingredients and colour! GOOD LUCK EVERYONE 😍
Melissa Kramer
February 13, 2018 at 7:50 amI left a comment on another post.
Happy Birthday to your Brooke! My daughter, Brooke, is going to be 30 next week….eeek!
Shellie L.
February 13, 2018 at 7:53 amI commented on the peanut butter chocolate bars! Thank you!!
Monique Rizzo
February 13, 2018 at 7:55 amI commented on your amazing CHEESY-STUFFED GARLIC BUTTER CRESCENT ROLLS. Our family LOVES them! Thanks Lauren, for all you do!
Stephanie Cassity
February 13, 2018 at 8:01 amCommented on your restaurant style salsa. My husband loves salsa!
Janice Shotola
February 13, 2018 at 8:07 amHi! I left a comment on your NYC move with photos of your apartment. Still amazed how much cooking you can do in such a tiny space!
Kristi Brown
February 13, 2018 at 8:14 amCommented on Skinny White Chicken Chili! Love that stuff!! Happy Birthday to your sweet girl!
Vickie McGinnis
February 13, 2018 at 8:17 amHi! I left a comment on your Protein box posts. It’s such a great idea! Have a wonderful day!
Marta Thompson
February 13, 2018 at 8:21 amI left a comment on your Skinny Baked Spaghetti post! Love your blog!
Michelle Masters
February 13, 2018 at 8:22 amI commented on stir-fry Roman
Bethany Croney
February 13, 2018 at 8:23 amI left a comment on your chocolate chip peanut butter bars!! I so enjoy your blog and have been enjoying seeing the ins and outs on Instagram!
Sarah
February 13, 2018 at 8:23 amCommented on the pb chocolate chip bars! Thank you!!
tara
February 13, 2018 at 8:24 amI commented on the perfect snickerdoodles because I made them at Christmas and they were delish!
Brenda
February 13, 2018 at 8:26 amThanks for the giveaway! I commented on the Christmas Mocktails post.
Christy
February 13, 2018 at 8:33 amI commented on your post on your travel post to Paris/foods you ate. I was there a year ago with my family. Reading your post made me miss it! Loved that city and we hope to get back there soon.
Lee R
February 13, 2018 at 8:37 amCommented on your NYC apt post. Loved getting a glimpse into your life!
Jennifer Riggs
February 13, 2018 at 8:39 amCommented on the skinny baked spaghetti post.
J Fletcher
February 13, 2018 at 8:39 amCommented on Lemon Poppyseed Loaf. Can’t wait to try it.
Rachael F
February 13, 2018 at 8:40 amYay! Fun giveaway, left a comment on the 15 min chow mein
Courtney G.
February 13, 2018 at 8:45 amI commented on your soft baked peanut butter toffee cookie recipe.
Alessandra
February 13, 2018 at 8:52 amI just commented on your double chocolate silk cream pie!
Thank you for this opportunity!
Sheena
February 13, 2018 at 8:53 amLeft a comment on BETTER THAN PARIS CREPES RECIPE!
Tiffany A.
February 13, 2018 at 8:55 amCommented on “Eddie turning 2.”
Amanda
February 13, 2018 at 9:05 amCongrats on your one year mark!!! I don’t usually comment but I love reading your posts and watching your IG stories. Your family is delightful. I commented on the chocolate chip peanut butter bars and can’t wait to give them a try. You always post the tastiest recipes!
Beth W.
February 13, 2018 at 9:14 amCommented on the chocolate chip peanut butter bars. YUM!
Ashley
February 13, 2018 at 9:17 amI commented on Skinner Baked Spaghetti!
Donna Mason
February 13, 2018 at 9:23 amI commented on the February 5th THIS WEEK AT THE BRENNAN’s. Have a great day.