
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
Kaitlyn hicks
February 13, 2018 at 11:54 amI commented on girls trip to Disney world!
Stephanie Jones
February 13, 2018 at 11:55 amI left a comment on your ramen stir fry recipe! looking forward to making that for dinner asap.
Caitlin starr
February 13, 2018 at 11:56 amCommented on the lemon poppyseed loaf!
Celeste Blinn
February 13, 2018 at 11:57 amI left a comment on your NYC travel guide! I need to go back!! Thanks for all you do!
Lauren
February 13, 2018 at 11:58 amCommented on the Pressure cookies baked ziti post!
Stephanie K.
February 13, 2018 at 12:02 pmI left a comment on your chocolate chip peanut butter bars!!
A. Jill
February 13, 2018 at 12:05 pmCommented,! Love your blog!
Allison
February 13, 2018 at 12:08 pmI commented on the fail proof pizza dough and cheesy breadsticks post!
Ericka L
February 13, 2018 at 12:11 pmHappy Birthday to your girl!! We are of the same sign, she and I. She is hopefully your peace maker.😊 commented on your Xmas post.
Sonya
February 13, 2018 at 12:12 pmI left a comment on the chocolate chip peanut butter bars 🙂
The cake looked amazing and Happy Birthday to Brooke! My kids are grown so I am out of the loop on pretty much everything. I had to Google the squishies and LOL Dolls. I suddenly feel my 43 years..haha
Vicki Perfetti
February 13, 2018 at 12:13 pmHi—I commented on your recipe post for Crock-pot cheesy chicken spaghetti!! Love that stuff! Thanks!!
Vila
February 13, 2018 at 12:15 pmI left a comment on the salted Nutella and peanut butter thumbprint cookies! I know it’s an old post! But Nutella + Peanut Butter butter I mean 😍 they were soo good!
Jerissa
February 13, 2018 at 12:15 pmLeft a comment on the crockpot chicken nacho dip!
Amy Tong
February 13, 2018 at 12:16 pmWish your sweetie a speedy recovery! I truly enjoy reading all of your post. 🙂 I commented on MARSHMALLOW POTATO CHIP EASTER NESTS post. Can’t wait to try it this Easter. Such a unique and fun recipe. And thanks for hosting the giveaway. 🙂
amy [at] utry [dot] it
Catherine C.
February 13, 2018 at 12:17 pmCommented on the Cheesy Garlic Butter Crescent Rolls post! Yum!
Happy birthday to Brooke!
Pamela McLellan
February 13, 2018 at 12:18 pmI commented on the lemon bread recipe
Nicole
February 13, 2018 at 12:19 pmLeft a comment on your Christmas mock tails post!
Ashley
February 13, 2018 at 12:20 pmI posted on “15 minute creamy balsamic chicken” which I can’t wait to try!
Mandy
February 13, 2018 at 12:21 pmCommented on “no-bake chocolate chip granola bar” post
Janet Hasler
February 13, 2018 at 12:25 pmI left a comment on Eddie’s two year birthday post! It sounds like he had a great day. Also wanted you to know we made your chocolate chip cookie recipe with some added red, white and pink M & M’s. They were so cute and so delicious.
Carrie Monts
February 13, 2018 at 12:27 pmI commented on your Christmas bar cookies recipe- it is now a staple!
Maressa D
February 13, 2018 at 12:28 pmWow can’t believe it’s been a whole year! I love these posts, thanks for sharing your weekly family updates!
I posted on the white chicken Chili which I made last week and was a hit with the whole family, picky kids and husband alike lol. Thank you!!!
Amy Fleming
February 13, 2018 at 12:29 pmI commented on your Pressure Cooker Baked Ziti post which was to die for! Thanks for all you do for your readers!
Lauren
February 13, 2018 at 12:35 pmEasy pork potstickers! I’ve got to try those!
Tammy
February 13, 2018 at 12:36 pmI commented on your baked ziti in the pressure cooker post! Excited to try it!!
Carly
February 13, 2018 at 12:37 pmCommented on the Leon poppy seed loaf!
Sherry
February 13, 2018 at 12:39 pmI commented on the chocolate chip peanut butter bars……yum!!
Abby
February 13, 2018 at 12:39 pmI want to try craigo’s breadsticks! I left a comment there! Yum!! Love your recipes!
Lacee Harris
February 13, 2018 at 12:40 pmCommented and LOVED your meal planning 101 post. I’m excited to use your tips and see my meal planning become simpler. Thank you!!
Sherry
February 13, 2018 at 12:41 pm🍫 + 🥜 bars post=❤️❤️❤️❤️
Amanda Anderson
February 13, 2018 at 12:45 pmI look forward to reading your weekly posts about what happened/is coming up . I left a comment on the “How blogging became my career” post.
Mataya Thomas
February 13, 2018 at 12:46 pmCommented on the white chicken chili!
Cindy Wilcox
February 13, 2018 at 12:51 pmI commented on your recipe post for Christmas sugar cookie bars! I’m gonna make valentine sugar cookie bars. Yum!
Karen
February 13, 2018 at 12:51 pmHeart icon ✅
Comment ✅
You’re the BEST Lauren. And I’m not just saying that to butter ya up! You really are my most favorite blogger… don’t ever quit! I love reading your post and your recipes never ever fail me. Thank you for making my life easier!!
Sarah Beauregard
February 13, 2018 at 12:57 pmLeft a comment on your Lemon Poppyseed Bread. It was so yummy!
Jess
February 13, 2018 at 12:58 pmI commented the super greens southwest kale salad
Alisse Sarouhan
February 13, 2018 at 12:59 pmI left a comment about your delicious Creamy Sausage and Red Pepper pasta recipe. I’m feeling lucky since this contest ends on my daughter’s birthday and winners are chosen on my son’s birthday. Thanks for a fun blog and contest.
Jen Ward
February 13, 2018 at 1:01 pmLeft a comment on the Instant Pot Ziti!
Meghan P.
February 13, 2018 at 1:03 pmI commented on the Pressure Cooker Baked Ziti. It was so delicious!
Vicki Ferguson
February 13, 2018 at 1:04 pmI’ve commented on the Whole Wheat Freezer Rolls post. Thank you for that by the way, been wanting to try a roll recipe and have been looking for a good one – found it!
Marsha
February 13, 2018 at 1:05 pmI left a message on your ramen stir fry! Can’t wait to try it!
Emily Lant
February 13, 2018 at 1:07 pmCommented on pressure cooker ziti post! Thanks for all you do…love following you!
Laura
February 13, 2018 at 1:07 pmLiked and commented! PB Chocolate Chip Bars!
Jen
February 13, 2018 at 1:09 pmI left a comment on your Super Greens Southwest Kale Salad (omg it sounds so delicious!)
What a great giveaway!!
Jessica Harwood
February 13, 2018 at 1:11 pmI left a comment on your “Best Food in Maui!” post. So glad for your recommendation!
Suze
February 13, 2018 at 1:11 pmCommented on low fat lemon poppy seed loaf!
Lindsay
February 13, 2018 at 1:13 pmI left a comment on the Pressure Cooker Ziti recipe!
I’m loving your idea of using store bought ice cream and cookies to create your own ice cream cake. So much easier than prior recipes I’ve seen!
Heather Poulsen
February 13, 2018 at 1:14 pmI commented on the yummy pressure cooker ziti! Looks so good!
Elissa
February 13, 2018 at 1:14 pmWhat a. Fun giveaway! I commented on the yummy IP baked ziti post! 🙏🏼
Katie Semrad
February 13, 2018 at 1:15 pmCommented on the 10 years of Marriage post! 🙂