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
    Stephanie Wynder
    February 13, 2018 at 3:58 pm

    I left a comment on “Fail Proof Pizza Dough and Cheesy Garlic Bread” – it was the first recipe I tried from Lauren’s Latest and I have been a fan ever since!!

  • Reply
    Christa
    February 13, 2018 at 4:13 pm

    I commented on the pumpkin cream cheese danish. Best recipe ever!!!!! Thanks

  • Reply
    Ann-Marie DeGeeter
    February 13, 2018 at 4:13 pm

    I left a comment on Meal planning 101.

  • Reply
    Melissa S.
    February 13, 2018 at 4:22 pm

    Hi! I commented on the Meal Planning 101 post. Thanks!

  • Reply
    Justine Fish
    February 13, 2018 at 4:26 pm

    Left a comment on your Swedish meatballs. So yummy! Happy Birthday Brooke! Glad you were able to find some local LOL dolls!

  • Reply
    Lori Thomas
    February 13, 2018 at 4:26 pm

    I left a comment on the pressure cooker risotto

  • Reply
    Lisa
    February 13, 2018 at 4:29 pm

    Just left a comment on the ramen noodle stir fry. Your recipes are the best.

  • Reply
    Lyndsey
    February 13, 2018 at 4:30 pm

    I commented on Eddie’s Special Day! 😘

    • Reply
      Lyndsey
      February 13, 2018 at 4:31 pm

      Oops my email was wrong. 🤦🏼‍♀️🔼

  • Reply
    Krystle
    February 13, 2018 at 4:33 pm

    Just left a comment on the pressure cooker ziti which I will be making tomorrow!

  • Reply
    Niki W.
    February 13, 2018 at 4:34 pm

    I commented on the pumpkin pie post…. my new go to recipe

  • Reply
    Laura
    February 13, 2018 at 4:37 pm

    Ok…I have 3 recipes I’m making this weekend…pumpkin cinnamon rolls, pumpkin doughnuts and the crock pot chicken spaghetti. Can you tell I like pumpkin 😂 I’m excited to try these!

  • Reply
    Patti tang
    February 13, 2018 at 4:37 pm

    I left a comment on your lowfat lemon poppyseed loaf recipe.

  • Reply
    Lindsay Hester
    February 13, 2018 at 4:42 pm

    Awesome giveaway! I commented on my new favorite weeknight recipe, the Healthier Korean Beef. Absolutely delicious. Thank you for helping me find another recipe for our dinner rotations!

  • Reply
    Kristy B
    February 13, 2018 at 5:03 pm

    I commented on the cauliflower Mac and cheese and now it’s on my list to try next week 🙂

  • Reply
    Kaylan Maxey
    February 13, 2018 at 5:04 pm

    Commented on the skinny white chicken chili. 🙂

  • Reply
    Beth
    February 13, 2018 at 5:04 pm

    Avocado Toasts- 3 ways! I do know about squishies- my niece does her own youtube videos on them! I would have loved them at Brooke’s age! Happy Birthday to Brooke!

  • Reply
    Sydney
    February 13, 2018 at 5:12 pm

    I posted on the Korean beef recipe. Can’t wait to try it out – I’ve made quite a few recipes from this site and they’ve all been great. Thanks for the giveaway! 🙂

  • Reply
    Nicole
    February 13, 2018 at 5:18 pm

    I commented on your yummy whole wheat rolls!

  • Reply
    Cassie w
    February 13, 2018 at 5:19 pm

    I commented on the white bean chili!

  • Reply
    Rebekah
    February 13, 2018 at 5:19 pm

    I had a hard time picking which post to show some love because I really love a bunch of your recipes! I picked pumpkin pie because it was so important that it be perfect for all my company and it was! So I commented and loved that post. Thanks for all your recipes and I most especially love “This week” posts, so fun to read!!

  • Reply
    Lori S
    February 13, 2018 at 5:21 pm

    Awesome giveaway – thank you! I commented on your 2017 Year in Review Post!

  • Reply
    Rachel Reichard
    February 13, 2018 at 5:22 pm

    I left a comment/review on the crockpot cheesy hashbrowns and smoked sausage recipe post 🙂

  • Reply
    Judy DeLacy
    February 13, 2018 at 5:25 pm

    I commented on your Nov. 17, 2017 post regarding 10 tips for marriage.

  • Reply
    Denise Fonda
    February 13, 2018 at 5:30 pm

    Lauren, I commented on 10 Things I’ve Learned in 10 Years of Marriage. Thank you for the great Giveaway.

  • Reply
    Kim Carter
    February 13, 2018 at 5:37 pm

    Commented on and liked the roasted red pepper pasta. I think the little squishes are cute but I don’t get the LOL dolls. Thanks!

  • Reply
    Rebecca
    February 13, 2018 at 5:40 pm

    Commented on the Kale Salad 😉

  • Reply
    Susanne
    February 13, 2018 at 5:43 pm

    I commented on PRESSURE COOKER BAKED ZITI

  • Reply
    Catalina Jaramillo
    February 13, 2018 at 5:44 pm

    LEFT comment in the recipe easy, mac & cheesy….cant wait to try it, love your page!

  • Reply
    Julie Ballentine
    February 13, 2018 at 5:47 pm

    Commented on the 1 bout cinnamon rolls…sooo good! 😍

  • Reply
    Linda Bick
    February 13, 2018 at 5:50 pm

    I’m # 31 on skinny white chicken chili! Mmmm….. sounds so good! Love your recipes and family life!

  • Reply
    Nathan Burkholder
    February 13, 2018 at 5:59 pm

    I commented on the “ultimate bbq chicken pizza” post. Thanks for this opportunity!

  • Reply
    Jen R.
    February 13, 2018 at 6:00 pm

    I commented on the chinese chop salad post.

  • Reply
    Michelle Arias
    February 13, 2018 at 6:03 pm

    Can I be team #toomanhsquats too? Like carbs shouldn’t be tasting that great a day having that bad effect on our bodies… I’d say carbs shouldn’t affect you in any way, they shouldn’t make your hips bigger but they wouldn’t help you loose weight either, who’s with me?

    I left a comment on you Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls.

  • Reply
    Robin Meyer
    February 13, 2018 at 6:07 pm

    Going to make the Kale and Avocado salad! Looks wonderful.

  • Reply
    Jessica N
    February 13, 2018 at 6:07 pm

    I do love your family post but left a comment on your pressure cooker baked ziti because I’m still drooling over it…you know the way to my heart! Ha

  • Reply
    Molly
    February 13, 2018 at 6:10 pm

    Commented. Adore
    Your Ig stories. ❤️

  • Reply
    Alyssa
    February 13, 2018 at 6:11 pm

    I left a comment on your apartment post. I loved seeing how you made the apartment a home!

  • Reply
    Elizabeth
    February 13, 2018 at 6:13 pm

    I commented in the Easy Pork Potstickers! They look so yummy!

  • Reply
    Sarah B
    February 13, 2018 at 6:14 pm

    Happy 52 weeks! I commented on your baked ziti post.

  • Reply
    Lauren Gassaway
    February 13, 2018 at 6:19 pm

    Thank you so much! I always look forward to “This Week at the Brennan’s”. I live in a very rural area and would love to visit NYC again. I commented on your new instapot penne recipe!

  • Reply
    Kelsey Prock
    February 13, 2018 at 6:20 pm

    Commented on the Pressure Cooker Ziti recipe 🙂

    Love following your blog, thanks for always keeping it real! And thanks for making me not feel guilty for needing a Diet Coke now and then. That stuff keeps us moms going! <3

  • Reply
    Brooke E Nabkey
    February 13, 2018 at 6:20 pm

    Left my comment! I love give aways

    And I’m all about that ice cream cake! Yes please

  • Reply
    Susan M.
    February 13, 2018 at 6:22 pm

    Commented on your Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders! Thanks!

  • Reply
    Louellen M
    February 13, 2018 at 6:26 pm

    I left a comment on your Best Caprese Salad recipe.

  • Reply
    Abby
    February 13, 2018 at 6:29 pm

    I left a comment on your skinny white chicken chili recipe. I love a comfort food recipe that doesn’t make me feel bad about myself after eating it! Thanks for sharing it!

  • Reply
    Kelli
    February 13, 2018 at 6:31 pm

    Your photo of Eddie lying across your lap is ADORABLE! I commented on your banana walnut pancakes post. YUM!

  • Reply
    Carol
    February 13, 2018 at 6:34 pm

    Lemon poppyseed and on chocolate chip bars made me drool and got my comments. 😉

  • Reply
    Sarah S
    February 13, 2018 at 6:35 pm

    I left a comment on your Ham, veggie, and cheese Rice Bake recipe. One of my favorites!

  • Reply
    Oksana
    February 13, 2018 at 6:39 pm

    Commented on “Healthier Korean Beef” I’m looking forward to trying it out, looks delicious! Side note, I made your gingerdoodle cookie recipe multiple times this past holiday season. So delicious! They were a hit every time I made them! Love your blog! 😃

  • Reply
    Rebecca P
    February 13, 2018 at 6:47 pm

    I commented on the peanut butter chocolate chip bars. I printed the recipe on the day you posted them and have been dying to try them. Hopefully, this weekend!

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