
(For those who will ask, the dress I’m wearing is a maternity dress and it is so darn dreamy. I wore it when I was pregnant with Eddie and refuse to get rid of it. I tried to find it online at Target, but they aren’t selling it anymore BUT I did find a really similar style here. My shoes are the tried and true always comfortable Converse Chuck Taylors which I’ve had forever and a vest from Stitch Fix, similar here.)
A busy week for us!!
Here’s what happened this past week:
Eddie has started giving us all heart attacks, especially Blake, by climbing from his bottom bunk onto the air conditioning unit in the window and up onto Blake’s bunk. The boys share a room and their bunk beds fits perfectly in this little rectangular space in their bedroom that happens to block the entrance and exit for Eddie’s bed but also happens to be by the window. The past few times he’s done this, Blake has called out in horror because that poor boy just wants to go to bed. But the last few times, Blake has been asleep when Eddie has made the switch. He has even started bringing stuffed animals and his two blankies WITH HIM as he’s climbing. I have no idea how he is able to do this, but man oh man is it freaky. Normally we hear nothing, but will see Blake’s flashlight shining through the small rectangular window above their door. At first we were like “that’s weird” but now it’s like “oh no, Eddie is back in Blake’s bunk again.” What are we going to do with this kid?
I went on a 3 mile run this week and that was a bit of a bust. My knees now hurt and I have no motivation to do any more exercise ever. Still trying to figure out when to schedule it into my schedule. Why does it have to be so hard?
I found the library and took the boys to read one morning and then got caught in the stupid rain. So we popped into a nearby cafe/deli for some lunch and tried to wait out the rain. We lasted about 45 minutes before the boys were too rambunctious for my liking so we ran the few blocks home in the rain and I was reminded why I don’t usually style my hair anymore.
There was no school Friday, (yes, we’re still in school over here!) and so I took all three of my kids, plus one of Brooke’s friends to see The Incredibles 2 which was so good! Lots of twists and turns my kids didn’t see coming. I totally guessed who the villain was, but they were so surprised and thrilled with the movie. Eddie fell asleep in the last 30 minutes so it was so sweet being able to snuggle a baby. Havent been able to do that for years 🙂
Saturday night, I went out with some girlfriends to Trattoria Dell’Arte (across the street from Carnegie Hall) for some amazing food! I’d highly recommend the Watermelon Carpaccio Salad, the Chicken Pepperoni Parmesan and the Lemon Pie. I’m going to try and recreate the lemon pie soon, though I fear I’ll eat it all. All the food was quite tasty, but would only recommend those three dishes. I’m also going to try and make that watermelon salad better than they made it. It was quite delicious, but think I could make it more to my taste….and I’d assume your taste since you continue to use my recipes. After dinner, we went to see Oceans 8 and it was pretty good too! I was pleasantly surprised.
Father’s Day was this weekend and since Gordon bought his gifts a few weeks prior, we made him breakfast in bed and some cute cards from all of us. The kids wrote out reasons they loved him and mine started out with “roses are red, violets are blue, you’re my favorite person, and you have big guns too.” Totally nailing this romance stuff. HAHA! I love you Gordon!

Here’s what’s coming up this week:
I’m getting my hair cut and colored! FINALLY! I’m thinking something like this – shorter and blonder than my current situation. Thoughts?
Also trying to squeak a visit into my dermatologists office. Cross your fingers!
This week is the last full week of school. Brooke is done next Tuesday. WILL IT EVER END?
I’m looking into little sports camps and swim lessons for the kids, but haven’t decided on anything yet. If you live in the city, where do your kids go to camp?
That’s it 🙂 Have a wonderful day!
And don’t forget to find me on Instagram Stories for more NYC fun in real time.






480 Comments
Nicole
June 18, 2018 at 6:59 pmI left a comment that on your Pasta E Fagioli recipe. You have the best recipes and giveaways!!
Glenda Tavenner
June 18, 2018 at 7:01 pmLeft a comment on This week at the Brennan’s 6/11. So glad you got rid of the mouse!
Mataya Thomas
June 18, 2018 at 7:02 pmLeft a comment on the pasta e fagioli!
Sherry
June 18, 2018 at 7:02 pmI left a comment, and a heart, on the Apple Bacon Pecan Salad recipe. Just love that salad💕. Thanks, Lauren😁.
Alyse Scheuermann
June 18, 2018 at 7:02 pmLeft a comment on your apple bacon balsamic salad post
Sandy Keech
June 18, 2018 at 7:06 pmI left a comment on last week’s with the Brennan’s because I loved seeing Brooke’s hidden talent! We need more Brooke =o)
Lauren
June 19, 2018 at 10:34 amI try to include her but she doesn’t always want to be included. Working on it 🙂
Kristin Caldwell
June 18, 2018 at 7:06 pmLeft a ❤️ and a comment on that delicious pizza 🍕 post 😋
Becky
June 18, 2018 at 7:09 pmI left a comment on your Swiss chicken post.
Carol Evans
June 18, 2018 at 7:12 pmLeft a comment on Juicy Turkey Burger…yum!!
Maggie B
June 18, 2018 at 7:14 pmCommented on cooking with kids. 🙂
Emily S
June 18, 2018 at 7:20 pmI left a comment on the pasta e fagioli recipe. It’s one of my favorite soups and I can’t wait to try your version with pancetta!
Val
June 18, 2018 at 7:21 pmLeft a comment on Aruba. ❤️ Flamingos! 🌴
Cheryl Ann Francis
June 18, 2018 at 7:22 pmI left a comment on your Rice Pudding post. I also think you’ll look fabulous with that haircut and balayage. ☺️
Kari
June 18, 2018 at 7:23 pmI left a comment on the 5 ingredient pizza! Love your recipes!
Rebecca P
June 18, 2018 at 7:24 pmI posted on the pressure cooker Cajun pasta. I don’t have a pressure cooker but am curious about them based on your posts here and on Instagram! I would buy a pressure cooker with the winnings!
Cathy Berry
June 18, 2018 at 7:30 pmLeft a heart and comment on the rice pudding recipe
Sara D
June 18, 2018 at 7:32 pmLeft a comment on your hot pot cookie post. I gotta make those! Love your weekly family posts, I can’t believe that Eddy!!
Brenda
June 18, 2018 at 7:33 pmI left a comment on Low Carb Burrito Bowls. I left a heart too.
Sarah
June 18, 2018 at 7:35 pmCommented on the hot pot chocolate cookies!
Tona
June 18, 2018 at 7:35 pmI left a comment on your pasta Fagioli post. Can’t wait to make it.
Sarah
June 18, 2018 at 7:36 pmCommented on the hot pot chocolate cookies! !
Lisa Welch
June 18, 2018 at 7:36 pmI left a comment on a different post! Love your recipes Lauren! Thanks for sharing! I can’t wait for the lemon pie re-creation as I love lemon!
Shelby
June 18, 2018 at 7:36 pmLeft a comment and hearted (probably not the right word for that lol) your crockpot chicken nacho dip! 🙂
Lisa Welch
June 18, 2018 at 7:38 pmI left a comment on a different post! The recipe for the mushrooms! Love your recipes Lauren! Thanks for sharing! I can’t wait for the lemon pie re-creation as I love lemon!
Kaitlynn Simpson
June 18, 2018 at 7:38 pmI left a heart and comment on the travel post from when you went to the District of Columbia!
Ashley
June 18, 2018 at 7:40 pmI left a comment on Pasta E Fagioli ( did I spell that right?). Can’t wait to try it!
Jodi Shafer
June 18, 2018 at 7:46 pmLeft a comment on your potstickers recipe. I’ve loved reading your posts this last year!
Christen
June 18, 2018 at 7:48 pmCommented on “Hot Pot Chocolate Cookies”
Kate Greenwood
June 18, 2018 at 7:48 pmLeft a comment on Mexican street corn guacamole:-)
Kristine young
June 18, 2018 at 7:53 pmI left a comment on your Pasta e Fagioli post. Just visited NYC in February and the places you post about bring back great memories❤️ Thanks for all the great recipes!
Mariah
June 18, 2018 at 7:53 pmLeft comment on cinnamon butterscotch cookies.
Irene Killiany
June 18, 2018 at 7:54 pmCan’t wait to try your Roasted Vegetable Hot Dog Hash…left you a message. I’ll post again after I make it for the family. Thank you for sharing your family with us.
Natasha Good
June 18, 2018 at 7:54 pmLeft a comment on the rice pudding! So excited to try it. I also enjoy reading your blog and following you on Instagram!
Jenafor Donng
June 18, 2018 at 7:57 pmLeft comment on NYC Travel Tourist Guide. Great tips!
Lisa Mazzola
June 18, 2018 at 7:58 pmI left a message for the “NUTELLA DEVILED STRAWBERRIES!” They look so good!
Dorothy Lafferty
June 18, 2018 at 8:00 pmLeft a comment on “A Long Time Coming”.
Karen
June 18, 2018 at 8:02 pmDone and done. You’re THE BEST Lauren! Thanks for being so awesome.
Kristine Bunting
June 18, 2018 at 8:11 pmI left a comment on the 1 hour cinnamon roll recipe! Thanks for the giveaway
Aunna
June 18, 2018 at 8:13 pmhi! I left a comment on strawberry mint lemonade. Sounds great! Aunna
Paula in Colorado
June 18, 2018 at 8:16 pmWhat a generous giveaway! I liked and commented on the 9-layer dip post; that stuff is amazing. While you’re recreating the lemon pie perhaps you’ll recreate the chicken, too? That looks really good.
I wonder if Blake and Eddie traded beds if Eddie would climb DOWN to Blake’s bed. . .
Kellie
June 18, 2018 at 8:17 pmI just wanted to let you know I posted on another post and now I’m commenting here for the giveaway! Thanks in advance! !
Lauren Gassaway
June 18, 2018 at 8:17 pmI left a comment on your Mexican corn guacamole. Yum!
Theresa Bryant
June 18, 2018 at 8:19 pmLeft a message on the hasselback bread! I have been wanting to make that for years!!
SHERRY HOLMES
June 18, 2018 at 8:32 pmI left a comment on the recipe for the baked ziti in the pressure cooker. Thank you for the opportunity to win.
Alyssa t
June 18, 2018 at 8:54 pmI left a comment on the buffalo chicken dip recipe ❤️
Hope
June 18, 2018 at 8:55 pmLeft a comment on a week at the Brennan’s post! ❤️
Jennifer Lord
June 18, 2018 at 8:58 pmLeft a comment and heart on your buffalo chicken dip post. Sounds yummy!
LINDSAY JESSAMINE
June 18, 2018 at 9:08 pmI left a comment and heart on your oven baked ribs. They are amazing!
Carolina
June 18, 2018 at 9:10 pmLeft a heart on you pressure cooker creamy Cajun pasta because I made it before and loved loved and loved it!!!! Thanks and no reason to feel guilty even thought I know how that feels.
😘
Sarah Leavitt
June 18, 2018 at 9:14 pmLeft a heart on your “Better than Paris Crepes” and you “NYC Travel Guide”. My daughter and I are looking to go to NYC for her 12th birthday in two years so I’ll be scouring your website for more ideas for this trip!!