
(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
Melba
June 19, 2018 at 1:50 pmAsphalt Green has a great summer camp. I don’t know if you are willing to schelp your kids from the westside to the eastside. Kids in sports is a good program for Eddie.
Melba
June 19, 2018 at 1:56 pmI left a comment on your carrot cake cobbler recipe post.
Anjanette Randolph
June 19, 2018 at 1:56 pmLeft a heart and comment on the hot pot chocolate cookies. I seriously might have to try them this weekend.
Amy L
June 19, 2018 at 2:19 pmHi, left a comment on enchilada casserole:) thanks
Kelly
June 19, 2018 at 2:44 pmI can’t decide on the family blog m/stories between the horror of your daughter/you finding a spider(?) or mouse(?) or whatever in her room & your hubby couldn’t come home…you called the building super & he was so nonchalant about it all…OR your blog post about your adventures moving TO New York!! I love your willing/brave spirit… with young kids….. I need to personally work on this..even though my kids are grown & in high schoo & going off to college…
Keesha Payne
June 19, 2018 at 2:48 pmI left a comment on the chicken fried cauli rice. I’m making it again tonight. We love it!
Kelly
June 19, 2018 at 2:49 pmI also commented on the rice pudding recipe!!! A FAV!!
Rebecca M
June 19, 2018 at 2:53 pmCommented on the 30 minutes or less dinner Roundup! 🙂
Heather Bellman
June 19, 2018 at 3:01 pmHi Lauren! I left a comment on your Warm Buffalo Chicken Dip.
Heather Ferraro
June 19, 2018 at 3:25 pmI left a comment on the Mexican street corn guacamole! So yummy!
MaryLou
June 19, 2018 at 3:26 pmLeft a comment on the Pressure cooker cajun mac and cheese. delicious
Vicki Ferguson
June 19, 2018 at 3:30 pmI’ve commented on your Chili Con Queso Eggs Benedict post. Great recipe switch on an old favorite – thanks!
Jennifer
June 19, 2018 at 3:49 pmI commented over on your rice pudding post! Yummmm!!
Tara
June 19, 2018 at 4:08 pmLove and commented on the gingerdoodle sandwich cookies
Cassidy mickelsen
June 19, 2018 at 4:24 pmI commented on rice pudding and now I need to go make it. Yum!
Liz
June 19, 2018 at 4:55 pmDone! Found some delicious looking muffins I need to make! Excited for the giveaway! (And pleasantly excited you’ve still been posting – so fun to follow your sweet family!)
Rosie
June 19, 2018 at 4:59 pmI hearted and commented on ALGONQUIN PARK! What a fun camping trip and surprise for your mom!
Alyssa
June 19, 2018 at 5:05 pmI left a comment on the hot pot cookie recipe – they were great!
Annabelle Gonzalez
June 19, 2018 at 5:08 pmLeft a comment on Chocolate Dirt pie!! Thanks for the chance
Esther Swartz
June 19, 2018 at 5:37 pmLeft a comment on the Chile Con Queso Eggs Benedict! Thank you for having an amazing giveaway!
Lisa Rathfon
June 19, 2018 at 5:45 pmI commented on your rice pudding recipe! 💙
Ashley
June 19, 2018 at 6:25 pmLeft a comment on your Aruba post!
Shari Ellis
June 19, 2018 at 6:27 pmI commented on the Pasta e Fagioli with Kale!! Yum 👍🏻
Jenisa
June 19, 2018 at 6:57 pmEnchilada stuffed mushrooms have been hearted (#isthatevenaword, Ha, I love social media lingo that can turn anything into a verb) I can’t wait to try them.
cathie
June 19, 2018 at 7:17 pmLeft a comment on Mexican street corn guacamole. You’re family its absolutely lovely. I especially love hearing about Ed……what a rascal! ;D
Anita Sharp
June 19, 2018 at 8:11 pmI left a comment and a ❤️ on your Rice Pudding post!
….And my youngest boy was a climbing monkey as well! I can’t count the terrifying places we would find him! Never a dull moment with boys !
Wanda
June 19, 2018 at 11:00 pmMission accomplished! Thanks for the giveaway Lauren!
Michelle Hiser
June 20, 2018 at 2:36 amThank you for doing this giveaway! I commented on your NYC travel guide post – which is really so helpful for narrowing down what to visit in the city.
Laurie M.
June 20, 2018 at 3:23 amThanks. Left comment on meal prep.
Suzanne
June 20, 2018 at 4:47 amLeft a comment on your easy skillet pizza post. 😀
Heather Pack
June 20, 2018 at 5:12 amLeft a comment on your “Long Time Coming” post. Thank you for sharing your life with us <3
Michelle Meyer
June 20, 2018 at 5:40 amI commented on rice pudding, yum!
Trilby C.
June 20, 2018 at 6:10 amI didn’t have to go very far to look for a receipe. I’m ALL OVER wanting to make your latest recipe: Pasta E Fagioli with Kale. There is nothing better than a good soup, full of chunky veggies and KALE! Yummmmm.
https://laurenandgordon.net/pasta-e-fagioli-with-kale/
Sarah
June 20, 2018 at 7:49 amHi, Lauren! I left a comment on Easy Cauliflower Cheese Sauce for Skinny Mac N Cheese. So good!
Cassie
June 20, 2018 at 7:50 amI left a comment on the lava cake recipe. Thanks for another giveaway!
Devora
June 20, 2018 at 9:49 amI left a comment and ❤
I have a 4 boys and I thought nothing surprises me, but OMG Eddie, if you’re lonely you can use the ladder
Jessica Womeldorf
June 20, 2018 at 10:04 amI left a comment on your rice pudding post!
Samantha Ann
June 20, 2018 at 10:07 amLeft a comment on the rice pudding because I was dying waiting for recipe and made it for Desert Monday night and we all love it!!!
Dominique Brooks
June 20, 2018 at 10:10 amI left a comment on Oahu part 2 (https://laurenandgordon.net/oahu-part-ii/#comment-621316). Thanks!
Kara
June 20, 2018 at 10:13 amThe picture of Eddie on Blake’s bunk kills me 😂 and your hair would look SO cute like that!
Lucy
June 20, 2018 at 10:14 amLeft a comment and heart on your Rice Pudding post.
Cortney Longfield
June 20, 2018 at 10:16 amThis week at the Brennans from June 4. I live vicariously through your posts so I know what to do if we get the chance to visit NYC
Kara
June 20, 2018 at 10:18 amOh, I forgot to say I left a comment/liked your pasta e fagioli recipe I’m dying to try.
Genevieve
June 20, 2018 at 10:22 amLove reading all your posts ! Just commented and ❤ the crockpot cheesy spaghetti that I’ve been dying to taste but never have/take the time !
Roberta McMullin
June 20, 2018 at 10:39 amI left my comment on the Low Carb Burrito Bowls. I love Tex Mex food and I am going to make some of these to bring to work so I can have a good lunch that is healthy. I don’t post comments but I love your blog and have followed it for a long time. I love hearing about your adventures in New York. I have a single 34 year old son that lives in Brooklyn. and works in Manhattan., Anyway, I just want you to know that you probably have lots of followers like me who don’t post comments but still read your blog and enjoy your recipes!
Lizzy
June 20, 2018 at 10:40 amI left a comment on the cheesy chicken spaghetti. It looks so delicious!
Roberta McMullin
June 20, 2018 at 10:41 amI left my comment on the Low Carb Burrito Bowls. I love this kind of food and think it will make great healthy lunch to take to work. I don’t post comments but I love your blog and have followed it for a long time. I love hearing about your adventures in New York. I have a single 34 year old son that lives in Brooklyn. and works in Manhattan., Anyway, I just want you to know that you probably have lots of followers like me who don’t post comments but still read your blog and enjoy your recipes!
Twyla Mahelona
June 20, 2018 at 10:41 amLeft my comment on chewy glazed lemon sugar cookies- summer started and I am craving all things lemon and love that your recipes always turn out delish the first time 🙂 love reading your adventures this week- GREAT giveaway too!
Michelle W.
June 20, 2018 at 10:42 amLeft a comment on the apple, bacon & pecan salad with garlic balsamic dressing – and printed it out for tonight’s dinner! : )
Gail
June 20, 2018 at 10:42 amDoes the dress mean anything? Is this a clue.