Sunwashed Linen

Friday Favorites {03.12.21}

Posted on March 12, 2021March 22, 2021 by Lauren Lane

I just realized that Harrison’s birthday is a month away tomorrow. How?? And also, every other year, I have a party theme picked out, invitations picked out and ready to be sent, and probably all of the decorations for the party purchased, too. Last year, COVID came in with one big wallup and there was no birthday party for the invitations I had sent. That two week quarantine to slow the spread turned into a year. Do you ever think about what if you knew then what you know now? Wow.

We’re still not planning a big party for Harrison. I’m hoping we can do a belated third birthday party in the summer when everybody is vaccinated, so he can run and play with his whole family.

In case you were on the fence like I was about spending thirty bucks for a little tub of CREAM, let me save you some time. The reviews are true. The raving about this product is all true. Harrison has struggled for forever with eczema, and while we generally can keep it under control with daily preventative maintenance, when Jonathan started having trouble with baby acne and severe dryness on his cheeks, I finally bit the bullet and bought the thirty dollar tub of cream. After two days, and Jonathan’s skin was crystal clear and hydrated, I wished I hadn’t waited TWO YEARS to buy it. Sometimes I wish I wasn’t so cheap…

If you’re also one of those people who can’t stand to pay for shipping, and must reach the minimum order size to not pay for shipping, I also bought their hair shampoo and Dream Cream. Both without fragrance because of Harrison’s super sensitive skin. Here’s a 10% off code if you’ve been on the fence trying it!

The Curly Girl Rules I Break

Posted on March 10, 2021March 22, 2021 by Lauren Lane

We were on vacation with Nathan’s family in August of 2019. I was sitting at our beach condo while Harrison was napping that afternoon, scrolling Instagram, and noticed one of my friends talking about switching to the Curly Girl Method. Before I knew it, I was a deep down the rabbit hole of Curly Girl Method research on the ‘gram. I had for well over a decade switched between straightening my hair and letting it naturally be wavy, but this Curly Girl Method of hair sounded intriguing. So that very afternoon, I added loads of different hair products to my Amazon cart, and after coming home from vacation, switched to using the Curly Girl Method on my wavy hair.

For the most part, I’ve loved doing my hair this way. For one, I wash my hair so much less. It saves me LOADS of time during an already busy week washing and drying my hair. Yes, I tend to dread wash day. I try to plan my wash days on days that I have the time to completely dry my hair before scrunching it out and going to sleep. But every non-wash day, it’s a quick shower with a shower cap on, and I’m done for the day.

But the Curly Girl Method (#CGM), has a LOT of rules. When I was first learning about it, and even now when I consider trying a new product, it can be super overwhelming. No drying alcohols, no sulfates, no parabens, no heat. There are a lot of people who follow the rules perfectly. While I try to stay pretty close to them, there are some that I break, and I’m sharing those with you today.

-1- The biggest curly rule I break is that I sometimes blow dry my hair straight and curl it. For at least a year when I was first doing the CGM, I didn’t dare straighten my hair. The fear of undoing all of the work to get my curls to come back and thrive was just. Too. Much. Seriously. I know this sounds crazy to non-CGM peeps, but I was scared that I would ruin all of my time and effort spent in reviving and taking care of my curly hair by using really hot heat.

Lanes Lately // March 2021

Posted on March 9, 2021March 7, 2021 by Lauren Lane

I said on Friday that I’d ghosted this little corner of the internet lately. That means that there hasn’t been many life updates, so it seemed right to do a little Lanes Lately to catch you all up on the daily happenings around here…

MAKING: The grill is out, people! And burgers and hot dogs are being grilled! Grilling and smoking season is my faaaaav. I love heartiness of winter food, but food from the grill or smoker just tastes better in my opinion.

I’ve also got chorizo chili planned for later this week when the weather turns dreary and rainy. Our favorite for dreary, cold days!

Friday Favorites {03.05.21}

Posted on March 5, 2021March 4, 2021 by Lauren Lane

I’ve ghosted more than I like over the past few weeks, and I’m sorry. I have the best intentions of getting up early to write or writing on the weekends, and then I end up choosing a work-out or sleep, or work before writing. My client for work is soooo close to the finish line, though. One more week to go, and I’m committed, as in I’ve actually written or started writing, all of my posts for next week. So, it’s going to happen.

While the week was busy with endless hours of work, I’m looking forward to the weekend. We’ll be spending a lot of time outside, getting the grill out for the first time this season, and spending the morning at the zoo with the cousins on Saturday.

Dear Jonathan (v. VII)

Posted on March 2, 2021February 28, 2021 by Lauren Lane

Happy monthly birthday. Whenever that is in a month that doesn’t contain a 30th day. You have awakened this past month. Discovering your ability to move and explore, you’re delighting us each and everyday as we watch you.

In particular this month, your adoration of your big brother has really been on display. He makes you laugh harder than anyone else. Your eyes sparkle and light up when he talks to you. It’s magical.

I sit here rocking you to sleep for your morning nap. I’m amazed that seven months have already clipped by, and I want to imprint your babyhood on my heart. The way you feel in my arms, the soft snores as you peacefully snooze. You are such a joy, Jonathan Brooks. Love you. So big.

Love,

Mommy

Friday Favorites {02.26.21}

Posted on February 26, 2021February 26, 2021 by Lauren Lane

This has been a week. Work has been crazy busy. Jonathan had three different doctor appointments this week, which meant even less time to get work done during the day, and I’m feeling so exhausted emotionally and physically from the past few months. I have my eyes set on a couple of weeks from now when my super busy work will be done, though. And spring starting to peak around the corner has me itching for a reprieve from the long hours, and for more time to spend outside with the boys.

A Birthday Interview with Nathan

Posted on February 19, 2021March 22, 2021 by Lauren Lane

It’s Nathan’s birthday today! At a full three years younger than me, he’s turning 33 today. I sat down with Nathan to do a quick interview so you all could get to know him a little better. 😊

When you were younger, what did you think you’d be when you grew up?

N: How young? Um. An athlete.

L: Like a professional athlete? What kind of professional athlete?

N: It varied. Depending on the season. But that was probably the most common answer I’d give as a kid.

L: At what point do you feel like you had to give up your professional athlete dream?

N: Who says I have?

One of My Biggest Regrets: Living through Postpartum Depression

Posted on February 16, 2021February 14, 2021 by Lauren Lane

We were in the hospital after Jonathan, our second son, was born. Our nurse was getting ready to discharge us to go home and introduce big brother Harrison to this littlest Lane. She was walking me through things to look for after I went home that would require medical attention.

“If you experience sadness lasting longer than two weeks, you’ll want to see your doctor.”

I felt a lump in my throat. “And what would that mean?” I asked.

“That’s a symptom of postpartum depression.”

I felt Nathan’s hand on my back in support, and my eyes welling up slightly. The realization two years after Harrison was born that confirmed my suspicions. That after Harrison was born, I suffered from postpartum depression.

Let’s Look At…Our Love Languages

Posted on February 10, 2021February 14, 2021 by Lauren Lane

Once a month I link up with two of my favorite blogs (Shay @ Mix and Match Mama and Erika @ A Little Bit of Everything), to share a “look” into some little aspect of our life. Here’s a peak back at what we’ve “looked” at this year:

In January, we looked at our coffee stations.

Today, we’re looking at love languages. When I hear someone talk about love languages, I immediately think they’re talking about Gary Chapman’s book, The Five Love Languages. Both Nathan and I have read his book, and it clearly speaks to millions of other people, as well. With over 42,000 five star reviews on Amazon 😲, it’s sold millions and millions of copies, been translated into other languages, and is probably the most notable ‘relationship’ book on the market. Even if you haven’t read Dr. Chapman’s book, you’ve probably heard of the five love languages.

Acts of Service
Quality Time
Gifts
Affirmation
Physical Touch

Valentine’s Day Traditions

Posted on February 9, 2021February 14, 2021 by Lauren Lane

Nathan and I used to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a traditional way when we first started dating. We’d have a date night out somewhere, exchange small gifts and cards. Being a homebody, though, and not wanting to deal with the crowds of Valentine’s Day dates and restaurant reservations, we decided one year to make our own pizzas. We made our own dough and sauce, opened up a nice bottle of wine, and enjoyed pizza and TV. And we loved it.

We loved the chance to cook something together. Loved analyzing how we could perfect our dough. How much we loved the sauce. And enjoying a TV show together is just kind of homeostasis of our relationship. It’s our go-to together time.