Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Six Adoption Voices We Need to Listen to and Learn From--ASAP

There are some amazing adoption community members who are working hard to share their truths--openly--and also working to educate adoptive parents. And we are SO thankful for them. But perhaps, you have yet to discover them? I'm here to help! Here are amazing adoption voices that we need to listen to and learn from ASAP!



1: Michelle Madrid-Branch






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Michelle Madrid-Branch is an international, transracial adoptee who is also a mom-by-transracial-adoption. She's penned several books, including our latest fave, Coco and Olive -- a transracial adoption book for children. Michelle is the host of The Greater Than Podcast and shares adoption stories on her Quilt of Life. She's been a guest here, answering your burning adoption questions. Michelle's wisdom and warmth are my two favorite things about her!

2 and 3: Dave and Brett of Yes I'm Adopted, Don't Make It Weird



Anyone who is part of the White Sugar, Brown Sugar Facebook community knows that I'm all about these guys. They are funny, they are honest, and they are all about educating adoptive parents so that we can do a great job raising our children! They offer us weekly videos on important adoption topics--and their videos are kid-appropriate. My kids and I watch them together. Plus, their platform name--Yes, I'm Adopted. Don't Make It Weird--is the best! 

4: Mallory Fogas







🎉🎉 On the blog today, we talk about why it's important to educate those close to you on modern adoption and how to do it! "We talk about education all the time here, but one thing we haven’t touched on much is educating your extended family and close friends. Adoption is a big life changing moment that happens in your family. That includes extended family, and I will dare say, even more so than someone having a biological baby. Why? Because adoption has a stigma attached to it. We all have perceived notions of what adoption means or what the experience is like, and that does not exclude family members. They may have an antiqued view of adoption, of expectant parents, how to talk about adoption, simply because they grew up with adoption being handled different. We are all trying to undo this!" • • 👉🏻Follow the link in our bio to read the full post! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #AdoptionProcess #AdoptionIsHard #AdoptionTriad #InfantAdoption #AdoptionAgency #WaitingFamily #EthicalAdoption #HopefulAdoptiveParents #BlessedByAdoption #RaiseGoodHumans #adoptiveParents #AdoptionConsultant #MightyMamasByAdoption #AdoptionStory #DomesticAdoption #HopingToAdopt #AdoptiveMom #adoptioneducation #adoptionprofile #adoptionprofiles #bettertogether #Adoption #AdoptionIsLove #ModernMotherhood #LoveMakesAFamily #ItTakesAVillage #strongertogether
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Mallory and I connected about a year ago--and I absolutely adore her! She's a "partial adoptee" (you can read more about her story on her site). She runs an adoption profile business called Arrow and Root--and what's unique about her business is that she's pro-ethics. If you follow her on Instagram, you'll learn a lot!  I've had the honor of sharing about transracial adoption when it comes to your adoption profile and questions to ask yourself before choosing transracial adoption with Mallory's readers. Recently, Mallory shared with me, "The adoption community right now is powerful. There are so many changes happening for all sides of the triad. Voices are being heard and people are truly trying to understand and give space to those who haven't had their voices shared for so long." 

5: Jill Murphy



Jill Murphy is one of those women whom you can't help but like the minute you meet her. Jill is a birth mama AND a mom by international, transracial adoption. She wrote a fantastic book called Finding Motherhood where she teaches us about her journey. She exudes love, honesty, and humor--and is one of my favorite Internet friends.

6: Barry Farmer


When searching "adoption" online, Barry Farmer's name just keeps coming up. He grew up in kinship-care (foster care), and he went on to adopt three white boys from foster care--before he turned 30. We recently discussed transracial adoption, and Barry shared, "You {parent} are going to need to be hungry for knowledge to care for a child of a different culture than your own. You need to provide daily racial mirrors for your children and not have them isolated. Diversity is key."




Who is your favorite adoptee(s) to follow and learn from? Let's touch base! Talk to me on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, or Twitter! And please, don't miss another blog post! Sign up here, and not only will I alert you weekly of the latest post, but I'll send you the first six chapters of The Hopeful Mom's Guide to Adoption -- ASAP!  


Tuesday, November 19, 2019

7 Hair and Skin Products Our Multiracial Family is Using This Winter

Winter is upon us!

It's been awhile--too long--since I've shared with you what's going on with our kids' hair, including our favorite products, tools, and accessories. Just when we get a routine down--something changes. The weather, a child's preferences, or their own hair skills/mine.



I've shared with you in the past what we do for our son's hair. I've also shared a list of the best children's hair and skin picture books. And of course, I keep you posted on my three daughters' hair. But that was then, and this is now. 

Here's the hair products, accessories, and tools we're loving these days:

1: Leave-in conditioners.

We've been using almost all Camille Rose products lately. It's a Black-owned company, and the products are healthy and affordable. I've tried many different leave-ins, and our current fave for all three girls (with three different hair types) is Camille Rose Naturals Curl Love Moisture Milk. It smells like marshmallow!

A close second is Curls creme brulee which we've used for a few years. Again, natural, affordable, and smells delish--like cake batter. I use this in my son's hair, too! We switch to blueberry in the summer. 

Don't forget spray to keep the scalp healthy and comfortable! We're obsessed with Honey Baby's milk and honey spray.



(Our shampoo/conditioner routine hasn't changed. If we're just doing a cleansing rinse, I use Camille Rose Naturals ginger rinse.  If we're doing an all-out shampoo and conditioner routine, we use Organix Coconut Curls products.)

2: Detangling brush.








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We use two different detangling brushes depending on the child. One of my girls likes this Bestool, while my other two prefer this one. The Wet Brush is easier for the older girls to use solo, because this one requires more technique and precision. The directions are on the box, but as a heads up: you brush a section of hair w/the brush vertical, then you brush again with it held horizontal.

3: First-aid.

So for any bumps, scrapes, pimples, or bug bites, we use this product by Derma-E. It doesn't bleach skin, it doesn't sting (it soothes!), and a little bit goes a long way. For boo-boos, we are fans of Tru-Colour bandages--and the variety pack is perfect for my kiddos who each have a different skin tone

4: Hair protection.



We use standard (inexpensive)sleep bonnets on the big girls and Africa Sleeps caps on our toddler. For winter hats, we buy hats lined with satin or exercise-clothing material (I find these at Target: C9 brand). And everyone has these satin pillowcases--affordable and come in a variety of colors.

Keeping hair protected from harsh winter weather conditions is important to prevent breakage and promote growth.








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5: Hair accessories.

Hands down, we prefer Gabbybows to secure the ends of braids. They don't fall out--ever!  We have plenty of beads and ballies, too, as well as hair ribbons. I highly recommend this set of 40 hairbows--they are affordable, there's a variety of colors, and the quality is great!  You can also pick up this 40 piece satin scrunchie set for a great price--which is back in style now. (Hello, 1980s childhood!). 



6: Lip protection.

My whole family uses Burt's Bees--the plain version. My older daughter (tween!) and I use a tinted Burt's Bees to add a little pop of color! If you aren't sure which one is right for you and your child, I recommend buying a variety Burt's Bees multi-pack to save a few dollars. My kids each have one in their bathroom drawer and one in their backpack to use throughout the school day. If your child likes a bit of sparkle, try this one, or if you have a teen who likes wearing lipstick, Burt's Bees also has options.

7: Lotion.

We struggle to keep skin moisturized year-round--because I refuse to use chemical-laden, toxic lotion on my children. Remember, what you put on the skin, it "drinks" inward. Lately, all my kids have been using this Alba unscented lotion. It's working great, it's affordable, and I love that everyone can use the exact same product. 









How lucky am I that I get to hold these hands? 🖐🏼🖐🏽🖐🏾🖐🏿 When people see our family, we’re met with a variety of responses. Curiosity. Compliments. Questions. We’re quite used to it. But the truth is, we are just a normal family. Yes, our story is different than the typical, but day to day we laugh, argue, forgive, problem solve, and love. 💓 I also must say this...again. I didn’t rescue my kids. I’m not a saint, savior, or superhero. I’m a woman who chose to adopt. That doesn’t make me special - nor does it make my kids charity cases. 💓 What’s your response to people who ask you about your family? 👇🏼👇🏽👇🏾 . . . #adoption #ouradoptionstory #ouradoptionjourney #adoptionjourney #adopt #transracialadoption #thehopefulmomsguidetoadoption #multiracialfamily #specialneeds #adoptivemom #whitesugarbrownsugar #adoptionislove #melaninpoppin #tuesdaymotivation

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