tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19371941024463078302024-03-13T23:17:15.279-07:00White Sugar, Brown SugarMaking sense of life as a transracial, adoptive family while relishing in the sweet, sugary moments of mommyhood.White Sugar Brown Sugar by Rachel Garlinghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17573930066994411269noreply@blogger.comBlogger911125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937194102446307830.post-44855845857726429792021-02-23T03:00:00.000-08:002021-02-23T03:00:02.559-08:00Black Kids' Natural Hair: Our Favorite Products, Tools, Accessories, Books, and VideosIt's been awhile since I've given you an update on all of our hair faves! It's been over a year since I've done this. Ugh! Thankfully, my Facebook and Instagram followers were kind enough to remind me that it's time for some natural hair talk. So, here goes! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rachel Garlinghouse (@whitesugarbrownsugar) If you're new, we have White Sugar Brown Sugar by Rachel Garlinghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17573930066994411269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937194102446307830.post-75564179381561931372021-02-02T03:00:00.004-08:002021-02-02T03:00:07.036-08:00The Best Empowering Picture Books for Black Boys and Girls: a Valentine's Day TraditionIf you've followed me for awhile, you know that our Valentine's Day tradition is to buy each of our kids a new shirt (usually red or pink and always with hearts!), a book, and a marshmallow chocolate heart. Why a book? Usually by February 14th, my kids have read all the books they received at Christmas and are ready for something new. (Plus, books are our love language!) Perhaps you've yet White Sugar Brown Sugar by Rachel Garlinghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17573930066994411269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937194102446307830.post-5570083881049964312021-01-26T04:00:00.000-08:002021-01-26T04:00:00.475-08:0021 Things to Know If You're Adopting In 2021Happy January, friends! Every year, I post a list of important info you need to know for the year if you're planning to adopt. This year, it's 2021, so I'm sharing 21 things you need to know right now if you plan to adopt this year. Within each post, you'll find one or both of these:-images: click on the image to learn more. Book images will take you to the page in which you can read a White Sugar Brown Sugar by Rachel Garlinghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17573930066994411269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937194102446307830.post-9421398760455491962021-01-20T12:51:00.004-08:002021-01-20T12:51:46.569-08:00Kamala Harris Children's Books Your Child Needs ASAPFinally, the day has arrived! The 2021 Inaguration is a BIG DEAL, espeically because we've elected and are welcoming our very first woman vice president--a woman of color! Hello, Kamala Harris! What an exciting day for our country. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rachel Garlinghouse (@whitesugarbrownsugar) I've been pulling books from our collection to share with White Sugar Brown Sugar by Rachel Garlinghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17573930066994411269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937194102446307830.post-31250492347500258452021-01-19T03:00:00.005-08:002021-01-19T03:00:02.265-08:00The Best Christian Anti-Racism and Racial Equity BooksThis week, I've been challenged by some social media comments regarding religion and racial equity. So many of my fellow Christians fail to understand how church can be one of the worst places that upholds white supremacy. They hear this, white supremacy, and cringe. Then they get defensive. After all, there's no way they are racist. They love Jesus. Jesus loves everyone. Can't we all just get White Sugar Brown Sugar by Rachel Garlinghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17573930066994411269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937194102446307830.post-21465856612098538422021-01-05T03:00:00.039-08:002021-01-05T03:00:01.893-08:00Best Budget-Friendly Fidget Toys to Keep Your Child Focused During Remote Learning and HomeschoolingRemote learning. Did you just audibly groan? Many of us are in the thick of it, again, due to the coronavirus pandemic. If you and your child are on the struggle bus, you are not alone. Remote learning is no joke; neither is homeschooling. It can be frustrating, exhausting, and confusing for us all. For kids with focus struggles, remote learning can amplify their need to be redirected. White Sugar Brown Sugar by Rachel Garlinghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17573930066994411269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937194102446307830.post-88567261345249318282020-11-29T08:41:00.000-08:002020-11-29T08:41:18.791-08:00Our Favorite Things 2020 Holiday Gift Wish ListHappy holiday season, friends! This year, we want to share with you our multiracial family's favorite things. You know, the goodies you might want to add to your holiday shopping or wish list!2020 has been an odd year, for sure, and without an end-in-sight. However, we can have some comfort and joy. Christmas IS NOT canceled! Before I dive in to our faves, remember that you can check out allWhite Sugar Brown Sugar by Rachel Garlinghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17573930066994411269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937194102446307830.post-1712490210361784402020-11-09T03:00:00.001-08:002020-11-09T03:00:02.166-08:00Teach Your Kids the Truth About Thanksgiving, Not White-Washed, Fake HistoryHey, all! It's been awhile since I've posted. We just launched Black Santa Joy on Facebook and Instagram, and we've been busy with that. Please join us? Today we're tackling Thanksgiving. Yes, like pumpkin pie (or maybe sweet potato is more your jam), mashed potatoes, turkey, gravy, football Thanksgiving. If you have fond Thanksgiving memories like I do, you're a bit jaded by the fact that White Sugar Brown Sugar by Rachel Garlinghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17573930066994411269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937194102446307830.post-34903297957235863732020-08-12T03:00:00.001-07:002020-08-12T03:00:01.618-07:00The Eleven Best Back-to-School Racially Diverse Children's Picture BooksIt's back-to-school time, and no matter how you're choosing to educate your children this year, I want you to know I'm cheering for you! Maybe your kiddo needs a lunch box and backpack, or maybe school is wearing pajamas and hovering over a laptop at the kitchen table. 2020 has been a real doozy so far, and we just have to keep rolling with it.Just because the coronavirus has taken over our White Sugar Brown Sugar by Rachel Garlinghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17573930066994411269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937194102446307830.post-68289041315251259222020-07-14T05:00:00.000-07:002020-07-14T05:00:07.157-07:00Anti-Racism Activities to Do With Your Kids At HomeIf you follow me on Instagram and Facebook, you've seen the many anti-racism projects and activities we've been doing as a multiracial family. It's important to be intentional with our kids, to educate them, and to help them creatively express their feelings, thoughts, and questions.
I started the summer with the intention of focusing on some academics with the kids, but we've taken a turn White Sugar Brown Sugar by Rachel Garlinghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17573930066994411269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937194102446307830.post-39907597406629065532020-06-23T05:00:00.000-07:002020-06-23T05:00:01.697-07:00Anti-Racist Children's Books About Freedom, Juneteenth, and July 4thThe 4th of July is quickly approaching, and I'll be honest. I'm not a fan. The 4th is a holiday that's pro-white guys. I know I'm not alone. There's a huge societal push for Juneteenth to be made a national holiday (fingers crossed).
As we approach July fourth and all of the patriotic decor (you know, red, white, and blue everything), I want to encourage you to educate your children on White Sugar Brown Sugar by Rachel Garlinghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17573930066994411269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937194102446307830.post-20181396630715810782020-06-16T05:30:00.000-07:002020-06-16T05:30:06.474-07:00Children's Books About Racial Diversity, Anti-Racism, and FaithFirst, I just want to thank you. So many of my followers are showing up right now. I've had amazing conversations with many of you about Black Lives Matter, resources, equity, anti-racism, and many other important topics. If you aren't already, will you please come hang with me on Facebook and Instagram?
For those who are families of faith--like we are--I want you to know that faith White Sugar Brown Sugar by Rachel Garlinghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17573930066994411269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937194102446307830.post-40556489947788195232020-06-09T05:00:00.000-07:002020-06-09T05:00:09.100-07:00The Best Homeschooling Materials for Preschool and Elementary Kids for Summer LearningI'm not new to homeschooling, but sheesh, distance learning (crisis learning, e-schooling) was HARD. I'm glad school is out for the summer, and I'm back in charge of my kiddos' educations.
Over the years, we've tried many different workbooks, flashcards, apps, games, and activities to help educate our kids. We have dedicated an entire room in our house (supposed to be a dining room) for White Sugar Brown Sugar by Rachel Garlinghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17573930066994411269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937194102446307830.post-78260043723446334182020-06-02T05:00:00.000-07:002020-06-02T05:00:02.105-07:0010 Anti-Racism Children's Picture BooksThe past few weeks have been a constant cycle of grief, anger, frustration, and stress. George Floyd's murder and all that has transpired since is weighing heavily on our hearts and minds. During one particularly difficult day, when I felt beyond helpless and anxious, I walked into my son's room and saw a book on his bedroom floor. He'd been reading The Undefeated, a children's book about White Sugar Brown Sugar by Rachel Garlinghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17573930066994411269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937194102446307830.post-62945772213379004072020-05-26T05:00:00.000-07:002020-05-26T05:00:14.558-07:0012 Anti-Racism Books You Need to Read, Working to Become an AllyWith the very recent murders of Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor comes a reminder to us all. It's time to recommit to anti-racism. While many of us are still in quarantine and summer break is starting, it's a good time to pick up some books on becoming allies and becoming better parents to our children of color.
If you follow me on social media, you've probably noticed how passionate I am White Sugar Brown Sugar by Rachel Garlinghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17573930066994411269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937194102446307830.post-36738427494294981762020-03-24T05:00:00.000-07:002020-03-24T05:00:09.087-07:007 ADHD Books to Help Parents Succeed With Their ChildrenLet's cut to the chase.
Parenting a child with ADHD can be tricky. For starters, there's a lot of judgement. Parents are constantly being fed mixed messages about symptoms, treatment options, and societal expectations. We're very much "damned if we do, damned if we don't." Many of us are limited by our insurance coverage (or lack thereof)--meaning, our kids don't always get the help we White Sugar Brown Sugar by Rachel Garlinghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17573930066994411269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937194102446307830.post-44044425665686873522020-02-18T05:00:00.000-08:002020-02-18T05:00:03.227-08:005 Ways Families Can Celebrate Black History MonthFebruary is one of our favorite months of the year. Of course, we celebrate our kids EVERY day--not just in February--but we do like that Black History Month offers us the opportunity to focus even more on our children's culture, history, and confidence.
Now, how to celebrate?
If you're like me, you know that a coloring sheet, a single book, or one event isn't going to cut it. It's time to get White Sugar Brown Sugar by Rachel Garlinghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17573930066994411269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937194102446307830.post-252063753115051252020-02-04T05:00:00.000-08:002020-02-04T05:00:02.875-08:00Our Favorite Love and Valentine Books featuring Black ChildrenLove is in the air!
You know how I roll. I LOVE holidays--and go all out with the food, decor, clothing, and of course, the gifts! Yes, each of my children gets a Valentine gift--which is usually a new book and something chocolate.
Every chance I get, we buy a book for our children that celebrates their race. (Check out all our amazing finds on our social media.) Today, I'm White Sugar Brown Sugar by Rachel Garlinghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17573930066994411269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937194102446307830.post-57479003964199910542020-01-21T05:00:00.001-08:002020-01-21T05:00:02.373-08:009 Children's Picture Books For Young Kids With Big FeelingsI'm parenting a child with big feelings. BIG happy, BIG mad, BIG disappointed, BIG enthusiastic, BIG empathy, BIG resistance. Every feeling is big. There is both beauty and pain in this. Getting a child with big feelings to cooperate isn't easy.
We've had a lot of trial and error. I admit, I've had some total breakdowns in my minivan--feeling unequipped to deal with a particular situation. I White Sugar Brown Sugar by Rachel Garlinghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17573930066994411269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937194102446307830.post-53830997876410120072020-01-07T05:00:00.000-08:002020-01-07T05:00:02.446-08:0020 Things You Need to Know If You're Adopting a Child In 2020Happy 2020, everyone! What an exciting year to adopt! I'm thankful that there is more information out there more than ever. When we started our adoption journey well over a decade ago, the resources were seriously lacking. We spent a lot of time scrambling and digging, trying to self-educate.
I truly believe that the more you know, the more adoption woke you become, the more ethical the White Sugar Brown Sugar by Rachel Garlinghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17573930066994411269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937194102446307830.post-90215485524116248252019-12-17T05:00:00.000-08:002019-12-17T05:00:01.932-08:00Representation Matters Christmas Gifts for KidsIt's December and in the midst of the Christmas shopping rush! If you're looking for ideas for your family, I've got you covered!
We follow the four-gift rule, which I explain here. We're also following the four-gift rule for stockings this year. This simplfies our shopping, and helps us stay organized and on-budget.
Here are some of the #representationmatters things my kids are getting for White Sugar Brown Sugar by Rachel Garlinghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17573930066994411269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937194102446307830.post-75105698942849100952019-12-03T05:00:00.000-08:002019-12-03T05:00:05.008-08:005 Things Adoptive Parents Should Say to Their Adopted ChildrenThere's a lot of negative stereotypes about adoptees--and it doesn't help that they are the butt of many jokes in sitcoms, movies, and especially children's movies. I cringe every time I hear an adoption or adoptee "joke."
Just as I've said that when we're parenting children of color, we must work hard to bring them up since the world works hard to tear them down, I believe the same of White Sugar Brown Sugar by Rachel Garlinghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17573930066994411269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937194102446307830.post-52817966781248054212019-11-26T05:00:00.001-08:002019-11-26T05:00:01.704-08:00Six Adoption Voices We Need to Listen to and Learn From--ASAPThere 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
View this post White Sugar Brown Sugar by Rachel Garlinghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17573930066994411269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937194102446307830.post-44517230334184615532019-11-19T05:00:00.001-08:002019-11-19T05:00:00.238-08:007 Hair and Skin Products Our Multiracial Family is Using This WinterWinter 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 White Sugar Brown Sugar by Rachel Garlinghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17573930066994411269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937194102446307830.post-21326129767635052102019-11-12T05:00:00.000-08:002019-11-12T05:00:00.291-08:005 Facts From My Kids' Adoption Stories I Don't Share With With Strangers--And WhyHow many times have we been doing something completely normal--like shopping, waiting in a bathroom line, playing at the park--and a nosy stranger has asked us an inappropriate, intrusive, and very personal adoption question?
Dozens--no, hundreds--of times.
Many years ago, I'd overshare. And I completely regret doing so. But live and learn, right? Know better, do better.
Here are White Sugar Brown Sugar by Rachel Garlinghousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17573930066994411269noreply@blogger.com0