Check it Out!!

I stumbled upon this website this morning, and felt compelled to share. It is a new up and coming magazine that is devoted to all races. It will circulate in select newspapers around the country, ( just like Parade, for example). This magazine is a great way to showcase diversity and focus on the positive and uplifting ways it can bring us together! Here is their website: http://www.usariseup.com/index.cfm Chow!

Mixed Families....Different but the Same

What a great weekend! Even though it's about to be Monday soon, at least I am comforted by the thoughts of a short work week, thanks to July 4th. Add that to my doctor's appt. on Thurs., and we are sittin' pretty with a 3.5 day work week! Yeah!!

This weekend we had a bday party to attend for our good friends' 2 year old twins, who are absolutely adorable. It was wonderful to see a lot of our friends there, we always have a great time hanging out within our "circle of friends." As a few of my gal pals and I were sitting around the table chatting about life, kids, and marriage, it was brought to our attention that all of us are in some type of "mixed" marriage; resulting in at least one child. It's so ironic that within this close knit group of friends, that race or color is or has never been a focal point or issue. It brings me to the phrase..."Different but the Same." Because that is what we represent: black, brown, white, and the spectrum between, different cultures, backgrounds and races. We are a sacrament to the American Melting Pot. What makes this group so different than anybody else?
We all are hardworking, caring, dependable, loyal, respectful, funny (well, maybe not everyone.. :) honorable and dedicated to our families. Wait a minute, where exactly is the difference? ...... Point in case...we're not. What's different: color, race, ethnicity and backgrounds. And that my friends is the beauty of friendship, bringing together differences and similarities. The yin and yang of life. Chow!

Brown Betties.....My plug of the week...

I wanted to give special attention today to a few links that everyone should check out! This cabaret show is called Harlem's Night, which is performed by a very talented and beautiful group of ladies, aka, Brown Betties, who are based out of L.A. This is a must see show if you are in the area, and even if you're not, sign up for their monthly newsletters! Here are the links: http://www.brownbetties.com/ http://www.brownbetties.blogspot.com/ www.myspace.com/harlemsstory Chow!

My daughter...the litigator

A recent conversation with my daughter has forced me into defense mode. I know, she maybe only 4, but I promise you that she is quickly rising in the ranks of promising litigator. She can turn any conversation and manipulate it to the brink of you actually asking yourself: did I just agree to that? For instance, the other day, she wanted me to read her a story. I told her that it would have to wait until after dinner was made. Her response: Ok, how about you just teach me to read instead? Ok...honey it would be the same thing. NO it wouldn't, you're helping me to read, not reading to me. How is a mom to resist? My husband fairs no better. He attempted last week to tell her that they would not be going swimming that day; and to no avail, she patiently waits for him to finish, takes a deep breath, and responds with: Thanks Dad, now is it my turn to talk? And quickly puts the spin on. I don't know if we should be exuberant about her wittiness or scared that this is a sign that she only gets better as she gets older. Either or....it makes for great conversations! Chow!

He said what?

Yes...just when you think that celebs would learn from other celebs dumb mistakes...along comes another to take their place. In an age where media, web 2.0, and tech rules....someone, somewhere will catch their transgressions and post it to youtube, facebook, myspace...or like me...blog about it. The winner of this week's "He Said What Award" is: Charlie Sheen. The ironic part of this whole story is that Charlie wasn't even caught by the paparazzi; it was his own ex-wife, Denise Richards, that outed him. It seems that Charlie left a nasty voicemail 3 and a half years ago on his exe's vm, in which he pulled out...the n-word. Seriously. Why? What ever happened to just using the word b*tch? I'm not condoning swearing, but why, why, why resort to derogatory racial epithets. What makes this act even more deplorable is the mere fact that Tony Todd, an African -American actor, served as his BEST MAN at his first two weddings. What could he possibly say that would condone his ignorant rant? NOTHING. Just like my great-grandma used to say: "You reap what you sow."

Unite for Change...

This was sent to me from the Obama camp; and if you have not heard or signed up yet, then what are you waiting for? Check out this link and find a soiree near you! In fact, I have even seen get togethers that are for Obama supporters who love dogs; as well as wine and cheese hosted events and my personal fave: BBQ's! Get out there and meet some new people and show your support! Obama 2008! Click here to view more: http://my.barackobama.com/uniteforchange
Chow!

Happy Birthday Uncle Shakes

Cheers! We Love You...

My Top 10 Hair Care Products....

This question seems to be one that is always at the forefront of not only having biracial children, but having friends who also have biracial or multiracial children...which for us, is just about everyone in our "circle" of friends. That one topic being: what products are you using? So here is my list of my top ten faves....

The heat is on....and just not in the kitchen ( or bedroom...) These 10 beauty faves are ready to help any mom and child through the toughest dog days of summer...Humidity included!


1. Ojon Shine & Protect Shampoo

fyi....a little pricey, but worth the investment (ps- don't skip the conditioner)

2. Shiseido....Refreshing Sun Protection Spray SPF 16+

fyi....this baby also doubles as sunscreen...twice the product for half the price

3. Tui Herbal Shampoo (Carol's Daughter)

fyi.... this shampoo smells so good, it's like aromatherapy in a bottle

4. Khoret AmenHair Smoothie (Carol's Daughter)

fyi....if your little one suffers from tangles, this is the BEST de-tangler out there!

5. Summer Hair Sun Bandana ( Frederic Fekkai)

fyi...great addition to throw into your beach bag...don't leave home without it!

6. Curly Cake Shake (Blended Beauty)

fyi...you can even use this product on dry hair...and poof: the curls bounce back

7. Mixed Chicks...Trio

fyi...save some money and order the trio....you won't be sorry!

8. Aveda
fyi...detox your hair....organically

9. Bumble and Bumble
fyi...Creme de Coco...chocolate for your hair...you'll want to eat it

10. Dove Moisture Therapy 2 in 1
fyi...two great features in one bottle...for half the price

Only in Texas...

http://digg.com/2008_us_elections/Racist_Obama_Buttons_Sold_at_Texas_Republican_Convention

Where to start with this one...... This button was sold at the Texas Republican Convention by a man named Jonathan Alcox of Florida , who rented a booth and thought it would be in great taste to sell these racist and ignorant pins. The Republican party is rejecting the $1500 from the sales of the pin; and is donating the money to charity. They are prohibiting any further sales from this man at any Republican Convention, which by the way, is a little too late. Don't they do any background checks on these vendors, or at least ask for a sample of what they will be peddling? Besides, haven't they ever heard the saying: "Perception is Reality?" Chow!

Get Out of Our BED!!!

Rule 1: If you plan on having your child sleep in your bed as a baby; then be prepared to suffer the consequences

Yes, we have been sleeping with our now 4 year old daughter in our bed since she has been a baby. I think she slept in her crib twice in infancy, and in our bed ever since then. She never wants to leave. We are desperate to move her out into her own bed, but she wants NOTHING to do with it. Why would she? She is going from a plush queen size bed, into a toddler bed. I know what you’re thinking….sex life? Ummm…not always good for it, she takes the bed OVER! One of us always ends up on the couch, which usually is my husband. I keep telling myself that “one day she will want to sleep in her room.” I’m open to suggestions! Chow!

Sound-Off

I would LOVE to hear from other families that are also raising biracial or multi-racial children. What are your stories? Chow!

What’s the Word

It’s finally Hump-day! Thank God! We have been doing an incredible amount of swimming over the last few days, and my daughter is golden brown. She held up her arm the other night, and said: “Look mom, you’re red, and I’m tan.” She thought that was hysterical. I totally burned like bacon in this heat. That’s one of the first references to color that she has made. In her mind, she refers to herself as “tan.” We haven’t had any significant discussions about race yet. We like to point out that she is a beautiful mix of both mommy and daddy, so we will see if that resonates for awhile :)

Rockin the Pink Shades

Enjoying the sun in AZ! We definitely have to wear our shades here! We Love Pink :)

Go Tiger!!!

anyone who was fortunate enough to watch the sudden death match yesterday: All Ive got to say is: WOW!! That was really incredible. Go Tiger Woods! If that isn’t a terrific role-model for other young mulit-racial kids, than I can’t help ya! That is one for the record books. My daughter is showing some interest in golf as well. Still undecided on which way to stear her, as she loves swimming, soccer, and softball also. Who knows, maybe she will be the female version of Bo Jackson. She also LOVES to cook. Besides the discovery channel for kids, she is an avid viewer of the foodnetwork. She has quite eclectic taste for a 4 year old. Her faves? Meatballs, spaghetti, broccoli, and strawberries, and smoked salmon. Check out our recipe section for family friendly,quick meals. What sports does your child play, and did you have any influence on them? Sound-off!! Chow!

Frustration

The frustration behind checking the infamous box of : race. I recently just registered my daughter for kindergarten, and of course in the paperwork, you must check race. I decided to choose black and white; being that that’s what my daughter is. When the administrator was going over the paperwork, she immediately told me that I had to pick just one. I am not allowed to check both. I should have known better, but how can you deny one parent completely? I ended up check marking black, but leaving the office feeling very disheartened. It was like i didn’t even exist. I’m sorry ma’am, but she can be only one race, even if you did carry her for 9 months. When will we ever catch up to the 21st century?

MSNBC Article

www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24542138/ A great article to read when you have a moment. Finally, an article that is shedding some light on mixed families.

BrownGirl Byte

BrownGirlSpeak… What does it mean? A voice, a thought, a passion; a…. Long Time Coming. This blog is dedicated to ALL racially and ethnically diverse or “mixed” girls who are BrownGirlSpeak; it is a forum that is open to all parents who are raising a beautiful brown girl, and the joys and challenges that we as parents face in today’s world.