AUGUST 2020 $104 RETAIL VALUE
6 Black Women Writers & Authors You Must Read this Summer
How to Be
A Chill Champ
4 Ways to Take Relaxing to the Next Level
PRESERVING YOUR SERENITY DURING THESE CHAOTIC TIMES
Let it Flow PLAYLIST
10 African TV Shows and Movies TO ADD TO YOUR MOVIE NIGHT
Just Chillin’
Inside the
Just Chillin’
CHILL OUT (verb): to relax, kick back, and enjoy stress-free time doing something you love. It’s definitely time to kick off your shoes and relax your feet! With everything happening in the world, can we encourage you to do one thing at this time? Chill out. Take a minute away from your computer screen, put your phone away (after you tag Izzy & Liv in your shirt for the month), and enjoy an evening of movies, card games, or dance parties. Stepping back from the mayhem of life is imperative to your self-care and overall health. In this Chill Out Edition, we’re giving you a few items to help you stress a little less this month. It’s not enough to simply jump into bed when the day is over. It’s important to slow down, wind down, and power down. We’re sharing some of our items we use to have a stress-free night inside. Whether you’re cuddling with the kids, hanging out with your boo thang, or doing your chill-out session solo, we want to make sure you have everything you need to enjoy a night of peace and quiet (or laughter...if you’re watching a comedy). Mix up your favorite drink. Grab your snacks. Find a series to binge. Turn the music on. Start the movie. Get comfortable in our Izzy & Liv night shirt. Turn the volume down on the phone. Enjoy a night of fun. Cheers to your night of chill.
“Cocoa & Calm” Hot Chocolate Mix, $10 (1 OF 3 FLAVORS)
Whip up a cup of relax and chill with our “Cocoa & Calm” Hot Chocolate Mix. A cool night is the perfect time for a nice cup of piping hot cocoa to calm your soul. Great for Hot & Iced Chocolate or Frappe. 8oz packs. One of 3 flavors: Salted Caramel, Chocolate Truffle, or Cherry.
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AUGUST 2020 We Promise You: 5-6 Items at an $85 value
This month’s value:
“Nothin’ Just Chillin’ Tee, $25
$104
(1 OF 2 COLORS)
The perfect answer to WYD! Relax to the max in our “Nothin’...Just Chillin’” Tee. This one is perfect for a weekend lying on the couch or just hanging out on the patio. This month we’re giving you something to chill in. One of 2 colors: Black or White, 100% Cotton, Machine wash cold with like colors, Cool iron inside out.
“Chillin’ & Sippin’” 5 pc. Stainless-Steel Straws, $15 (1 OF 3 SETS)
Take a sip and keep on chillin’ while doing your part to reduce waste with our stainless-steel straws. Eco-friendly, you can use them over and over again — and they go perfectly with our tumbler too! One of 3 sets: Silver (2 Silver + 2 Holographic + 1 Straw
Cleaner); Yellow Gold (2 Yellow Gold + 2 Holographic + 1 Straw Cleaner); or Rose Gold (2 Rose Gold + 2 Silver + 1 Straw Cleaner). Fits drinkware up to 16 oz. Hand washable and dishwasher safe. Do not microwave!
“Sip in Peace” Hot/Cold Tumbler, $20 (1 OF 7 DESIGNS)
Start your morning in peace. Pour your favorite hot or iced tea, coffee or chocolate in your “Sip in Peace” Tumbler and enjoy the sunrise. 16oz, Insulated, with lid, Stainless Steel/ Double Wall, Cold drinks stay cold for up to 12 hours. Hot drinks stay hot for up to 6 hours. Care instructions: Hand wash only, Do not microwave, Do not place in freezer. One of 7 designs: Curly Glory, Melanin Goddess, Pretty & Primed, Paisley Beauty, Golden Brown Sugar, Tribal Treasures, or She’s so Animated.
“Crazy, Sexy, Cozy” 3/4 Sleeve Sleep Shirt, $34 (1 OF 6 DESIGNS) Power down in our soft and comfortable “Crazy, Sexy, Cozy” 3/4 Sleeve Sleep Shirt. Slip this one on right before the movie starts and relax in style. Available in One Size and
One Size Plus. Machine wash cold, Tumble dry low. One of 6 designs: Glow on Girl, Melanin Goddess, Circles of Beauty, Culture Confidence Soul (Pink), Paisley Beauty, or Culture, Confidence, Soul (Turquoise).
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Preserving Your Serenity During These Chaotic Times by Saeeda Ruffin
Did I mention these are crazy times? With the global pandemic, the civil rights movement, and just dealing with everyday life, things truly can get topsy-turvy. But, Sis, you don’t have to let all of that chaos crush your serenity. Your peace of mind is priceless, so do your best to preserve it – unapologetically — and if you feel like the cares of the world are stepping on your big toe, try these tips to keep your serenity on lock.
Set Boundaries For Everybody
It might sound a tad bit “harsh” but setting boundaries is essential to maintaining peace. People will overstep from time to time, even when that isn’t their intention. If you don’t set clear boundaries, you may fall victim to someone robbing you of your serenity. Whether it’s your personal space, your social media page, or even during a zoom conference, it happens. With that being said, you can set expectations with tact and respect. Always consider your relationships (and please don’t do anything that you will regret later) but do let people know what makes you feel uncomfortable. Your true friends and ride-or-die family members will totally understand and respect your wishes.
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Build Yourself Up
Sis, hold on to those positive affirmations and use them. You may need those now more than ever. Building yourself up with confidence and a personal commitment to preserve your inner peace can make your daily walk a little more manageable in this ever-changing environment. Once you’ve taken measures to feel most comfortable, use other tools to keep stress and discomfort at bay. Get into that prayer life, take moments for meditating, or give yoga a try. Beyond that, do what you can to ensure that you aren’t harboring anything that will know you off your stride.
AUGUST 2020
Stay Prepared
One of the worst feelings ever is to feel like you have lost control over your life. This can happen quickly if you don’t do the leg work. If you know that you have to stay in for longer periods of time, be sure to get everything you think you may need when you do go out. On various levels, we’ve all had to deal with being stuck inside during this pandemic, so, you are not alone. Not being prepared can make you feel like you’ve lost control, and that definitely will disturb your peace.
Handle Change Like A Boss
Good, bad or indifferent, things are changing all the time, and no one can control everything. It can be unhealthy to expect things to always stay the same and, honestly, now is probably the worst time to expect stability. Sometimes you simply have to do your best to go with the flow, and don’t forget the power of humor. Some changes are just plain funny, so get a good laugh in whenever you can — especially if it’s going to help you maintain your own peace of mind.
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10 African TV Shows and Movies TO ADD TO YOUR MOVIE NIGHT by Girl Tyler
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re you running out of bingeworthy content? We got you. If you’ve been sleeping on African cinema, it’s time to wake up Sis. Consider this your wakeup call! There is a wide array of original, rich Black stories from across the continent streaming on your favorite platforms. Take your pick from Ghana, Zimbabwe, Nollywood, and more! Here are a few of our favorite TV shows and movies from talented African filmmakers and entertainers:
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AUGUST 2020
TV
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Fifty (Netflix) A few pivotal days in the lives of four Nigerian women at the pinnacle of their careers.
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Queen Sono (Netflix) A highly trained South African spy takes on her most dangerous mission yet while facing changing relationships in her personal life.
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Castle & Castle (Netflix) A pair of successful lawyers find their marriage strained when they divide their strengths to represent different sides of the law.
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An African City (Web series) After living abroad, five successful young women adjust to life and love in Accra, Ghana.
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The Men’s Club (Web Series) The Men’s Club follows the lives of 4 eligible young men, channeling their inner voices while looking at their loves, betrayals and friendships as they forge a path for lives they want in Lagos.
MOVIES
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Hard to Get (2014, Action/Romance) An enigmatic, beautiful stranger walks into a small rural township tavern and demands a beer. A charming local lothario sets out to seduce her to prove his prowess to the locals.
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The Department (2015, Crime/Thriller) Nnadi and Tolu work as criminals in a secret department in a large firm and they are in a relationship. Deciding to leave their jobs and settle down will prove to be a huge challenge. Side Chic Gang (2018, Comedy) Three ladies discover they can make a lot of money by exposing cheating husbands and boyfriends.
King of Boys (2018, Drama/ Political thriller) A businesswoman and philanthropist with a checkered past is drawn into a power struggle that threatens everything she holds dear. Lionheart (2018, Drama) Looking to prove her worth, a woman steps up to the challenge to work with her crude and eccentric brother when their father, Chief Ernest Obiagu, is forced to take a step back due to health issues.
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How to Be a
Chill Champ
4 Ways to Take Relaxing to the Next Level
by Saeeda Ruffin
O
ne of the weirdest things has happened due to the current upheaval around the world. While more people have been relegated to staying indoors – something we normally associate with relaxing — many are more stressed than ever. That is totally understandable. Just because you’re at home that doesn’t mean more down time and chillin’. If you’re in need of a little bit of help to get into a serenity groove during these trying times, here’s a guide to help you take relaxation to the next level. So, dig in and try these four ways to become a real-life chill champ. You’ll be glad you did!
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AUGUST 2020
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Remix Your Bath Routine
Your bath doesn’t have to be basic. Do more, Sis, and watch your regular schmegular bath turn into a whole spa experience. First off, consider investing in a bath massager. Yes, these ingenious mats will literally transform your bath into a full body bubble spa. Can I get an “Amen” to that? You will, most definitely, need a bath pillow for your head and take things up a notch by adding something “different” to your bath water, like fresh rose petals, a bath bomb, or essential oils. Locate a space within reaching distance for your favorite relaxing drink, then cue the soft music and let go.
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Create An Actual Sanctuary
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Let Your Mind Wander
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Warm Things Up From The Inside Out
You need a space that will allow you to chillax with the best of them. It doesn’t have to be large, but it should have elements that bring you the most comfort and joy. Start by choosing a color palette that gives you life. Then, deck the space out with real live plants that add carbon dioxide to the air, aromatherapy candles for ambiance and to nurture your senses, and lots of plush items like pillows or a weighted blanket. The sanctuary that you create should make you feel serene and whole when you enter the space.
It can feel stifling when you are unable to get out. With those feelings come frustration and anxiety. Nobody wants to deal with that. So, instead of letting it get the best of you, use guided imagery meditation and let your mind roam free. You are probably asking what guided imagery is. Well, basically it’s audio that you listen to that helps you to mentally “wander away” from your current situation. To maximize the experience, opt to listen to guided imagery audio of relaxing sounds like a waterfall. Then, close your eyes, go there in your mind, and enjoy the flow.
Let the spilled tea go. It’s time to get your sip on! Herbal teas can have an amazing effect on your health and do wonders to help you reach a higher state of relaxation. Using tea leaves makes the process of brewing a perfect cup of tea feel more legit. There’s something really cool, and strangely comforting, about tea leaf infused water flowing through a strainer into your cup. It just feels — right. But the best part is when you sip on that flavorful freshly brewed tea. The warmth is extremely calming and satisfying. Can’t drink it straight? Try adding a drop or two of honey.
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She Wrote That:
Women Authors We Must Read by Jarius Edens Black women are the most magical beings in the world. They are also among the most renowned and talented writers of all times. From Zora Neale Hurston to Shonda Rhimes, Black women have the magic when they put pen to paper or fingers to the keyboard. At Izzy & Liv, we love reading a good book as the Summer sun sets, so we’re sharing six of our all-time favorite wordsmiths.
6 Black Women Writers & Authors You Must Read this Summer:
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Jacqueline Woodson
Alice Walker
The author of over 30 Children, Young Adult, and Adult books, Woodson, is known for her uncanny ability to weave her experience with Black family culture throughout each one of her books. From Miracle’s Boys (2000) to After Tupac & D Foster (2008), Woodson artistically tells authentic stories with each word she writes.
Author of the classic novel, The Color Purple, Alice Walker eloquently shares the stories of Black women, men, and children. Born in Eatonton, Georgia right after the Great Depression, Walker received the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and a National Book Award for The Color Purple. Her depiction of the treatment of Black people is brilliant.
Angela Davis
Roxane Gay
Civil Rights activist and author Angela Davis is the voice of justice, Black experiences and Black women’s rights. A former member of the Black Panthers and current educator and scholar, Davis is famous for her 1981 text, Women, Race, & Class. Her no-nonsense voice transcends generations.
Born in the middle of the first Civil Rights movement, Roxane Gay is an American writer, professor, editor and author known for her radical commentary on life as a Black woman in America. The Nebraska native is a New York Times best-selling author for her essay collection, Bad Feminist. She is also known for her memoir, Hunger. With clarity, Gay uncovers the truths of Black women through her words.
AUGUST 2020
Angie Thomas
Samantha Irby
A millennial extraordinaire, Angie Thomas was born in 1988, and is known for giving voice to Black teenage life in America. Thomas is best known for her novel turned movie, The Hate U Give. Her most recent novel, On the Come Up, was published in February 2019. Thomas is the magic behind hundreds of pages that showcase the difficult moments Black teens experience each day.
An Illinois native, Samantha Irby, is an eclectic and fresh voice in the blogging world for Black writers. Irby was born in 1980 and remembers life before social media; yet, she has become the comedian, author, and blogger of the social media sector. She is best known for her blog, Bitches Gotta Eat.
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beauties Izzy & Liv customers truly are THE BEST! We LOVE seeing your social media posts sharing your boxes each month. Here are a few highlights from previous months.
AUGUST 2020
Congratulations to last month’s WINNER! Zaynah Ahmed (@bengalibadbih) was randomly selected from sharing Brown Sugar love on social media to WIN her free box. Thank you to everyone who shared! Stay in it to win it and don’t forget to share this box using hashtags #brownsugarbox #izzyandliv for your chance to win next month’s giveaway. BONUS: Join our Facebook Group: The Brown Sugar Lounge, for a SECOND CHANCE to win a free box.
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Let it Flow T Playlist
by Girl Tyler
he act of surrender is a form of self-care. We often allow people,
places, and things to occupy space in our minds which creates anxiety and self-inflicted pressure. Let go of any and everything that no longer serves you.
Less stress, time to decompress! The Let it Flow playlist is a dose of nostalgia with songs from carefree Black girls who dominated the airwaves back in the day. Take a journey back in time and relive the good ole days. You may be carrying a heavy load mentally, but be gentle and give yourself some grace. Music has healing powers. Get lost in these tranquil vibes of the past.
• Let it Flow by Toni Braxton
• On and On by Erykah Badu
• Sittin’ Up in My Room by Brandy
• Say A Little Prayer by Diana King
• Diggin on You by TLC
• What’s Love Got to Do with It
by Tina Turner
• Free by Mýa • No Ordinary Love by Sade
• Mr. Big Stuff by Jean Knight
• The Pleasure Principle
• At Your Best (You Are Love)
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• Never Knew Love Like This Before
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by Janet Jackson Rock Wit U (Awww Baby) by Ashanti Free Your Mind by En Vogue Dreamlover by Mariah Carey I Love Your Smile by Shanice Freak Like Me by Adina Howard 1 Thing by Amerie Best Friend by Brandy
by Aaliyah
• • • •
by Stephanie Mills Love Come Down by Evelyn “Champagne” King Romantic by Karyn White I Wanna Love You by Jade I’m Coming Out by Diana Ross
AUGUST 2020
Frequently asked questions
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Can I change my size preference for future boxes? Yes, you can do so inside your Brown Sugar Box account on izzyandliv. com, or you can email us at support@izzyandliv.com to update your preferences for you.
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When will I be billed for next month’s box? You will be rebilled on the 1st of the month for the next box. So you will be billed for the October box on the 1st of October; for the November box on the 1st of October and so on... You will not be billed for the next box until after the box from the current month has been shipped/delivered.
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What is your cancellation policy? Your subscription can be cancelled at any time in your Brown Sugar Box Account Settings at izzyandliv.com. If you’ve already been billed for the next box (1st of the month), your cancellation will take affect the next billing cycle. To cancel your subscription, login to your account and click on the Subscription tab, then click “edit” next to your subscription. You can also email us to request that we cancel for you.
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Can I exchange or return items in my box? We cannot accept returns at this time for Brown Sugar Box items, but we welcome your feedback to improve. Email us at support@ izzyandliv.com to share your thoughts. We value your feedback and our mission is to make every Brown Sugar Box more than worth your while! Your feedback will help us to make sure we make this box amazing and valuable as it can be. As far as the item(s), you can always gift them to a friend, coworker, or family member- these items make GREAT gifts! Can I skip a month without cancelling? Yes, you can skip a future month delivery and not be billed for it, without having to cancel your entire subscription. Once logged into your Brown Sugar Box account at izzyandliv. com, you will need to open the “Delivery Schedule” tab. There you will see all upcoming deliveries for your subscription. To skip a delivery you just need to click “Skip” to the right of each relevant delivery. This will only skip that one delivery. To skip multiple deliveries you will need to click “Skip” next to each relevant one. Alternatively, you can email to have us skip deliveries for you.
How can I share photos or unboxing videos with you? Yes! We live for customer feedback & reviews! Just post your pics or video on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube etc. and hashtag #brownsugarbox, #izzyandliv and @izzyandliv. You can also leave a photo review on the Brown Sugar Subscription page! If you make a blog post email us with the link. If your social media is private we will not be able to see your post, so feel free to email us to let us know where to check it out! Something went wrong with my order/ delivery what should I do? Should you have an issue with your box items (damage, received wrong size, etc) you must notify us at support@izzyandliv. com, with photo(s), within 7 days of receipt of your package. After 7 days, we will not be able to process requests related to this month’s box. If your box was returned due to consumer error, please reach out to customer service for reshipment at an additional cost.
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I have feedback or questions, who do I contact? We can be reached at support@izzyandliv.com
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