AUGUST 2021
een T he Qu
sentials Bey Es P L AY
LIST
Back to School edition
MOVIE CHALLENGE
How Many of These Films Have You ‘SCENE’?!?!
GET A SMART START
Positive Quotes
TO GUIDE YOU THIS SCHOOL YEAR
AFTER SCHOOL SNACK Baked Cheddar Tuna Bites
Back to School W
e’re not really into horoscopes or palm reading but we have an inkling this school year will be bigger and better than all the others. Summer gave you time to recharge and mentally prepare for all the goodness coming your way. Word on the street is, YOU’RE LIT! And we mean it in every sense of the word. You’re a stellar student who lights up every room. In this edition of your Brown Sugar Box, we’ve packed all the essentials to keep you looking your very best while staying ahead of the curve. You’ll be giving all the looks from the first bell all the way to the final dismissal. Stay fresh and keep up the momentum. This school year belongs to you. Ready, set, GLOW!
Straight Talk Pen Set Giving vibes that radiate realness, the Straight Talk Pen Set will be your go-to school accessory this year. Of course, they are great for doing school work or writing notes to your friends, but you could also pull them out when you want the pen to do the talking for you. With cute artwork and sayings like, “Issa No For Me”, “Goat”, and “Periodt” on them, flexin’ is most definitely expected.
Brown Sugar University Varsity Tee You’ve graduated to the most elite school of dope Black girls...Brown Sugar University! Pair this varsity tee with your favorite shorts or high-waisted jeans and let them know you’re a Brown Sugar Babe.
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Mane Idea Styling Set Bad hair days, begone! This hair tool kit will keep every stand in place. Stiff where?!?! The Mane Idea Styling Set comes with wide tooth comb, parting comb, and brush. You’ll get 1 of 2 designs.
Say it Loud Stationery Set Express yourself this school year with no limitations. When you put pen to paper, your inner genius is sure to come out. The Say it Loud Stationery Set comes in Melanin Poppin’ or Peace, Love, Melanin with highlighters, binder clips, paper, and sticky notes.
Brown Sugar Satin Hair Scrunchies (Set of 3) Whether you’re rocking a protective style or a nature look, a classic ponytail is always in season. These cute Brown Sugar Hair Ties are super popular right now and a fashion must-have. Pull your hair back or wear it up in a chic bun. (Comes in a set of 3)
Booked + Busy USB Backpack THIS IS THE ONE!! We know your school load can get heavy at times, so you might as well wear it in high fashion. The Booked + Busy USB Backpack comes in two styles: She’s So Animated (Green), Sincerely Yours (Black), or Brown Sugar Graffiti (Purple). You’ll get 1 of 3. Includes a USB slot to store your charger wires.
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Get A by Saeeda Ruffin
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his school year is gonna be hype! Things are finally starting to get back to normal. Whew! These last couple of years have been some kind of wack, for real. But, hopefully, the worst is over and schools can turn up again. If you are like most, you probably missed the fun events, sports, clubs, and really, just hanging in the hallways. Of course, the learning part is important too, so you definitely want to have your mind, and everything else, right and ready to tackle the regular school stuff. That’s why you need a game plan to make sure you get a smart start this new school year. Izzy and Liv can help you make it happen. Let’s do this!
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Smart Start No More Paper Chasing
Now, you know exactly what teachers are going to be bringing to that classroom this year...tons and tons of paper! Yes, they use technology but, truth be told, for some teachers passing papers is just their thing. With all of that, you don’t want to start off the year with tons of loose paper all over the place. The best way to deal with the paper is to have folders ready to keep them organized.
Get In Your Bag Everyone knows you must have a backpack or some kind of carry-all bag to haul your things around. Your bag can sometimes speak volumes about you and your likes. Of course, those likes can change from year to year. That’s why opting for a new bag each year is so common. This year is no different and your Izzy and Liv backpack will help keep your things neat and orderly. The key to effectively using a backpack is to maximize the use of the compartments. Knowing where everything is makes a major difference when it’s time to get to your supplies.
Keep Your Fashion Forward Planning your outfits in advance can make school days a little simpler on the daily. While everyone knows you sometimes need to pick your outfits based on how you’re feeling that day, that’s probably not the best way to operate. After all, you have other things going on like school assignments, afterschool activities, or even a job that may require you to wear a uniform. To cut down on your morning prep time, you need to have an idea about what you will wear in advance. So, trying planning your ‘fits for the week, or do it the night before. Sis, don’t forget to keep your Izzy and Liv Gifted and Talented Tee on deck. You’ll be glad you did, and we’re sure you’ll appreciate getting a few extra minutes of sleep in the morning!
Take Tech Seriously One thing that came out of the last couple of years is a greater appreciation for tech. The world needed tech for everything! From the now-normal Zoom app for classes to food delivery through apps like DoorDash, technology absolutely is an essential part of our daily lives. There are many apps that will get and keep you focused and organized. Do some research and find the apps that will work best in your school year game plan. Whatever your game plan, make every moment of this year count! Be Great!
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11 Positive Quotes TO GUIDE YOU THIS SCHOOL YEAR
By Girl Tyler
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irst day of school jitters tend to last well beyond the first day. You’re nervous about making new friends and whether things will be the same with the old one; how well you’ll do on tests; and if your teachers will be super hard. Feelings of anxiousness are totally normally and will eventually settle as you get adjusted to your new routine. I won’t lie, some days will be more difficult than others, but certain circumstances are meant to grow you for the better. Each day presents fresh opportunities and a chance to live fearlessly. When life gets challenging, fuel up by reciting this list of positive quotes from these rockstar women.
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“Never ever let somebody stop you or shame you from being yourself.” –Lizzo
“Never limit yourself because of others’ limited imagination; never limit others because of your own limited imagination.” –Dr. Mae Jemison
“Believe in yourself. Push to your highest limit. Be confident that you can do it.” –Marsai Martin “I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.” –Rosa Parks
“Hard days are the best because that’s when champions are made.” –Gabby Douglas
“Don’t hide from who you are.”
–Rihanna
“I have standards I don’t plan on lowering for anybody, including myself.” –Zendaya “What the pandemic has brought is the knowledge that nothing is certain, so you have to be as dynamic as the circumstances.” –Yara Shahidi “I embrace mistakes. They make you who you are.” –Beyoncé
“Stop making excuses, you’re the only one stopping you.”
–Issa Rae
“You just gotta keep going and fighting for everything, and one day you’ll get to where you want.” –Naomi Osaka 7
ESSENTIALS PLAYLIST By Girl Tyler
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Run the World (Girls)
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Formation
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Upgrade U
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Flawless
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Single Ladies
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7/11
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Countdown
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Crazy In Love ft. Jay Z
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Feeling Myself x Nicki Minaj
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Baby Boy
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Best Thing I Never Had
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Soldier x Destiny’s Child
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Get Me Bodied
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Party ft. Andre 3000
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Sorry
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Brown Skin Girl x Wizkid, SAINt JHN ft. Blue Ivy Carter
WIKIMEDIA COMMONS/PETE SEKESAN
eyoncé is a true champion of her craft. Her music and influence inspires millions of women and girls around the world to live beyond limitations by boldly going after their dreams. What better way to get pumped for the new school year than to channel your inner warrior with a little help from Queen Bey. Here are 16 of Beyoncé’s best anthems to unleash your academic queendom. Turn it up! Dance around. Get pumped. You’ve got this, sis! Make this school year the best to come.
Movie Challenge:
How Many of These Films
Have You ‘SCENE’?!?! By Girl Tyler
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lack stories are vital to the American experience. From horror and comedy to sci-fi and documentaries, our unique perspectives are deserving of the big screen. The entertainment industry has evolved over the years and – finally! — our narratives are taking the world by storm. Check out this list of new and classic films that are rich with fascinating Black characters. How many have you watched from start to finish? Scan the list! 1 film = 1 point Black Panther Bring It On Soul Food Sister Act Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit The Hate U Give Last Holiday A Wrinkle in Time Remember the Titans Good Burger Dream Girls Hidden Figures The Princess & The Frog Get Out The Preacher’s Wife 42 Crooklyn Little House Party Drumline Poetic Justice Spiderman: Into The Spiderverse Love & Basketball Soul The Nutty Professor
Score Card 0-9 pts. Better late than never. There’s plenty of time to catch up and watch these films at your leisure. Now you have a good excuse to host a movie night! 10-19 pts. You love a good film just like the next girl, but you aren’t one to be in a huge rush to watch the day it premieres. Movies are an experience for you so you watch only when you can give your fullest attention. 20-25 pts. You’re a movie buff! No one knows movies quite like you. You appreciate classic cinema and are always down to give new films a chance. Hmmm...maybe there’s a film career in your future!
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AFTER SCHOOL SNACK
Baked Cheddar Tuna Bites By Girl Tyler
T
hat snack between your last class of the day and dinner hits different! School brings out a hunger like no other and some food just isn’t filling enough to tide you over for a few hours. If you’re going to reach for a snack, you might as well go for something tasty and packed with nutrition. Try this Baked Cheddar Tuna Bites recipe. Here’s what you’ll need: • 1 can tuna (drained) • 1/3 cup sour cream • 3 tablespoons tomato paste • 1/4 cup minced sweet onion • 2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley • 3 large eggs • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 1 cup grated cheddar cheese Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. 2. Place the drained tuna into a mixing bowl. Using a wooden spoon, break it apart into smaller pieces. Mix in the sour cream, tomato paste, sweet onion and parsley. 3. In a small bowl, beat together the eggs and salt then stir and combine with the tuna mixture. Add in the cheese. 4. Spray the inside of a 12-cup muffin pan with cooking spray. Using an ice cream scoop (or tablespoon), fill each section with the mixture. 5. Place the tuna cheddar bites in the oven for 15 minutes or until they are set. 6. Remove the bites from the oven and allow them to stand in the pan for 5 minutes. Use a butter knife (or offset spatula) to loosen the edges and carefully remove them. Place on a serving plate and enjoy!
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This is where Izzy & Liv teens deserve all the shine! We absolutely adore seeing you beautiful, brilliant Queens showing off your new boxes. Here are a few snapshots from June 2021:
Our Brown Sugar Teens are THE BEST! We LOVE all the pictures you shared of them and their boxes! Congratulations to last box’s WINNER! Zaniyah was randomly selected from everyone who shared their last box on social media to WIN her next box FREE. Thank you to everyone who shared! We appreciate you! Don’t forget to share this box using the hashtags #IzzyandLiv #BrownSugarBoxTeens and tag @izzyandliv for your chance to win next month’s giveaway.
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You could be a star in our next Brown Sugar Box Teens magazine! Share your pictures and videos on social media with the
hashtag #IzzyandLiv #BrownSugarBoxTeens and tag us @IzzyandLiv