DECEMBER 2021
BIG MOOD Heart-Warming Chick Flicks for
Winter Squad Nights
5 WAYS
to Express Yourself
BRINGING THE HEAT
To Your Winter Wardrobe
Mood T
ake a deep breath. Pat yourself on the back. You made it to the end of the year, standing taller than ever. Some days were a breeze while others posed significant challenges. It wasn’t easy, but you handled the madness like a boss. And guess what? The best is yet to come! Your December Brown Sugar box is a whole MOOD. Everything you need to feel positive and determined about the days ahead. You’ll love what this edition has in store like tips to elevate your winter aesthetic and new artists to follow on Tik Tok. Enjoy the winter break and make some quality time with the people you love the most. Happy New Year! See you in 2022.
Paint by Numbers Kit (1 of 4) Have you ever considered painting as a hobby or even a career? You’ll never know unless you try. Unleash your artsy side. We’ll get you started with a special Paint by Numbers kit. Available in 4 styles: Sunflower Sis, Bubble Gum Poppin’, Flower Power, and Candy Queens.
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Mood Tee Black girl confidence is all the rage. Consider this tee your MOOD 4 EVA. Pensive and confident. Poised and unbothered. This long sleeve tee matches your fly.
Periodt Charm Bracelet Periodt is the mood 4EVA. Charm bracelets are cute and they allow you to express who you are with each individual charm. With five melanininspired charms, you’ll be sure to find your mood. Gold plated.
Fierce Croc Charm 4 Piece Set Up your shoe game with Croc charms. They’re easy to attach to your Crocs and will be an instant conversation starter. You’ll receive 4 charms: Queen, Periodt!, Melanin Can’t Be Bought, and Black Excellence.
She’s So Animated Sassy Socks 3 Pack Set Socks come and go in the wash, never to be seen again. That’s not the case here. We have a feeling you won’t lose the mate to these. They’re awesomely stitched to perfection. You’ll get a pack of 3 pairs.
Crown & Glory Hair Jewelry Your crown is royal, sacred, and an extension of you. Accessorize and adorn your crown with your hair jewelry. A lil bling bling in the hair ain’t never hurt nobody!
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BRINGING THE HEAT
to Your Winter Wardrobe by Saeeda Ruffin
T
here are so many cool things that come along with the winter season. You have the holidays, all types of fun winter activities, the holiday BREAK (yasss!), and of course, the potential for snow. But that’s not all. Have you heard what they are expecting THIS winter season? From all signs, it’s predicted to be beyond cold! Yes, sis, this will not be the season to play around with the weather. You will need to dress the part and have the proper gear at the ready to tackle those gusty winds and snowflakes.
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Bundled up or not, you still want your fits to get those “lewks”, right? Fashion doesn’t stop just because it’s cold. Luckily, the colder weather offers more opportunities to turn up your style status and “werk” those fits. Here are a few tips tol inspire you and help you bring the heat to your winter wardrobe: LAYER THAT! Being fashionable means being free to express how you feel. Well, this winter, use your clothes to create a look that makes you feel fantastic, but one that also is comfy and cozy while dealing with the cold. The best way to achieve that — layer up, sis! The awesome thing about layering is that there are really no “rules”. Do what you like and, chances are, your look will vibe exactly how you want it to. Some ideas include wearing an Izzy & Liv graphic tee over a long sleeve solid shirt, or a hoodie under a blazer or jacket. You are going to LOVE being cute AND warm! ADD ICE! The hottest winter accessories almost always include pieces that twinkle like diamonds or feature iconic cold-weather images like snowflakes, holiday themes, and of course, glistening ice. Now is the perfect time to add some “ice” to your outfits. Start with your hat and hair. Imagine how adorbs a cute pin will look on a beanie or the fabulousness that Izzy & Liv hair jewelry will add to your hairdo. Take things even further and let your new Izzy & Liv Fierce Croc Charm 4-Piece Set do their thing on your shoes. But only rock those Crocs on dry days, please. Ain’t Nobody got time for pneumonia! KEEP COLOR POPPIN! Yes, everybody knows winter brings out people’s need to wear tons of red and green. Well, okay, but there are other colors too. Be bold and different by sporting any color you like. You might want to try bright colors like fuchsia or gold that give your outfit a funky look without making you blend in with the holiday decorations. Another way to turn the color up — your makeup. That’s not to say you have to beat your whole face with color. Simply adding some tones that give your look warmth can keep you looking like a stunner. You can even add a little shimmer with those cute glittery lip glosses. Whatever you decide, just be sure it makes you feel amazing! BABY, YOU NEED BOOTS OUTSIDE Nothing pulls an outfit together like a pair of goddess-worthy boots. Tall boots, shiny boots, thick wool-like boots, will add real heat to your fit. Just be sure to wear them, because the cold weather will most definitely have your toes in need of some real protection. Truth be told, you can even wear a pair of those really cute rubber boots and give a “lewk”! Get you some boots Sis, and strut through that cold like a rockstar. Stay warm and stay fine, Young Queen!
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5 WAYS
to Express Yourself By Saeeda Ruffin
Y
ou are unique and special. There is no one else on the planet exactly like you. Being you is your full-time job and it is the one thing in this life you should be 1000% committed to doing. To really be fully and authentically yourself, you need to seize opportunities to explore your interests and express yourself. Yes, sis, you must just be YOU. Sometimes, it is hard to figure out how to express who you are or to even realize just what makes you the amazing person you are, but it’s important to your mental and physical health that you do. You may be able to do just one thing that makes you happy and feel whole, or it may take a combination of things. We’re giving you some inspiration and insight on your journey to self-expression. Take a look at these 5 ways to express yourself.
Be Artistic. Get in touch with your creative side. There are so many ways to share a little piece of yourself with the world through art. Art is awesome because there are no “rights” or “wrongs” when it comes to creating art. Art allows you to be completely free and expressive. Whether you draw, sculpt, write, or even paint to get your feelings out, whatever you create will be amazingly unique. You can get your paint on with the Izzy & Liv Paint Set in your Brown Sugar Box.
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Explore Fashion Styles. If you are like most young women, you enjoy being able to wear clothes that allow you to express who you are, and maybe even your mood. Sis, sometimes, you might be in your feelings and want to be super covered up, and other times, you may feel adventurous and ready to conquer the world. From hair to nails and everything in between, be empowered to own your look, and use it to show the world that you are authentically you!
Get Physical. It’s super important to incorporate healthy activities into your life. Which activities? Well, that’s for you to decide. Choose activities that allow you to get into a groove and get your body moving. Jump on the latest TikTok dance challenge, do some running, or climb a mountain (Hey, everybody’s different!). Just make sure you’re doing something YOU like and that encourages a healthy lifestyle.
Let Mindfulness Matter. It is important to take time to think about things that matter to you, explore your feelings, and be able to share those feelings and thoughts with others, if you choose. There is a peace you will feel at school, at home, but mostly in your heart.
Dig Into The Digital World. Taking pictures or recording a video are really satisfying ways to capture moments and feelings. They give you the chance to show others how YOU see the world. Whether you are snapping selfies, taking pics of your squad, or getting photos of random or artistic things, the way you perceive things is seen through your eyes. Your lens on the world matters. By grabbing opportunities to put your voice, thoughts, and even your images out into the atmosphere, you are being uber expressive in a way that can offer you a greater sense of self and purpose.
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H E ART-WAR M I N
G C H I C K F LI C K S
for Winter Squad Nights by Saeeda Ruffin
D
on’t let this cold, winter weather keep you and your girls from hanging out. Nah. Actually, when it’s cold outside, that’s the perfect time to squad up and chillax at somebody’s place; especially when that wind starts howling. Yeah, having fun together, and just enjoying being besties in a nice warm spot can make the winter months really cool to go through. There’s nothing like having REAL friends. This winter, why not plan a cute, little Chick Flick Night with your squad? Choose a space with enough room for everybody and make it ultra-nice with loads of pillows, blankets, drinks, your cute Izzy & Liv socks (you have 3 pairs in your box, so you can share with your besties if you want), and popcorn. It would be awesome to have popcorn in seasonal flavors like peppermint bark, white chocolate sprinkle, or even hot chocolate. Then, plan a fantastic night of binge movie watching! Here are a few heartwarming chick flicks that can make your squad night absolute perfection:
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Beyond the Lights Does anybody in your crew dream of being a star? Well, Beyond the Lights will have you all swooning about that celeb life and all the ups and downs that come with it, but this story brings more than just that. Girl, Beyond the Lights has a love story you won’t soon forget.
A Bronx Tale Another movie that combines action and love is A Bronx Tale. Calogero, a young Italian guy whose family is part of the mafia (that’s an Italian gang) falls for Jane, a cute Black girl he meets on the train. This story will have you and your squad holding on to those pillows when things get crazy and catching all the feels while watching Jane (played by Taral Hicks) and her Italian bae.
Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker Sometimes, you just want to get a peek behind the scenes at how things are made. Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker gives you exactly that, an in-depth look at the making of an All-Black version of The Nutcracker. If any of your girls are ballet dancers or like performing, they will LOVE this movie.
Jinn Sista, things get too real in the movie, Jinn. This one explores spirituality and asks serious questions like “What are you willing to do for love?” and “Should you give up everything you believe for someone else?” This movie gets kind of deep, but the story will keep you and the squad all in it. Totally.
Our Family Wedding This last movie is a Rom-Com. In Our Family Wedding, this dude is ready to get married to his sweetheart. Hey, one day, you and your bae (or future bae) may decide to tie the knot. Well, when you do, hopefully, you won’t have to deal with the craziness this couple encountered with their families. But, if you do, try your best to let love win. You and bae will be much happier if you do.
Each of these films offer something a little different. You and your squad can expect to go on quite the emotional rollercoaster when watching them. So, go on and get all cozy and comfy, but be sure to have plenty of tissues on deck. Your winter chick flick fest is going to be phenomenal! It’s movie time, Y’all!
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playlist
By Girl Tyler
H
ow do you plan to close out 2021? Are you celebrating in a major way or are you leaning more toward a chill and low key finale? Take your pick. However you plan to spend your last few days of the year, be sure to make them as sweet and memorable as possible. We made a playlist to keep you vibing on the way to a fresh start. The Big Mood playlist is a collection of hits with mellow sounds to shift your focus to designing your new reality. Feel all of the necessary feels and get pumped up for a fresh canvas of 365 days to be designed by you.
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MOOD 4 EVA by Beyoncé, JAY-Z, Donald Glover, Oumou Sangaré Shoot My Shot by Joyner Lucas Hoops by Saweetie ft. Kash Doll and Salt-N-Pepa Just For Me by SAINt JHN ft. SZA Sending My Love by Chloe x Halle Skate by Silk Sonic Antidote by NAO ft. Adekunle Gold We Win by Lil Baby & Kirk Franklin We Made It by H.E.R. Present by Khalid Violet Skies by Snoh Aalegra LALA (unlocked) by Alicia Keys and Swae Lee Remember Her Name by Mickey Guyton Be Alive by Beyoncé Tightrope by Janelle Monáe
SCAN TO LISTEN TO THIS PLAYLIST AND MORE!
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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 2021:
Our Brown Sugar Teens are THE BEST! We LOVE all the pictures you shared of them and their boxes! Congratulations to this year’s WINNER! Brianna 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