FEBRUARY 2022 $102 RETAIL VALUE
Ways
TO WEAR YOUR TRADITIONAL AFRICAN WRAP SKIRT
RECOGNIZING
The roots of your strength
African
Brands
YOU NEED IN YOUR LIFE
AF RO C H IL L
Pla ylist
M T HER L A ND Flavors of Africa:
How to use your spice grinder
Vibes EDITION
Inside the
Motherland V IB ES
W
elcome to February, the shortest month of the year which arguably carries the most culturally significant days of the year. Here at Izzy & Liv, we’re doing Black History Month the Brown Sugar way this year by reconnecting with our African roots. We welcome you to take the journey with us by celebrating the beauty of the African Diaspora with the Motherland Vibes Edition. Black history began long before we inhabited America. This truth of our existence is to be celebrated beyond the month of February. Nowadays, more and more people have taken a renewed interest in tracing their ancestral roots to piece together the narrative that defines their existence. African descendants come in all shapes, sizes, and hues thanks to our beautiful genetic evolution on the continent. Each item in your box represents the robust nature of African traditions and expressions. Through art, religious ceremonies, dance, music, and languages, the Black experience extends around the world and much of our influence stems from those who came before us. May the Motherland vibes bring you good fortune throughout 2022.
African Wrap Skirt, $35 (1 OF 5)
Your closet called and we delivered. Every Black girl needs an African wrap skirt in her wardrobe. Pair it with a tank or crop top then layer it with your favorite denim piece. Versatile and perfect for any season. You’ll receive 1 of 5 patterns representing different regions across Africa: Soul of Africa (A), Zulu Queen (B), Tribal Queen (C), Mali Goddess (D), and Culture, Confidence, Soul (E).
2
SCAN HERE TO SEE A WRAP SKIRT TUTORIAL!
FEBRUARY 2022 We Promise You: 5-6 Items at an $85 value
This month’s value:
$102 Adinkra Affirmations V-Neck Pocket Tee, $28
This Ghanaian-inspired tee represents traditional attire from the region with adinkra symbols representing various proverbs and expressions. Each symbol carries its own meaning. Bebe Saka (“sack of cola nuts”): A sign of abundance and unity. Fawohodie ("independence"): Signals emancipation. Duafe (“wooden comb”): Represents beauty and femininity. Dwennimmen ("ram's horns"): A symbol of humility. Mate Masie ("What I hear, I keep"): Wisdom and prudence. Akoma (“the heart”): Symbolizes patience. Nsaa (a type of handwoven fabric): A sign of excellence and authenticity.
Seed Bead Earrings, $15 (1 OF 3)
Coconut Bowl & Spoon Set, $16
This organic creation reminiscent of the Motherland brings an African aesthetic to your home. Store it in the kitchen cabinet and use it as a salad or snack bowl. Add it to your bathroom decor as an accessory holder or use it to mix face masks (check out our DIY Face Masks if you need inspiration).
Beadwork remains an integral part of African society. The vibrant designs are symbolic in social and cultural aspects. Beaded earrings bring a touch of universal opulence. It doesn’t matter whether you’re going for classy or jazzy, don’t leave home without these. They’re sure to complement all face shapes and hairstyles.
Motherland Spices & Grinder, $8 (1 OF 6)
Bring the flavor with the “Taste of Africa” Motherland Spices & Grinder. Made in Africa and imported straight to you, spice things up in the kitchen with a spice & grinder set. You'll receive Lemon Pepper, Tomato Pepper, Ginger & Chili, Spiced Bliss, Garlic Pepper, or Fire Spice.
3
African Brands
You Need in Your Life By Racquel Parker
A
frican designers have been taking the world by storm with their bold, eclectic, and vibrant designs. When it comes to style, Black women are the originators of the “Fly Girl” aesthetic. From our jewelry and fashion to our hairstyles and the way we carry ourselves, it’s just the Black Girl Magic we exude daily. Across the world, our African sisters are no different. If these brands aren’t on your list, ADD them now because they ain’t come to play!
A AKS
Image Credit: Courtesy of AAKS
In Nothern Ghana, the women have been making raffia bags within their tribes for generations. Female founder, Akosua Afriyie-Kumi has made it her mission to preserve the technique and provide sustainable income to the women of Northern Ghana. They’re also known as basket bags and AAKS creates them in bright and beautiful colors with detailed leather trim. AAKs can be purchased on their website, J. Crew, Nordstrom, and Madewell just to name a few. Their Season 6 Collection is giving ALL the Black Girl luxury vacation vibes for us! Shop AAKS: https://www.aaksonline.com/ Keep in Touch: IG: @a.a.k.s
4
FEBRUARY 2022
Tongoro
Image credit: Courtesy of Tongoro
Remember the black and white printed suit and matching durag Beyoncé wore in her video “Spirit” for Disney’s “The Lion King”? It’s a custom Tongoro Bamako Suit along with a Cairo facepiece and earrings. Senegal native, and founder Sarah Diouf, is no stranger to seeing Beyonce and other celebrities rocking her pieces. Tongoro’s aesthetic is all about free-flowing pieces and vibrant prints. Everything is 100% produced in Africa from sourcing materials, working with local tailors and designers and shipping internationally. Check out their documentary “Made in Africa” narrated by their founder to get a closer look at their journey. Shop Tongoro and Watch Documentary: https://www.tongoro.com/madeinafrica Keep in Touch: IG: @tongorostudio
Hanifa
Image credit: Courtesy of Hanifa
Congolese-born, female founder Anifa Mvuemba, broke the internet with her brand Hanifa in May of 2020 while the world was on lockdown due to COVID-19. With a 3D fashion show and an invisible model, Hanifa launched their Pink Label Congo Collection on the brand’s Instagram Live. Hanifa’s colorful eclectic pieces embody the beautiful people of the Congo with bold bright prints. This collection featured a classic summer tee that supports Congolese families by donating twenty percent of profits to continue the fight against illegal coltan mining in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Hanifa’s Runway Fall Winter 2021 Collection will have you wanting to give them all your coins sis! Shop Hanifa: https://hanifa.co/ Keep in Touch: IG: @hanifaofficial
5
The Fashion Edit TRADITIONAL AFRICAN WRAP SKIRTS
(5 Ways) By Racquel Parker
T
raditional African Wrap Skirts have been around for generations. When designing, we handpicked each print to represent a different region in Africa. Each style is filled with bold prints and vibrant colors. Our skirts are versatile and can be worn in several ways. Here are a few different ways you can tie your skirt:
TR ADITIONAL WR AP SKIRT Wear it as a traditional skirt with a long sleeve top or bodysuit underneath. Wrap it around until it fits your waist snugly. Pair with leggings and your favorite pair of boots to keep warm. Accessorize with your Royalty Bling Charm Bracelet to pull this look together.
OFF THE SHOULDER DRESS Serve up off the shoulder vibes sis! Add a twist to the classic dress and have fun while doing it. Accessorize with your favorite hat, scarf, or boots for a casual chic look. Wear it for a night out with friends or stay cozy and cute at home while lounging.
6
FEBRUARY 2022
CRISS CROSS HALTER DRESS Tie it around your neck and you have an instant halter dress. Depending on your mood, wear it with or without sleeves. This look is perfect for date night or going out with the girls. Throw on some hoop earrings and one of your favorite lippie shades from the Issa Vibe Set.
L AYER IT UP Layer it up with your favorite bottoms. Whether that’s a pair of pants, skirt or dress, you’re sure to slay. Accessorize with your favorite pair of oversized sunglasses and a Satin Headwrap Scarf to bring this look together.
BACKLESS HALTER DRESS The backless halter dress is giving all the sundress vibes. Whether you’re vacationing or lounging around the house dreaming of warm weather, this style is for you. Dress it up or down with your favorite heels or sneakers for a night on the town or a day out with friends. Is it a dress, skirt, or shirt? Get creative and share with us your favorite ways to wear your Izzy & Liv Traditional African Wrap Skirt! SCAN HERE TO SEE A WRAP SKIRT TUTORIAL!
7
RECOGNIZING THE ROOTS OF
Your Strength By Saeeda Ruffin
B
lack women are everything, and that’s a definite fact. Sisters are the heart of the Black community… the glue that holds families together. Known as the matriarch, the rock, and, of course, the Superwoman of the family – Black women wear each of these titles with the regality of an African queen. You know for yourself that a sister is gonna’ do what she has to do for herself and her family…period. You have to wonder where Black women draw all their strength from. The answer is a place we call the “Motherland”…Africa. Yup, right back to the home of our ancestors. In Africa, women were held to a very high level of accountability and expectations. They
8
FEBRUARY 2022
were responsible for everything from the health of the family to the care of the home, while the men focused solely on being providers. This was the basic structure for most African families, and it took a lot of strength on the part of the women to make it work. They did, and their communities thrived. In Africa, the men might be gone for long periods of time, hunting and working to provide for their families. During those times, the women had to shoulder the responsibility of making sure that everyone was taken care of and that the homestead remained intact. As a result, women created these amazing and unified communities — yes, Sis, the Village! The sisterhood they built and nurtured allowed them to lean on each other, grow together, and love each other’s families as their own. Even today, that sisterhood lives on. Beyond the village, there were other women who were tasked with even greater leadership roles. They were the real-life African queens. These queens were incredibly powerful, with their riches and sovereignty over their lands. They led men and warriors and were required to fight for their people. They were about their business and giving up was definitely not an option. Many are descendants of those queens. Their fight and determination lives on in Black women today.
As time progressed, Black families were torn apart, relegated to conditions and circumstances that tested their commitment to the well-being of their loved ones, and the community at large. It was during those trying times that Black women had to pool all the strength they had to keep moving forward. Ain’t nobody got time for letting things fall apart. Today, that tenacity is even more apparent as sisters strive to unify and progress with the steadfastness of a true queen, just like our ancestors. It’s almost magical how Black women do it all so well! Despite all of the social injustices and the remnants of slavery, you thrive! Sisters, you are and have always been your brothers’ keepers. You have made exceeding expectations your life’s work, and the village is better because of you. That drive and those ideals all emanate from your African roots. Not just during Black History Month, but every day, flaunt your cape. Flex your success. Rise above everything (and everybody) that tries to hold you back from greatness. Your strength comes from centuries of toiling, leading, and loving. Like Auntie Maya Angelou said, “Bringing the gifts that our ancestors gave, I am the hope and the dream of the slave.” Carry it all with strength and grace, as you continue to rise.
9
The Flavors
of Africa By Racquel Parker
A
frica is known for many amazing things, including that thing we love most — FLAVA. Cuisines from all around the world are inspired and enhanced by African spices and flavors. From soul food to Caribbean cooking, you are sure to find some inspiration. Our Spice Grinders in this month’s box are straight from the Motherland. Not sure what to cook with them? Try some of these recipes from “A Taste of Africa.” Each spice comes from a different region in Africa, all connected by food, family, and fun.
→ SPICED BLISS - YASSA - WEST AFRICAN SPICE What’s in it? Salt, coriander, cinnamon, garlic, green peppercorn, ginger, thyme: together they weave an extraordinary flavor spell that becomes part of your basic comfort food memories. Recipe Suggestions: Great on fish and lamb. Excellent on roasted root vegetables, butternut or pumpkin, or in a brown and wild rice dish with lentils, cashews and onions.
→ GARLIC PEPPER SPICE - MADAGASCAR What's in it? Black pepper with sea salt, garlic, and parsley - a popular, versatile table condiment. Recipe Suggestions: The ideal blend for grilled crustaceans served with butter and a squeeze of fresh lemon. Also good with chicken, fish and pork served with a light, white wine, and butter sauce. Delicious on pan-fried potatoes and green vegetables asparagus, artichoke, beans, peas, and baby marrows.
10
FEBRUARY 2022 → LEMON PEPPER FRIENDSHIP SPICE - SWAHILI What’s in it? Black pepper with citrus, garlic, salt, and a pinch of chives. The most popular blend ever and true to the legend. People just keep coming back for more. Recipe Suggestions: Superb on steamed green beans with butter. Also excellent with chicken, duck, game birds, fish, pork, potatoes, root vegetables, and green salads. Stunning in a white wine butter sauce - also salad dressings and as a table condiment. Make a delicious flame-grilled RED ROMAN: Clean and scale a whole, fresh fish. Grind 5ml of Swahili Lemon Pepper into 80ml olive oil, juice of half a lemon, and paint onto fish inside and out. Keep the left-over mixture for basting while the fish is grilling on low heat.
→ CHILI GINGER PEPPER - MOZAMBIQUE What's in it? Ginger and chili love tomatoes - fresh, cooked, dried, semi-dried - in salads, stews, braises and on sandwiches, and the black pepper ties all the flavors together. Recipe Suggestions: Great with game fish (Barracuda or Dorado) - also beef, pork, and chicken: simply melt some butter into a splash of peanut oil, grind some Mozambique Ginger and Chili into the mix and baste the fish or meat as it’s grilling. Add an Asian twist with lime, lemongrass, coconut, and coriander leaves.
→ TOMATO PEPPER SPICE - KARIBA SUNSET What’s in it? Sundried tomato, black peppercorns, roasted garlic, red onion, red bell pepper, olives, and basil. A fascinating blend that adds a 'salty' taste without actually adding salt. Recipe Suggestions: Excellent with beef - grilled, fried, slowcooked and pot roasted. Great in tomato-based salads with Italian cheese, basil, and pine nuts.
→ FIRE SPICE - HOT CHILI AND SPICE - ZULU What’s in it? Red chili with an exciting supporting cast of black pepper, ginger, and a touch of ginseng (to energize the tastebuds!). Recipe Suggestions: Grind onto pizza, pasta, casseroles, barbecues, curries and stir fry. Use as an ingredient or add flavor at the table. All recipes were sourced from “A Taste of Africa”. For more spices, recipes and more check out: http://www.ukuva-iafrica.com/moreinfo.html
11
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 January 2021.
Congratulations to last month’s WINNER! Cami C. 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.
FEBRUARY 2022
WE WANT TO GET TO KNOW YA’LL BETTER! Hey Brown Sugar Babes! Throughout this year, we plan to highlight members of the Sisterhood in a new series: “Brown Sugar Babes: Her Story”. Interested? Tell us a little about yourself, for a chance to be interviewed and featured in the future.
SCAN THIS CODE TO LET US KNOW THAT YOU’RE INTERESTED OR VISIT HTTPS://BIT. LY/BSBHERWORDS
13
AFRO CH ILL Playlist By Girl Tyler
A
fro Beats is a force on its own, gyrating at an accelerated pace around the globe. As the genre steadily climbs the charts in America, there is also a population of African artists who are influenced by R&B. From Nigeria to Ethiopia all the way to South Africa, these Afro-infused infectious sounds are sweeping the continent. Open your heart to a new love language with the Afro Chill Playlist. With relatable lyrics derived from themes of love and heartache wrapped in sultry vocals, African R&B is limitless. Its hypnotic rhythm features a classic feel with a few elements of funk. We're crushing on these eclectic artists from across the continent. Get ready for the dreamy sounds of Black expression from the Motherland. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Weak by Thando Somebody’s Son by Tiwa Savage ft. Brandy Right Now by Elaine Holding Hands in Public by Ria Boss The Key by Tems I Do by Rotimi True Love by Wizkid ft. Tay Iwar, Projexx Bedside by Lloyd Cele Game Over by M.anifest ft. Adekunle Gold Away by Ayra Starr Sad Girlz Luv Money by Amaarae Forever [Remix] by Gyakie & Omah Lay Plead My Case by Paparazzle Slow Down by King Promise Don't Jealous Me by Tekno Miles Let it Go by Amanda Black Love Now by Marieme Everything by Ric Hassani Sinner by Adekunle Gold Ft. Lucky Daye What To Do by Rotimi Essence by WizKid ft. Tems
SCAN TO LISTEN TO THIS PLAYLIST AND MORE!
14
FEBRUARY 2022
Frequently asked questions
1
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.
2
When will I be billed for next month’s box? You will be rebilled on the 1st of the month for the next box. You will not be billed for the next box until after the box from the current month has been shipped/delivered.
3
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.
4
6
5
7
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.
8
I have feedback or questions, who do I contact? We can be reached at support@izzyandliv.com
15
MAGICAL THINGS ARE HAPPENING IN OUR FACEBOOK GROUP
YOU SHOULD BE THERE
Members Only Lounge
SCAN HERE TO JOIN!