JULY 2019 $108 RETAIL VALUE
Summer fun Edition Summer 101 Protecting Hair, Skin, & Nails from Chlorine Damage
5 Date Ideas Beach Ready 6 Essentials for Slaying in the Sun
for a Sizzling Summer
Inside the
Summer Fun Edition
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et ready to have some fun in the sun! It’s officially summer and we’re ready to act like it. These next few months is all about having a good time. Whether you’re traveling or headed to the beach, this Summer Fun edition is going to get you right for the next couple of months. As always, we have to keep our Brown Sugar Babes lookin’ cute all year long. What better way to do this than with our Sunset Goddess tee? Whether you dress it up or rock it with a pair of shorts, you’ll be looking and feeling every part of summertime fine. And while you’re at it, why not take your look up another notch? Stay blinged out and set trends with a unique showstopper – your new multicolored crystal foot jewelry. And while you’re
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blocking all your haters, block the sun too with translucent retro sunglasses made to bring your look from hot to blazing! Looking good is fun, but having fun is even better and what better place to do that than at the beach or by the pool? An easy favorite, head out to your nearest beach or pool for some fun in the sun with your new “Loving the Skin I’m In” beach roundie. Perfectly versatile, this item doubles as both a beach blanket and towel. Plus, you can snap some Instaworthy flicks with it. But before you stop doing it for the ‘gram, you can stunt for a picture with a cute new beach coverup. You feel that heat, don’t you? It’s not just coming from this box! It’s coming from the summer heat, and with these new items, pretty soon it’ll be coming from you!
JULY 2019 We Promise You: 5-6 Items at an $85 value
“LOVING THE SKIN I’M IN” BEACH ROUNDIE [One of Four Designs] (Retail Value $25) It’s a beach blanket or is it a beach towel? It’s both! Versatility is key and we want to help you live your best life for all your sandy adventures. Whether you’re laying out for a little relaxation or drying off after a dip in the ocean, this beach roundie will get your life all the way right. Material: Microfiber; Care Instructions: Cold wash. Tumble dry on low heat. Do not bleach, iron, or dry clean.
HIGH SHINE MOISTURIZINGLIP GLOSS [One of Five Shades] (Retail Value $8) You can’t say “hey” to friends and family at the cookout with dry lips! Before you make your rounds, hit your lips with this high shine lip gloss perfect for a day of eating, drinking, and catching up.
TRANSLUCENT RETRO SUNGLASSES [One of Three Colors] (Retail Value $15) We spend all of our time blocking our haters, but what about the sun? With these sunglasses, fashion meets functionality. Clear frames are as hot as the summer sun and you can easily pair this with any outfit to stunt all summer and all year long.
SUNSET GODDESS T-SHIRT (Retail Value $28) If you’re summertime fine and you know it, raise your hand! This July tee is just the piece that you need to bring the heat to the summer months. With a black girl illustration that’s slayin’ and didn’t come to play, you’ll definitely come alive in this tee. Material: 100% ringspun cotton; Care Instructions: Machine wash cold inside out.
SWIMSUIT/BEACH COVERUP [One of Seven Designs] (Retail Value $22) If you have a bomb swimsuit, why ruin it with a regular, degular outfit? These swim coverups are sure to take your bathing suit to the next level. And if you’re not someone who cares for bathing suits, turn this coverup into an everyday outfit! Pair it with a t-shirt and shorts, and you’re good to go! One size fits most. Material: 100% Cotton/Viscose
This month’s value:
$108
MULTICOLORED CRYSTAL FOOT JEWELRY [One of Four Designs] (Retail Value $18) Who can say no to a little bling? Fashion is all about showing up and showing out, and you definitely will with this iconic piece. With gorgeous crystals in unique design, this design is sure to steal the show whether you’re wearing it along your foot or hands. Material: Acrylic Drill + Alloy, Nickel + Lead Free; Adjustable Chain: Up to 16”
5 Black Films To Checkout This Summer by Alexandria Daniels
I can’t believe it is summer here! You can already feel the sweltering hot temperatures, taste good food sizzling on the grill, and hear the beach waves crashing on the shores. With all the good vibes summer gives us, let’s not forget the places we can chill out from the heat. One of those places is our home and the other a movie theater. Whether it’s at your local cineplex or streaming service, this summer is full of great releases for everyone to enjoy! Here are 5 black films to checkout this summer:
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Guava Island
Director Hiro Murai’s hour long musical is the film to help kickoff your summer. It tells the story about Deni Maroon who works as a DJ for a radio station that’s run by the local state government led by The Red Family. He dreams of putting on a music festival. His girlfriend Kofi Novia, played by Rihanna, supports him but dreams of getting off the oppressive island. Though the film is short, the film’s romantic summertime visuals and political message shows just how liberating music can be. You can find the film on Amazon Prime now!
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The Lion King
25 years after its debut, Disney is giving us a live-action adaptation. Not only does this film bring back OG voice talents like James Earl Jones as the mighty Mufasa, this cast is full of Hollywood’s biggest names today. Most notably, Beyoncé is using her soulful voice as Nala, Donald Glover as Simba, and Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar. The story tells the tale of a young lion prince, Simba, who “Just Can’t Wait To Be King” of The Pride Lands like his father Mufasa. His uncle Scar, however, has other plans for this little cub in hopes of overtaking the throne. If you loved the timeless Disney classic, be sure run to the theaters this summer!
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Pride and Prejudice: Atlanta
Based on Jane Austen’s famous novel, this loose adaptation is a comedy worth checking out. Comedian Jackee Harry stars as Mrs. Bennet, author of the self-help book on how to find a husband. However, she hates the fact that her five daughters are still single. With no time to waste, she tries to get her daughter Lizzie to get with Mr. Darcy, a well-known bachelor, when he arrives in town. Fans of the English classic, “Pride and Prejudice” will absolutely love this film. Be sure to catch it on Lifetime!
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Beats
Already claimed as the “ultimate ode to Chicago’s South Side,” Beats is a story about a reclusive teen musical prodigy who suffers from severe anxiety. He meets a music manager who is down on his luck. The two pair up to help each other overcome their shortcomings and strive for success. The film stars newcomer Khalil Everage, Anthony Anderson, and Uzo Aduba. Be sure to check it out on Netflix on June 19th.
Ma
Octavia Spencer is scaring audiences in the new horror flick. She plays Sue Ann “Ma” Ellington, a lonely woman who allows a group of teenagers to party in her basement. However, things go awry when she begins to terrorize the kids. Spencer’s terrifying performance alone is the reason why you should see this film this summer.
It’s hard to enjoy the summer without seeing at least a couple of movies. Well, with these good films lined up, this summer is going to be lit for sure! All of them will give you, your friends and family something to talk about. Enjoy! 5
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Protecting Hair, Skin, & Nails from Chlorine Damage by Saeeda Ruffin hen the weather is hot, getting your swim on is almost a necessity. Summer is the perfect time of year for pool dwelling and fun. From pool parties to vacation resorts, spending time in the water is a major part of what makes summer so awesome! But, with all of that splishing and splashing comes something that most of us don’t want to have to deal with...chlorine damage. Sometimes, it seems like summer is the most stressful time for our skin and hair. Whether
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it’s trying to fight off the UV rays from the sun, struggling through the humidity which does a job on natural hair, or trying to keep skin and hair hydrated after being in chlorine, we have a lot to contend with. I guess we have to take the good parts of summer with the whack ones. Most people don’t realize how much chlorine can affect their bodies. It really does a number on just about every external feature that one has. Chlorine dries out the skin. Yes, ladies, even melanated skin can be adversely affected by it, and we are
quite sure that nobody wants to be the ashiest thing on the block. But, that chlorine...it will do it! Chlorine can also cause your hair to become very brittle and break. Remember, chlorine is a chemical and it causes chemical reactions with your hair follicles. The other thing that gets skewered by chlorine is your nails. Imagine that... cracked, uneven nails, dry shell-shocked hair, and super ashy skin. Wondering why we swim when we have to face this stuff ? Quite honestly, we swim because it’s relaxing and it’s fun, and most people do not have plans
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to change their favorite summertime activity. But, what can you do to manage through those summer swims and to protect your hair, skin, and nails from getting chlorine damaged? Well, we have a few solutions for making summertime swimming doable and less of a hazard to your looks.
Pre-Swim Precautions
Start by considering an outdoor pool versus an indoor one. The reason being, outdoor pools are outside which allows for some of the chemical emission from the chlorine to evaporate. You probably have noticed that the chlorine smell is much stronger with indoor pools. So, you can actually start the preventative measures with that. For your hair, soak it in fresh water and apply a leave in conditioner. But, be sure to really apply a good amount because the conditioner will fill in the spaces in your hair follicles. By filling those follicles with the moisture from the water and the conditioner, you will minimize how much chlorine can actually get into your hair follicles. For your nails, be sure to start with a strong basecoat on them. A
good manicure could be just what you need to protect your nails from chlorine damage. That basecoat will provide a layer to minimize the effects on your nails. You may also want to consider not having your hands in water during other parts of your day to reduce their exposure to water. It can definitely make a difference.
Post-Swim Protection Practices Your nails could greatly benefit from you using cuticle oil. They will need to be hydrated and the moisture replenished. Try not to only use lotion. That oil could keep your nails on point and decrease the chances of them breaking from dryness. Clean your body and your hair after you swim.
It may sound simple, but you would be surprised at how people just keep going about their day without cleaning after they have gone for a swim. Rinse your hair with apple cider vinegar. Remember, it works to restore pH in your hair on a regular basis anyway. So, why not use it now as a clarifying rinse? It will be well worth it! Moisturize as if your life depended on it! Well, the life of your skin does. Without moisturizing with a product that restores the pH balance in your skin after chlorine shreds it, you could really do some major damage to your skin over time. Make sure that you moisturize your whole body...hair, skin, and nails. Yes, you need to focus on the feet and extremities, but don’t forget everything else in between either.
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Countries to Visit with Your Squad by Saeeda Ruffin hen we think of summertime, we can’t help but think of sun, travel, and relaxation. Of course, we may not be able to get all three of those in one summer vacation. But, it’s definitely always worth a shot! While most people cannot take the entire summer off to just chill, they can, at least, get away at some point. Adventures await anyone who is willing to do a little planning. This is especially true when it comes to traveling with your squad. Squad trips can be some of the most amazing opportunities that you will ever have to bond, experience, and just hang out with your girls. So, we know that you want to go. But, where should you go? After a bit of sleuthing, we have found 3 fabulous countries that you should visit with your squad. Each place offers a unique experience, along with the chance to delve into some history. Y’all gon’ learn a lot and have a ton of fun in the process! Get your girls together and let the adventures begin…
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Sisters, visiting Marrakech is a must! OK, Mediterranean food was enough to get our attention. But, then, add in bustling marketplaces, serene gardens, lush landscapes, and, wayment, a black-owned hotel! YESSS! The Jnane Tamsna is the only black woman owned hotel in Marrakech. It’s proprietor is Meryanne LoumMartin and the accommodations can be described as luxuriously urban and ethnic. This place is exquisite, with tons of touches that will make you never want to leave. Don’t be surprised if some of your squad start talking about making Morocco their new home.
JNANE TAMSNA FACEBOOK
Morocco
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JNANE TAMSNA FACEBOOK
Tanzania Now, y’all know that we had to include the Motherland. Tanzania is home to the Serengeti, which offer a phenomenal safari experience. It is also where you will find Mount Kilimanjaro, which is the highest mountain in Africa. Your squad might want to try their hand at mountain climbing or even trekking to see one of the three dormant volcanoes in the mountain. Tanzania has so much to see and it also has historical significance for us. Gaining knowledge and trying new things could be exactly the type of trip that your squad would relish.
England Did somebody say something about having tea with the Queen? Well, no doubt, you and your squad would be game for any royal invite that came your way. Hey, you never know. They do have a sister in the royal family now! OKAY! Besides royal watching, London has so many awesome places to visit and culinary treats to indulge in. From shopping and watching performances at the famous Covent Garden to literally engaging in a fanciful high tea at the Botanical Gardens, London is a great place for a squad. So, go. Hop on the Tube (the underground metro system) and enjoy their distinctive accents and the many hidden treasures that they have there.
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Beach Ready 6 Essentials For Slaying In The Sun by Alexandria Daniels
Summertime means it’s time to head out to the beach for some sun! Going to the beach is the ultimate destination that doesn’t require a huge budget just to get some relaxation. We know the usual necessities for the beach are things like a bathing suit, a book or two, water, and some food. While those are necessary, there are other essentials that you need to slay in the sun the right way. Keep reading to see what these six essentials are! 10
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Large Beach Towel
Portable Charger
Sure you can lay on the sand with just a bathing suit on, but using a beach towel is essential to help protect the body from being burned by the blazing hot sand. Not to mention, they make you look stylish! Find the right beach towel that compliments your bathing suit and you will be slaying for sure!
Thank goodness for these devices because spending time at the beach with a dead phone will be unbearable. How else are you going to document your trip and post pics on social media?! Having a working phone and speakers are necessary. Portable chargers are the perfect back up, so you won’t have to go looking for an outlet when you should be resting in the sun.
Sunscreen with high SPF Every black woman needs to wear sunscreen, no matter how tough our melanin is. Wearing sunscreen helps to protect the skin from UV rays that can damage the skin with premature wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer. No need to worry about sunscreens leaving that white cast on dark skin either! There are plenty of brands out there that do cater to black woman like Palmers, Glossier and Aveeno so you can get a nice sunkissed tan safely.
Beach Tote Bag and Cooler To slay on the beach means you need a chic tote bag to carry all your summer goods. However, it’s best to have a tote that comes with a matching cooler for all your food and drinks to keep everything fresh as you gaze upon the waves.
Bluetooth Speakers You can’t go to the beach without some good tunes! Assuming you are bringing your phone or tablet with you, blast your summertime playlist through some Bluetooth speakers so you can listen to music for a couple of hours. Just make sure they are waterproof so they won’t get damaged.
Oversized Sun Hat Though sunglasses are a must, upgrade your sun protection a couple of notches with a super cute, large, floppy sun hat. With your towel and cute bathing suit, a chic sun hat will pull your whole summer look together. People will turn heads and can’t deny your slay power.
That’s all, ladies! These are your six essential beach needs to slay in the sun. Not only will you feel prepared, but you will be looking hot and ready for fun! 11
PROTEC T THE MEL ANIN
Why You Need SPF All Year by Saeeda Ruffin
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our beautiful melanated skin is even more amazing than you may realize. With the summer sun upon us, those hot rays can really do a job on people’s skin. Well, for those of us who have been covered in darker skin, we have a bit more protection than those with fairer skin. However, even with the natural defense of having higher amounts of melanin in our skin, we still need a little more help to ensure that we are fully protected from the sun’s harmful rays. Believe it or not, we actually do need sunscreen...all year long. So, at this point, you may be surprised that you need SPF, or sun protection factor, throughout every season. But, that is the truth of the matter and if you don’t do your part to shield your skin from the sun, you could actually suffer. Melanin helps, but it’s not 100% for safeguarding your skin from the sun. Also, even though we have been conditioned to think that it’s only needed during the summer that is not true. It’s not just a summertime thing.
Here are a few reasons why you need SPF all year long to keep your fabulous skin in tip top condition and at its absolute best: The ultraviolet rays from the sun can cause your skin to burn and that exposure could lead to skin cancer. Yes, contrary to popular belief, black people can get skin cancer and they can also experience sunburn. Using sunscreen adds a layer of defense on the skin that slows down the skin’s reaction to the ultraviolet rays from the sun. In other words, if skin would normally burn in 10 minutes when exposed to the sun, with a sunscreen with SPF 15, it would take 15
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times longer for that to happen. So, the higher the SPF, the longer the protection from sun damage to your skin. So slather it on the highest SPF that you can find and help your skin to fight against that hot sun! There is a major misconception that black people don’t need to use sunscreen in the colder months. That could not be farther from the truth. While the sun’s rays are weaker in the winter, the ultraviolet rays can still do major damage to your skin. This is not something that you should take for granted. Truth be told, applying sunscreen should be a part of your daily routine. When we don’t use sunscreen with a high
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enough SPF, we are pretty much just putting our skin out there to be fried. Sis, in addition to using sunscreen, you can buy makeup that has SPF in it. YES! There are foundations and even lipsticks that are infused with SPF so you can look good and protect your skin at the same time. Now, that’s a win-win all the way around! If you have sensitive skin or suffer from eczema, SPF is a definitive. With these skin conditions, your skin is more
prone to be adversely affected by the sun’s rays and the elements. There are many sun protection products on the market for those with sensitive skin or eczema. With these products, your skin will be shielded and hopefully, you will be less likely to have skin flares as a result. You want to be comfortable in your own skin and using products with SPF could make that your reality. Be sure to protect that gorgeous melanated skin all year long.
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5 Date Ideas
for a Sizzling Summer by Alexandria Daniels
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It’s the summer of love! Whether you are single and hoping to find love or you are in an established relationship, there is an ample amount of summertime fun that makes for ideal romantic dates. Some couples are more laid back. Others have an itch for adventure. Maybe you and your boo like a mixture of both. Need some sizzling date ideas for this summer? Check out these hot five ideas below.
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Visit an Amusement Park:
For couples who are thrill seekers, going to an amusement park is a muchneeded date to forget the mundane world for a bit and bring in some excitement into your lives. Check out parks that have water rides that will cool you down from the heatwave. It’s a cute date that will remind you guys just how much fun it is to spend time with one another.
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Go Hiking:
This is for those couples who are active and probably health conscious, or just simply love the great outdoors. Go on a hike to soak in all the beautiful views of nature with your love. Hiking around the time of dusk or dawn can make a very romantic date indeed.
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Going on a Staycation:
Not every couple may have the free time or money to go on a full getaway; however, a staycation is a great alternative and can be just as romantic. Find a local hotel you and your significant others can escape to for the weekend. See it as a mini summer adventure! Doing little things like chilling by the pool and ordering room service can be intimate enough to spice up your relationship.
that host outdoor movie theaters where you and your significant other can sit on a cozy picnic blanket together, eat popcorn and snacks in front while watching a fun film.
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Dinner at the Pier:
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The beach is a hot spot for couples. Most beaches have a pier nearby filled with rides, games, and small restaurants. You and your boo can enjoy the summer heat by doing a lot of activities and enjoying a romantic dinner afterwards. It’s an idyllic summer romantic evening.
Watching movies during the summer is sort of a pastime so this idea is a fun one! If you are lucky to live near a local drive thru (they do still exist!), this can be a fun dinner and a movie date. If not, no worries because there are venues
Summer is the peak time to fall in love and go off on these uber romantic dates throughout the season. Hopefully these ideas will inspire you and your boo to go out and give them a shot. No matter what you choose, we hope you two love birds have fun!
Go to a Drive-In/ Outdoor Theater:
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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 last month.
Congratulations to last month’s WINNER! Jerlaunda Wilson-Boulware was randomly selected from everyone who shared their May 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 month’s box using the hashtags #brownsugarbox #izzyandliv for your chance to win next month’s giveaway.
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BONUS: Join our Facebook Group: The Brown Sugar Lounge, for a SECOND CHANCE to win a free box.
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For Kids! Brown Sugar Box, for Lil’ Girls for ages 4-7
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Beach Please
Summer Playlist by Alexandria Daniels Summertime is here! Who is ready to head out to the beach for some sun? I know I am. Next to enjoying the feeling of warm sand on your body and the smell of the ocean, the sounds of crashing waves hitting the shore are just some of the most relaxing sensations ever. It’s the perfect backdrop to take out your beach towel and blast some tunes to past the time. And don’t worry. We got your pitch perfect playlist to chill to while you are soaking up the sun! Below is a mixture of classic and modern summer hits that are great to blast while on a beach trip. These tracks are great for your upcoming beach party cookout with friends, a romantic picnic date, or a bonfire. Even if you are just looking to chill in the sand as you get summer reading done, you will get a kick out of these hip-hop, pop, and funk summer jams. Enjoy!
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“Often (Kygo Remix)” by The Weeknd “Summertime” by Will Smith & DJ Jazzy Jeff “This Is How We Do It” by Montell Jordan “Dance With Somebody” by Whitney Houston “Blurred Lines” (feat. Pharrell Williams and T.I) by Robin Thicke “Happy” by Pharrell Williams “Under The Boardwalk” by The Drifters “Baby Got Back” by Sir Mix A lot “Crazy In Love” by Beyoncé “Umbrella” by Rihanna “Hot Fun In The Summertime” by Sly & The Family Stone “Wild Thoughts” (feat. Rihanna & Bryson Tiller) by DJ Khaled “Drew Barrymore” by SZA “Miami” by Will Smith “Double Up” by Nipsey Hussle “Old Town Roads (Remix)” (feat. Billy Ray Cyrus) by Lil Nas X “Hot in Herre” by Nelly “Passionfruit” by Drake “Drop It Like It’s Hot” by Snoop Dogg “Foolish” by Ashanti “OMG” by Usher “California Love” by 2Pac “Hypnotize” by The Notorious B.I.G “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers “PYT” by Michael Jackson “Summer Madness” by Kool & The Gang “Everybody Loves The Sunshine” by Roy Ayers “Summertime Magic” by Childish Gambino “I Like It” by Cardi B “Around The Way Girl” by LL Cool J
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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 25th of the month prior to the next box. So you will be billed for the January box on the 25th of December; for the Februry box on the 25th of January 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 (25th 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.
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I have feedback on questions, who do I contact? We can be reached at support@izzyandliv.com
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