OCTOBER 2020 $139 RETAIL VALUE
Home,Chic Home 4 Ways to Improve Your Body While You’re at Home
Wine Down
Playlist
4 Black Girl Wine Connoisseurs You Should Follow
3 Work From Home Strategies to Increase Productivity
15 Ways
to Decompress in 10 Minutes or Less
Home is Where the Heart Is:
Why Black Women Need a Sanctuary
Inside the
Home, Chic Home
H
ome is not only where the heart is; home is also where your heart gets to retreat and find peace.
As we move into the cooler months of the year, we want to encourage you to focus on creating a sanctuary behind the front door of the place you call home. Whether you are working from home or coming in from work each day, the peace you have when you enter the door should surpass anything you’ve felt before. There must be a place to hang up your cape, take off your shield, and polish your crown. Home is the place to do all three. Lighting candles, dusting the mantle, organizing your books, and cleaning out your cupboard are all ways to prepare your home for the next season. We know it’s important to make your home a place you love, and we’re ready to help you spice things up this month. Add our new picture frame to your mantle, switch out your shower curtain, and snuggle up in our Culture, Confidence, Soul long sleeve tee as a start to bringing more peace into your space. In this Home Edition of the Brown Sugar Box mini mag, peace at home is our focus and our declaration to you. Peace is possible. Create your best sanctuary starting today. For you, peace may come in the form of decluttering your closet or adding new pillows to your couch (see ours in this box), but whatever way you choose to find peace, we commend you to go for it. And, for the next few months, enjoy home again.
Reflections
Cozy Culture Blanket, $35
Girlfriends
Queen Musings
Chocolate Beauty (Teal)
Brown Sugar Roses
(1 OF 9 DESIGNS)
Snuggle up with your favorite Beautiful book under our Cozy Culture Bold Blanket. This 50"x60" throw plush Sistas blanket is great for nights under the moon or near the fireplace. Throw this one over your armchair Afro Chic for a quick change in your new Ponytail home decor.
2
6 more designs:
Geometric Goddess (Hot Pink)
Brown Sugar Roses (Black)
OCTOBER 2020 Culture, Confidence, Soul Crewneck Longsleeve Tee, $28
We Promise You: 5-6 Items at an $85 value
This month’s value:
Grab your favorite cup of hot chocolate (from last month’s box) and cuddle up in this heather grey long sleeve tee. This comfortable crew neck is perfect for cool nights and chilly mornings. Sizes S-3X.
$139
Good Times Picture Frame, $16 (1 OF 6 STYLES)
Bring a few happy memories to your home with the new Good Times picture frame. Life tried to stop your summer vacations, but you can still display some of your favorite pictures from vacations past. These 4"x6" cuties are a great edition to your office desk or living room picture wall. Available styles: Royal Goddess, Geometric Goddess (Yellow), Chocolate Beauty (Blush), Paisley Beauty, Vibrant Vibes, Pretty & Primed (Black/Red). Hang on wall or display on table top.
2pc. Throw Pillow Covers, $30 (1 OF 6 SETS) Give your pillows a new look with these cute 2pc. Throw Pillow Covers. From images of confident queens to patterns of serenity and peace, each of these 18"x18" pillow covers will add a touch of warmth to your couch, bed, or chair. Available designs: So Beautiful, Queen Musings, Beautiful Bold Sistas, Reflections, Chocolate Beauty (Teal), and Glow on Girl
Chic at Home Shower Curtain, $30 (1 OF 5 DESIGNS)
Bring some bold, melanin comfort to your bath time. Self-care gets a little more magical with these vibrant, earthy, and unique additions to your bathroom. Available designs: Black Onyx Beauty, Geometric Goddess (Yellow), Brown Sugar Roses (Black), Egyptian Goddesses and Chocolate Beauty (Blush). Waterproof & mildew resistant fabric. Hooks included. Size 72"x72". Spot clean with wet cloth. Check our site for select bath mat designs to match your shower curtain.
3
3 Work From Home Strategies
4
OCTOBER 2020
By Girl Tyler
W
e’re six months into the pandemic and for many of us, the work from home routine has become a bit mundane. A successful work from home scenario requires an organized workstation, discipline, and limited distractions. Life is stressful enough, now you’re inviting your coworkers into your home. This isn’t the work-life balance anyone imagined. Since it isn’t possible to know when, if ever, companies will return to a traditional workplace setting, now is as good a time as any to refresh your day-to-day work from home habits. If you’re growing more fatigued by the day and experiencing cabin fever, revitalize your work from home routine with three new strategies to increase your productivity:
1. Plan Ahead
Instead of waking up and setting your intentions for the day, do it the night before. By doing so, you’ll be less overwhelmed in the morning. Planning ahead will give you time to literally sleep on it and you’ll feel less burdened when you wake up. Create an old-fashioned to-do list or set calendar reminders in your phone. Set clear priorities and be realistic in what you want to accomplish. Aim to start and end work at the same time each day.
2. Abandon Domestic Work
You will lose valuable time and energy if you do chores while you’re working from home. Think of housework just as you would if you were in the office – preferably not at all. After all, you can’t fold clothes or do a DIY project while you’re physically in the office, so don’t do it while you’re working remotely. Set aside time to do chores, meal prep and go grocery shopping on weekends or in the evenings just like you would during a normal workday.
3. Take a Break
You shouldn’t skip a lunch break in the office, so why deprive yourself at home? Build in a few breaks to unplug from the demands of never-ending alerts and notifications. Stress tends to compound during the day and it can be a recipe for a meltdown. There are two words you need to keep handy while working from home: walk away. Go outside and get some fresh air or just walk to the kitchen for a light snack. Clear your head and take time to realign your vision for the work that you set out to do.
5
Home is Where the Heart Is:
Why Black Women Need a Sanctuary
By Jarius Edens
S
afety and comfort are two elements of life we all deserve. Quite simply, it is what puts our minds at ease and our hearts at rest. It can come from the warm cup of tea we drink or the soft blanket we snuggle under after a long day out in the world. As Black women, especially, we need and deserve the safety and comfort that comes from having our own sanctuaries. That begs the question: “Are Black women safe?” Do we truly have a place to rest and relax – a place where we can finally take off our capes (if only for a few hours) and just be at peace with ourselves?
6
Amid remote work environments, virtual learning and online meetings, as Black women, we are still refining and redefining the space we occupy. We still experience the daily and very real stress that comes from commanding and demanding, respect. We still must fight to protect our own, hold our own and build our own — often while standing on our own. No doubt about it, we all need a sanctuary and every true Queen deserves one. Here are six MORE reasons you, Queen, need to find your sanctuary and zealously protect it.
1.
2.
3.
4. 5. 6.
Your body needs a place to let go and let your guard down. Your mind needs a respite from the constant filtering and code switching. Your heart yearns for a place to open up and release what’s inside. Your spirit deserves a place to seek refuge. Your soul craves a place to recharge. Your being wants a sanctuary to come home to.
Have you created your sanctuary — a place where your soul can rest? If not, what are you waiting for?
OCTOBER 2020
15 Ways to Decompress IN 10 MINUTES OR LESS by Girl Tyler
1.
I
Take a walk: Changing your scenery will shift your mental state.
2.
Do some stretches: Release tension and you’ll feel relaxed.
3.
Sip a little something: Wine or hot tea will do the trick!
4.
Chew gum: Get your jaws moving and calm your nerves.
5.
Meditate: Woosah it out!
6.
Turn on some music: Calming music has the ability to reduce your blood pressure
7.
Close your eyes: Manifest a positive space.
8.
Wash your face: Splash on some cold water and simmer down.
9.
Get organized: Clutter can cause stress. Tidy up!
s 2020 working your last nerve? We know, sis. Ours too. You’re booked and busy and need a quick outlet. Adjusting to the new normal is frustrating and stressful, but don’t throw in the towel just yet. Got 10 minutes to spare? Keep this list handy for when you’re feeling suffocated. Try these easy techniques to decompress and snap back for more peaceful state.
10. Journal: Release your frustrations onto paper. 11.
Phone a friend: Laughter is good for the soul.
12. Say the ABC’s backwards: Trick your mind into focusing on the letters. 13. Reach for the stress ball: When you feel anger bubbling, take it out on a stress ball. 14. Color: Adult coloring books cater to your artsy side and promote relaxation. 15. Aromatherapy: A few droplets of lavender in a diffuser will do the trick.
7
Home Body: 4 Ways to Improve Your Body While You’re At Home By Jarius Edens
S
is, you’re keeping everything in order. The house is clean and organized – Check! The deck is “decked out” and a beautiful oasis – Check! The kids are taken care of and school is going well — fingers crossed and Check! BAE is happy and relaxed – Check! You’re even keeping up with your water intake and your exercise routine – Check! Check! Smooth sailing and calm waters, right? We agree. You’re doing an amazing job! What better time to take you to the next level? Believe it or not, doing these four things over the next few months can improve your body (and your health), all from the comfort of your home:
Self-care regimens to improve your health. Start a nightly skin routine. Listen to positive podcasts and music. Open a window and let some fresh air in. All of these can help your body properly function and clear your body of toxins.
Fun TikTok routines to improve your flexibility. Take to an open space on the floor and stretch your body with fun dances. Stretching is perfect for reducing pain, increasing blood flow, and bringing clarity to your mind.
8
More rest and less work to improve your mood. Take in as much sunshine as you can during the next few months. Turn off the computer and enjoy the sun. Vitamin D is a must for building your immune system and boosting your mood.
Warm Colorful Soups to improve your brainpower. Snuggle up with a warm butternut squash soup and head to bed earlier than normal. Let your brain rest before you drift off. Sleep reduces the chances of heart disease, increases productivity, and prevents excess weight gain. Source: medicalnewstoday.com
9
4 Black Girl Wine Connoisseurs
You Should Follow By Girl Tyler
I
n the U.S., winemaking is a multibillion-dollar industry and women of color deserve a cut. From winemakers and CEOs all the way to wine critics and everyday consumers, Black women are redefining an industry where they are noticeably underrepresented. These influential wine experts have created exclusive and well-respected outlets for other minority women to network and become educated in the economics of selling and importing wine. Although many brands have missed several opportunities for inclusion and diverse taste, Black women are ensuring community, lifestyle and building a legacy in wine culture. Here are 4 dope wine entrepreneurs who are killing the game and working to get more Black women a seat at the table.
10
Julia Coney Wine Journalist and Black Wine Professionals Founder Instagram: @juliaconey
Julia’s work has been featured in several major publications including Forbes, Glamour, and The Washington Post, just to name a few. She was a 2019 Fellow of the Professional Wine Writers Symposium at Meadowood Napa Valley and Wine & Spirits recently recognized Julia as a media trailblazer in wine.
OCTOBER 2020
Kelly Mitchell
Chasity Cooper
Independent Wine Consultant and Kelly Mitchell Wine, Founder
Wine Journalist and Wine with Chas Creator
Instagram: @kells01
Kelly is a wine educator and salesperson with a Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 2 certification. Wine & Spirits recently named her as one of the rising voices in wine sales and marketing.
Instagram: @chasityscooper
Chasity is a selfproclaimed oenophile. Her work showcases all things wine and features women of color leading the charge in the wine space through trends and culture. She shares her expertise in several outlets, including Wine Enthusiast, Food & Wine, Thrillist, and more.
Desiree Harrison-Brown Founder, WINO NOIRE Instagram: @winonoire
Desiree is a Wine Ambassador for Pernod Ricard Winemakers with a Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 3 certification. She recently received a Women Behind the Wine scholarship from Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation.
11
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 August 2020.
OCTOBER 2020
Congratulations to last month’s WINNER! Portia (IG: @ordinary_portia) 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.
By Girl Tyler
I
t’s impossible to predict how long we’ll be indoors. Your home is now your office, daycare, nail salon, restaurant, and more. You deserve a break from home. While every state has different COVID-19 protocols and guidelines in place, it may be tough for you to safely travel to a vacation spot. Bring on the staycation vibes. Get creative in rediscovering ways to relax at home. Fill up your glass with a strong beverage (or if you’re like me, reach for something virgin) and toast it up to some much-needed me time with the Wine Down playlist. These smooth, melodic songs will guide you into a zenful state despite the world around you. Staying at home for recreation is an adjustment. Unwind with these smooth R&B vibes. • • • • • • • •
14
I Like That by Janelle Monáe Mad at Me by Kiana Ledé Can’t Get Enough by Tamia Girls Need Love by Summer Walker sobeautiful by Musiq Soulchild So Gone by Monica Change by Arin Ray x Kehlani BRB by Mahalia ft. Pink Sweat$
• • • • • • • •
I Love You by Faith Evans Talkin’ To Me by Amerie COFFEE by Kelly Rowland Used To Love by Yuna ft. Jhené MADE 4 U by Leven Kali ft. Syd Down to Earth by UMI Lost One by Jazmine Sullivan This Woman’s Work by Maxwell
OCTOBER 2020
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
ARE HAPPENING IN OUR FACEBOOK GROUP
You shoul d be t here… Member s Only L ounge www.facebook.com/groups/izzyandliv