October 2021 Brown Sugar Box Mini Magazine

OCTOBER 2021 $118 RETAIL VALUE

Girls Night In edition

Fall Fashion Finds 2021

THROWIN’ THAT THANG’ BACK WITH

Retro Nights

She Got Her OwTn P L AY L I

S

Crafty, Sexy, Cool

Make & Take Ideas For Your Next Night In

5 Black AF Card Games Bringing a Cultural Reset to Your Next Game Night

Inside the

Girls Night In

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nce you hit a certain age (cough, cough...30-ish), you actually may start to enjoy canceled plans. Eye masks, weighted blankets, and your favorite binge-worthy shows sound like a good time. Going out in 2021 often takes more mental effort than the act of leaving your house. Less is sometimes more and getting gussied up just ain’t what it used to be.

Staying in is literally what the doctor ordered. Let’s be alone together all throughout October. The Girls Night In edition of your Brown Sugar Box serves up everything you need to enjoy quality time alone and with your best girls. Flip through to see a list of Black rom-coms, stylish looks of the season, dope card games, fall drink recipes, and more! We’re celebrating life and friendship this month. Feminine bonds are critical and when you're in community, you're able to reflect your best self.

Paint by Numbers Set, $25 (1 OF 7 DESIGNS) A masterpiece in the making. Channel your inner Harlem Renaissance and unleash your artistic side. Meet your new favorite hobby. The Paint By Numbers Kit is a relaxing activity that helps release lingering tension at the end of the day while allowing your creative juices to flow. Included are 4 brushes, 1 16”x 20” canvas, and 24 colors. Available in 7 designs: Reflect Her, Strength & Beauty, Pretty & Paisley, Slay Sis, Sistahood, Think Differently, and Eat, Pray, Love.

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OCTOBER 2021 We Promise You: 5-6 Items at an $85 value

This month’s value:

$118 Izzy & Liv BartendHER Cocktail Recipes, $10 Take your mixology skills to the next level. Classy cocktails and culture...shaken, not stirred!

The Izzy & Liv staff rallied together to come up with a twisty Black girl inspired recipe booklet with our favorite adult beverages. Stock up on yummy seasonal comfort foods and wash them down with your new go-to signature cocktail. Includes 60 pages of recipes.

Wildflower Goddess Tee, $28 This month’s tee deeply resonates with the woman you’re becoming. Mother nature is a Black woman. Your mind, body, and spirit are rooted in the Earth and like a goddess, your divine presence runs deep beyond the surface.

Cheers Sis Champagne Flute Set of 2, $ 4 0 Clink, clink! Whether you prefer champagne, prosecco, or a sparkling rosé, toast up all your victories with a touch of elegance. The protective silicone sleeves come in handy for entertaining and outdoor gatherings.

This set includes 2 champagne flutes and removable silicone sleeves.

Wine Down Wine Stopper, $15 (1 OF 5 DESIGNS) Wasting alcohol as an adult is the equivalent of losing your balloon as a kid. Once it's gone, you can't get it back. Savor your bottle of wine down to the last drop. This decorative wine stopper fits almost every regular red or white wine bottle. Impress your guests with the sophisticated gold design. Available in 5 designs: Mine, Self-Love, Crown Me, Queen, and Power.

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2021

Fall Fashion Finds

By Girl Tyler

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ummer is all about going out more and wearing less, but my dear, fall is the season for high fashion.

Give your closet a crisp fall refresh. You’ve got to COORDINATE! Autumn always brings out casual, on-trend looks. We scoured the internet and peeped game from our favorite Black girl fashion experts to roundup this list of styles you should expect to see in the next few months. Mix and match these looks for every occasion.

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OCTOBER 2021

1. Knee-high platform boots They’re baaack! The iconic look from the ‘60s and early ‘00s are on the scene again. Ankle boots will forever remain a fall staple, but knee-high boots are running the streets. (Mid-calf boots are also out and about in 2021.) It's all about height. Pair them with fishnets or a skirt (the higher the slit, the closer to heaven you'll be). Give a little punk rock aesthetic.

2. Super Sparkly Chandelier Earrings Glamour and elegance collide in chandelier earrings.

Wear them on date night or to a wedding. Give a little shimmer at the bar with your girls. Pull your hair back in a low hanging pony or up in a bun. Chandelier earrings are especially beautiful with off-shoulder looks.

3. Ribbed Knit Cardigan Dress Accentuate your curves this season with a comfy knitted dress intertwined with the perfectly pleasing classic style of a cardigan. This polished look is great for work or after 5. Reach for solids and two-tone styles. Go midi or longline. (Don't be afraid to leave a few buttons...UNbuttoned!)

4. Brown Sugar Sweatshirts Goodbye summer blues! Hello chilly hues! Don’t sweat the changing temps.

Stay warm in a sweatshirt. Transform basic jeans by adding pumps, a sweatshirt, and a clutch. Layer it up with a long jacket and leggings. (Your favorite Izzy & Liv statement tees are also available in sweatshirts.)

5. Statement belts Listen up! Statement belts from the ‘90s are making a comeback in a major way. Pair them with oversized shirts then revamp the look into a dress. Wrap it around a blazer. Go matchy-matchy and keep to a one-tone look. Chunky or skinny! No rules here. (Chain belts add an extra bite to any look.)

6. Matching Knit Sets Who said you can’t be sexy and low maintenance? Minimalists rejoice! Comfy and cozy are nonnegotiable during the autumn months. Skirt and knit pant sets are this season's favorites. Take a basic set to the next level with classic sneakers and a baseball cap. Reach for rustic colors and contrasting prints. Up the ante and step out in a matching three-piece cropped tank and cardigan set.

7. Bold Lipsticks Pucker up to ruby reds, electric blue, or dark purple.

Brown lipstick is always prevalent in the fall. Kiss up to a perfectly drawn lip line and paint your lips with badass colors. Need inspo? Our Issa Vibe! 12-Piece Lipstick Set has you covered.

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Crafty, Sexy, Cool

Make & Take Ideas

By Saeeda Ruffin

V

ariety is the spice of life. This is especially true when it comes to hosting events like a girls' night in. Nobody wants to attend an event that’s too predictable and boring. Your guests want to have a good time, but they don’t want to just do the same old stuff. Where would the fun be in that?

It can be challenging coming up with fun and engaging activities that will satisfy a group of grown women. You need to get creative with things... think outside the box, and do something that, maybe, you and your squad never thought about doing before. When you either host or attend a girls’ night, you want the event to be memorable and well worth your time. Well, these, Crafty, Sexy, and Cool make and take ideas could be exactly what the squad is looking for!

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Heat Things Up With Abstract Art Everybody has done one of those paint classes where everybody makes the same work of art before. It’s fun, but not really tailored to individuality. Your squad may want to express themselves a bit differently through the art they produce. Here is a very easy, fun, and totally cool art project that each of you can do during your girls’ night in: You will need plenty of small bottles of craft paint, canvases of varying sizes, and tell everyone to bring their...hairdryers! Yup. They will need those hairdryers to create their abstract art piece. Simply have them select the paints they would like to use. Instruct them to drop and layer drops of different color paints. Then, they will use

their hairdryer to blow the paint into abstract designs on the canvas.

The finished products will be absolutely fabulous and really reflect their individual tastes.

Tat That!

So, many of you probably already have at least one tattoo. But, those are so... permanent! It’s a lot more fun playing around with different looks and trying out designs that

might not be your “forever tats”. Well, you and your squad are going to love this activity. All you need is a computer, printable Tattoo Paper (which is temporary), and your creativity. You and your crew will design and print temporary tattoos for each other. Get as wild and sexy as you would like with this because it’s only temporary. Go all out with a full sleeve or get that face “tat” that you

wondered about. Yes, it’s crazy, but, beyond all of that, it’s super fun and your squad will have a ball doing it!

Love On That Leather Leather is just naturally very sleek and sexy. This time, you’re going to turn that beautiful, supple material into jewelry.

You can bring leather purses or items that you would like to upcycle and give new life to,

or you can simply buy leather from a craft store like Hobby Lobby. Then, get creative with your girls. Have earring clips available, string or wire for necklaces, and a basic sewing kit. There are so many designs available online that you can try or just let your own creative juices flow. Either way, the finished products are sure to be fabulous, and the time together will be priceless!

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THROWIN’ THAT THANG’ BACK WITH

By Saeeda Ruffin

I

t may not happen as often as you would like, but, when you and your girls get together... Sista, you know it’s going to be 100% off the chain! Of course, you wouldn’t want it any other way. Well, the next time you’re planning your “Sista Night” with your squad, throw that thing back and make it a retro- event!

You know your squad is all about a good time. So, they will absolutely love having a get-together that transports them to a different place in time. Y’all get ready for some real fun! Here are a few ideas to help you put on a funky retro squad night that your girls won’t soon forget.

RECREATE THOSE ROARING 20S

Glam it up, Baby! Yasss! Your girls will pull out all the stops for a 20s themed glam night. Finger waves, flapper dresses and hats, plenty of bling, and Gatsby-era props, and your 20s night will have all the fixins’ for a fabulous time. You may want to have a Flapper Fashion Show for you and your Sista-friends to walk the runway. Y’all are sure to bring it that night! So, be sure to take tons of pics to remember this one!

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OCTOBER 2021

TOTALLY TAKE THEM BACK TO THE 80S

Now, y’all know the 80s had some really “questionable” fashions.

But, truth is, we loved them, and they were fun! So, bring back all that nostalgia with an 80s inspired girls' night. If you want to do something super fun and cheesy, have a “Let’s Get Physical” workout session, complete with headbands and leotards.

Test everryone’s 80s knowledge by setting up a trivia contest. Add in everything from valley girl lingo to 80s rap lyrics and movies. Make the prizes items that will transport everyone back in time such as legwarmers, Rubik’s Cubes, and hairbows!

SERVE UP THE 70S

Disco was all the rage in the 70s, and that’s the perfect theme for a 70s inspired girls' night.

For this, you can get the clothing, wigs and accessories and surprise them with everything they need to pull off a really funky look or have everyone bring her own. Weekend thrift store specials can make this a super cheap option.

The other option to create a real-life boogie wonderland is to have everyone come dressed in her own 70s gear. Either way, expect plenty of laughs and wild looks. But, don’t forget the other elements of the disco era. Be sure to have that disco ball, a “get down on it” 70s playlist, and enough space to get your dance on.

No matter which era you decide to rep during your retro girls’ night out, you and your favorite squad will have the time of your lives. Don’t forget that details matter, so, make the food and decor era-appropriate. This is one of those times when doing the most will make the event that much better! Your memories from retro night are going to be monumental. Party on!

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5

Black AF

Card Games B RIN GIN G A CULT UR A L RE S E T TO YOUR NE X T GA ME NI GH T

By Girl Tyler

I

n a socially distanced kinda world, now more than ever, small and intimate gatherings among your favorite humans are more special.

Throw a little booze in the mix, place a friendly wager, and you've got yourself a litty function. Let’s make game night Black AF again! Support Black businesses and bring these wildly popular cultural games to the table.

(Pro tip: These card games make for awesome birthday and Christmas gifts!)

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Kulture Karaoke This music card game is strictly for the culture! Kulture Karaoke was created by Detroit native, Dae Fenwick. Each card is R&B or rap related and players must choose a song that best represents the category. Skip the noisy bars and turn your living room into a live music venue.

OCTOBER 2021

CultureTags Everyone claims to be for the culture, but how well do you really know the culture? IYKYK! This game is all about cracking hashtags and social media acronyms. CultureTags was created by Because of Them We Can® founder, Eunique Jones Gibson. This multigeneration game is fitting for millennials, Gen X, and Gen Z. Even Boomers can get in on the fun! There are 350 cards and a sand timer. Players are given hints from teammates and must guess the CultureTag before time runs out.

"MARTIN": The Trivia Game Diehard “Martin” fans, this one is for you!

Your favorite crew and their insane antics from the iconic ‘90s sitcom are back to test your knowledge.

Husband and wife duo Natalie and Philip are the tastemakers behind The Black Pack, a company that distributes Black culture inspired playing cards. This game is endorsed by the man himself, Martin Lawrence!

The deck features 4 games in one: 200 classic trivia questions, 100 debate questions, 600+ guessing game prompts, and 200+ quotes and impressions. You can also purchase standard playing cards featuring "Martin" characters.

University of Dope “A disrespectful party game for hip hop lovers.” University of Dope was created by hip-hop enthusiasts A.V. Perkins and Marian Andoh. The game consists of 3-6 players with multiple choice hip hop related questions and a few pop quiz cards thrown in the mix. Majority rules and losers must take a drink. Period. University of Dope is also a live interactive game show where contestants put their rap knowledge to the test as the audience casts their votes.

A remix version of #UDOPE titled, The Anatomy of R&B, is coming soon and available for pre-order.

Black Card Revoked Your Black card may be a birthright, but people lose them every day and when they do, it’s almost impossible to get them back.

Black Card Revoked is an oldie but goodie!

This game has been around for quite some time and continues to dominate cookouts and game nights around the globe. Choose between the first, second, or third editions.

From Black Twitter to Black Church all the way to HBCUs, Black Card Revoked is all about spirited debates surrounding popular Black culture.

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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 September 2021.

Congratulations to last month’s WINNER! Cynthia 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.

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She Got Her Own Playlist

By Girl Tyler

F

orget what you heard. This is NOT a man's world. Truth be told, we’ve been running things since the beginning of time as the ultimate creators on Earth.

We got the juice. We may lose a few battles here and there but no matter what, we are indestructible.

The She Got Her Own playlist goes beyond women’s empowerment. This is total Brown Sugar domination! Play it before negotiating your next pay raise. Blast it during a killer cardio workout. Jam on when you’re in need of a reset. It’s your world, everyone else is merely scenery...you can always change your scenery.

Turn it up. Boss up and fiercely pursue your wildest ambitions. Tap in!

• Have Mercy by Chlöe • Bitch Better Have My Money by Rihanna • In My Bag by Justine Skye • 6 Inch by Beyoncé ft.

The Weeknd • Pretty Bitch Freestyle

by Saweetie • What Ya Want by Eve ft.

Ruff Ryders, Nokio • What’s New by Megan Thee Stallion • Focused by Yung Baby Tate • My World by Asiahn • Miss Independent

by Ne-Yo • Control by Janet Jackson • Whole Lotta Money

by Bia • Independent Women Pt. 1 by Destiny’s Child • Louie Bag by YEBBA ft. Smino • And Then Life Was Beautiful by NAO • Recipe! by Jean Deaux • Plain Jane by Femme It Forward & Muni Long

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OCTOBER 2021

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.

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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. If your box was returned due to consumer error, please reach out to customer service for reshipment at an additional cost.

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I have feedback or questions, who do I contact?

We can be reached at support@izzyandliv.com

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Magical gs T hin ARE HAPPENING IN OUR FACEBOOK GROUP

You should be there… Members Only Lounge www.facebook.com/groups/izzyandliv