January 2019 Brown Sugar Box

Brown Sugar Box

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Celebrate Your Black Girl Magic in 2019 7 Apps to Keep Your Life on Track Ways to Save Big this Year

TIPS FOR ACHIEVING YOUR GOALS

JANUARY 2019 $109 RETAIL VALUE

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

This month’s value:

Gl ow U p Box

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ew year, new you! 2019 is YOUR year and we’re here to help you get started on the right foot!

Every January, we’re making new resolutions to last us the year, but how many of us give up before we even get started? Not anymore! 2019 and every year after will be the year of the black woman, and it’s time we started acting like it. THE GLOW UP STARTS NOW. For all those trying to throw shade on your life, let ‘em know that they can’t dim your light! Our January tee is so you can let all the haters and nay-sayers know that no one is going to block your blessings. The New Year is about setting ourselves up for success and nothing happens without a plan. Whether you’re trying to get your personal or professional life together, our “Glow Up Year” planner will help you stay on your p’s and q’s. From meal prep to saving a buck, it has all you need! In order to put your plans to paper, you need the right tools to do it and our

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customized pen set is not only a cute accessory to your planner, but it has daily reminders to keep you going!

Setting your New Years’ resolutions often comes with the strive to go to the gym. Whether you’re a size 2 or 22, going to the gym is something to incorporate into a healthier lifestyle.

Sometimes, all you need is a little push and the tools! A duffle bag with the reminder that you “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop” will have you trading in classic cardio for lifting weights.

And don’t forget to stay hydrated!

While you might love that cocktail during happy hour or on the weekend, make sure you’re quenching that thirst daily with your customized Izzy & Liv water bottle.

While we’re hoping for the best year, it’s sure to bring some bumps along the way. If those bumps manifest into a tension-filled body, buff those kinks out with a pressure point massager. You need to keep your body lose to keep two-stepping along to a fabulous year!

$109

“CHUG LIFE” DIFFUSER WATER BOTTLE [One of Four Colors] (Retail Value $15) The ‘80s had us saying “Milk… It does a body good,” but now we’re all trading in glasses of milk for bottles of water. If you’re ready to rep’ CHUG LIFE, our customized diffuser will have you getting in more than your 8 cups a day. Plain water might be too bland for you. Just add your favorite fruit or veggies to give your water some life and flavor!

Hand wash only.

“CAN’T STOP WON’T STOP” DUFFLE BAG [One of Four Colors] (Retail Value $15) 2019 is the year of making moves and this duffle bag is perfect if you’re on-the-go!

Whether you’re running errands or you’re “up in the gym working on your fitness,” our custom duffle will motivate you to keep going. Compact and foldable, it’s ideal for storing anywhere from your closet to your gym locker.

Spot clean only.

“MAKIN’ MOVES” PEN SET [Set of 3] (Retail Value $13) Don’t let your ideas stay in your head. Put them down on paper! The perfect complement to your brand new planner, this pen set will give you daily affirmations to “slay the day,” be a “goal digger,” and keep “thinking of a master plan.”

THE GLOW UP YEAR PLANNER (Retail Value $25) New year, new you? How about the same you, only better!

It’s the Glow Up Year and it starts with getting our lives in order! Whether you’re keeping track of your day-to-day activities or saving your coins, this planner will have you on track to your glow up all 2019.

PRESSURE POINT MASSAGER (Retail Value $13) We’re leaving all the tension and kinks behind in 2018 and walking into 2019 with a relaxed mind and body. You might not have time to schedule a massage, but you won’t need one! This personal massager will help you iron out all those kinks in a matter of seconds.

Can be disassembled and reassembled.

“CAN’T DIM MY LIGHT” T-SHIRT (Retail Value $28) Let your haters be your motivators! If someone’s trying to block your blessings, this tee is all you need for them to swerve on out of your face. And in case you need the reminder, just remember that you were meant to shine and no one can dim your light!

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How to Celebrate your

Black Gir l

Magic

in 2019

by Saeeda Ruffin adiate with your confidence beaming! Now, step back and admire the beauty in the mirror. It’s about that time… It’s time to celebrate your black girl magic and put it in full effect. It’s no holds barred, unapologetically you...all you, for the world to see and recognize.

Every year should be the year of you.

But if it hasn’t been, it’s not too late to commit to celebrating who you are in 2019, and beyond.

We are marching toward 2019 and before you get all caught up in the “resolution making,” consider making your new year reflective of what you need to live your best life. You may need to take the focus off of other people’s expectations for you and really make your own happiness, selfcare, and peace of mind paramount in this new year.

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You are uniquely you. You have something amazing inside of you that should not be buried or set aside. Put your best self out there and make plans to enjoy life on purpose and to live with purpose.

We have put together some of our favorite tips and events to guide you toward reaching even higher heights of self-appreciation. You gon’ learn today! Here’s how to celebrate your black girl magic in 2019: If you are about that natural hair life, you will love the Curlfest, which usually takes place in New York City.

This event is a harmonious jamboree of positive vibes, natural hair in every possible state of being from afros to locs, and fabulous brown folks that are experiencing enlightenment and personal freedom through their hair journey. You can find more information about this funky event at http:// www.curlygirlcollective.com/curlfest/.

Make it a girls’ trip or just make it a solo adventure, but, whatever you do, make your way to the 25th Anniversary of the Essence Fest in July 2019! For decades, Essence has been the quintessential guide to all things for black women. The Essence Fest features top shelf entertainment, life-changing workshops and symposiums, fantastic fashion, and plenty of food for thought! Everybody and their momma will be there and so will Izzy & Liv. But it’s one of the most perfect places to connect, relate, and celebrate your black girl magic amongst other phenomenal black women. Oleta Adams said it best, “I don’t care how you get here, just get here if you can!”

Join an organization that allows you to sparkle without resistance.

There are marvelous black women groups that were born from the belief that black women should have a place

of respite. We all need a place where we can speak openly without having to “code change,” and where we can simply exist without judgment. Do a little research and find a group like that, who will love and accept your black girl magic. Groups can range from service organizations to hobby focused groups to groups that are designed purely for self-preservation.

Love. One of the best ways to celebrate your black girl magic is to love yourself and love others. But, most importantly, fall in love with you! Yes, you! Love your body. Love the skin that you are in. Love the things you do. Love everything that makes you the most special “you” on the planet.

With love comes peace. But, it starts with self. In order to truly celebrate your black girl magic, you have to accept who you are and keep moving toward being your best self. Get on it in 2019. Show up, turn up, and shine!

5 Tips on Setting Goals and

Achieving Them

by Saeeda Ruffin

Everyone’s life should have purpose. Each year, people evaluate where they are and what they have accomplished, in an effort to determine their “success.” But, a better thing to evaluate is what you have done to get closer to obtain your personal goals.

Setting personal goals is something that people often say that they want to do but struggle even determining what they should include in them. How many times have you set out to create a list of goals and ended up with a checklist that you don’t feel passionate about or really compelled to complete? Even worse is when we let others create “our” goals based on what they feel we should do.

When that happens, we often feel a disconnect and little or no accountability to those “goals.”

As we get closer to a new year, it’s normal to want a fresh start and another opportunity to be better. The truth is that we should always keep moving closer to being our best selves...not just at the New Year. So, let’s make this year different and get over the “goal hum.” Turn those items on your checklist from “do” to “done!” To help you on this journey, here are a few tips for setting goals and achieving them:

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Make your own list!

Yes, it may sound simple, but no accountability to the prescribed goals is one of the biggest reasons that people fail to accomplish them. The more that you put into setting your goals, the more you will expect to get out of them. It’s alright to ask other people their opinions, but the bottom line is that your goals should be totally and completely about you and your overall well-being.

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Goals should impact your life.

So, don’t set goals that don’t mean anything to you.

The goals that you set for yourself should make you want to achieve them. There should be some intrinsic reward for you. Your reward might be a feeling of personal gratification. You should feel good about what you have done and you have an understanding of why you have done whatever that goal was. It doesn’t have to make a lot of sense to others.

All that matters is that it reflects positively in YOUR LIFE. This will be fuel for your desire to accomplish these goals.

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Goals should be measurable.

While you can’t measure how happy someone will be because of what you have done for them, you can measure how long it took you to plan that activity or how much time it took to make it happen.

You have to be realistic about your goals and really consider what it will take to accomplish them. Often we underestimate the amount of effort it takes to get things done. Because we don’t really take time fully into account, we get frustrated and don’t see things through. So be realistic about the time commitment for your goals.

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Be very specific with your goals.

For example, don’t just say, “I want to go back to school.” Instead of just putting that basic, blanket statement out into the atmosphere, be specific about it.

Determine when you want to go to school, what school you would like to attend, and set time aside for going through the admissions process. Yes, you will need to do research. That takes time! Take that into account and figure out what you would like to study in school, as well as WHY you want to go back to school. If you have other responsibilities, such as kids, a spouse, or even a high pressure job, you will want to come up with a plan. In order to do that, you need to be specific about your expectations. Once you have done that, you will be better able to get your mind around HOW you can make this happen, and you can move toward realizing that goal. It can happen, but not if you are totally clueless and looking for others to figure it out for you.

Celebrate accomplishing your goals.

It may seem silly, but allowing yourself an opportunity to pat yourself on the back is important. You deserve to appreciate what you have done, even if it’s not as important to others. The celebration can be anything that you want, but just make it something all about you! Remember, you are setting goals that will make a difference in your life and your pursuit of happiness. So, plan to enjoy what you do and you will likely feel much more connected to your goals, and your achievements.

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e v a S Big Ways to

This Year

by Saeeda Ruffin

I

t’s hard to explain how euphoric one can feel when they get a deal on something. We love to pay less for stuff! In fact, when we know we are going to get a lower price on the things that we want, we almost immediately start planning for how we will spend the “extra” savings. It doesn’t matter if the savings are some cents off of the regular price, we want to be able to get the most for the least amount of money.

In order to maximize your savings, you have to plan, plan, and plan some more! Saving money doesn’t just happen by osmosis. It takes research, patience, and a desire to go after the best possible price for the things that we want. The old adage that “time is money” is very much a part of the dynamics of saving. The time that you spend looking things up, searching out alternatives, and comparing prices should definitely be worth your time when it comes to the financial payoff of your efforts.

This year, expect to save BIG! In

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return, expect to have more of what you need to make your life manageable and enjoyable….money! Get into “beast mode” and follow these tips to help you keep more of your money in your pockets! >> Look at and USE free and fundraiser coupon books! Most people receive coupon books with their mail. They probably refer to these coupon books as “junk mail”. Well, if you consider “money” junk, then, sure, call them that. But, if you are anything like those who appreciate saving money, you see those local coupon books as handy little passes to holding on to your money. They usually include “buy one, get one free” coupons for local restaurants. So, instead of going out and paying full price, use these coupons and pay up to half off.

Additionally, the coupon books that are often sold for fundraisers are treasure troves for saving. The key to saving with these is that you only buy it if you plan to use the services that are included in them. For instance, if the book includes high priced restaurants or services that you would never use, then, you probably want to pass on it. But, if your favorite spots are in there, you will likely save well beyond the cover price for the book. Because most include absolute freebies, a $20 coupon book might net you upwards of $500 in savings over the life of the book. >> Shop online when it will allow for saving. Sites such as eBay and Amazon often have items cheaper than local pricing. Shopping online does take patience because you have to wait for your items to come. However, with services that you can buy such as Amazon Prime, which allows for free shipping and 2-day delivery, you won’t have to wait too long!

>> Always sign up for the store “saving clubs.” That is, literally, free money. If you don’t want the emails to get mixed up with your personal emails, set up a separate free email account that is specifically for your coupons, savings, and deal sites. In addition to the regular discounts on sale items, many supermarkets include actual “Dollars Off” coupons such as $5 off of $40 purchase. Hey, you were going to spend $40 anyway, so, why not take advantage of all the sale prices AND an additional $5 off? By the time you are done, you may have spent pennies on the dollar. >> Clip coupons! Clipping coupons takes a lot of work.

But, for most people who invest the time, the pay off is significant. There are coupon sites where you can download coupons and even swap coupons with people. With that, you mostly want to get coupons for things that you will use or need in the future. But, also remember, if you can get things for cheap or free, it may be worth it because you could always donate to those who are less fortunate. That will be a major personal win as well! >> Use your phone to get alerted to deals and use apps or sites like Groupon, Retailmenot.com, and livingsocial.com. That way, you will always be in the know when it comes to saving opportunities!

Share! Yes, learn to share. Whether

you’re sharing a meal, a ride, or kids clothing, if you make sharing with others a part of your personal financial plan, you will definitely save lots of money.

Sometimes, it’s the small things that add up quickly when it comes to finances.

Share with your kids or share with your companion. You can even save by sharing Uber and Lyft rides with strangers who are going the same way! >> Always, always look for coupons and deals! Read the walls and windows, and check company websites from time to time. Remember, a little time spent could mean a big savings gained!

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7 Apps

to keep your life on track

by Alexandria Daniels

Happy 2019! Whether you made a list of New Years’ Resolutions or not, it’s a new start on your life. Life is messy and it can be difficult to make sure it is moving smoothly. Thank goodness for apps.

There are so many that can help you feel organized in just about every area of life. Check out some of these apps below that will help keep your life on track:

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ASANA

Asana is a great tool for organizing your projects, especially if you are self-employed or run your company with a team. It’s easy to use and navigate. Asana allows you to set up due dates for yourself and your team members, create to-do lists, and boards. Whether you need an organizational app for work or for your own personal use, Asana is the ultimate app to help you get your life on track.

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POCKET

Being online can be time-consuming but there are times when you don’t have time to read everything. This is where the Pocket app comes in. Pocket is a great way to save any web pages, images, or videos you come across so you can revisit them later. The Pocket is a wonderful way to help you spend your internet time wisely, as well as organize any materials you found online.

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PRISM

Nothing says getting your life together more than tracking your finances and paying the bills. Thank goodness there are apps like Prism

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to help get all of that sorted out. Prism allows you to set up reminders, account balances, and expenses. Best of all, it’s free to download.

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SLEEP CYCLE

Having trouble falling asleep? Sleep Cycle is the perfect app for you.

By using sound analysis, Sleep Cycle detects your sleeping patterns, snoring and movements. This way you will be able to get a better night’s rest.

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INFINITE TIMER

There are plenty of mindfulness apps out there but Infinite Timer is one of the best ones. It is a meditation app where you can communicate with other meditators to see who is meditating at the same time as you. You can also use this app to simply play meditative music when you want to escape from the outside world. It’s a great app to use to help keep your inner balance.

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FLO

Whether you are on your menstrual cycle or trying to get pregnant, Flo is a wonderful app for women. If you know your cycle, Flo will help you keep track of when

you are ovulating, when your period is coming or if it’s late. It also notifies you of when you are most likely or not likely to get pregnant if you are looking to conceive. You can also keep track of your moods, diet, hormonal changes, etc. If you’re looking for more information, Flo provides informative articles on sex and reproductive health.

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MY FITNESS PAL

Keeping a healthy diet is necessary for overall good health and especially helpful if you’re trying to drop a few pounds before your next trip. If you are looking to keep track of your calories, then My Fitness Pal is an app you need in your life. It lets you put in what you ate for breakfast, lunch, and dinner so you can see how much nutrients you are getting.

There is literally an app for everything these days. Thankfully, most of them help us get our life straightened out. We hope these apps will help you feel more productive and organized. Happy New Year!

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Minding our black-Owned Businesses in 2019

by Alexandria Daniels

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t’s 2019 and we’re rooting for everyone black! As a black-owned company, we at Izzy & Liv love to support other black-owned businesses as well. There are many black business owners that put in a lot of blood, sweat, and tears to make their dreams come true – making products for their community and selling it to their communities. Too many times, many of these businesses don’t get the love they deserve. Here are few black-owned businesses to support in 2019:

MinkeeBlue

MinkeeBlue founder Sherill Mosee crafted her brand as a place for women who want to look stylish while on the go.

Put those large purses aside, for MinkeeBlue offers chic and versatile 2-in-1 bags designed to carry your shoes, laptops, and lunches all in one go. https://minkeeblue.com/

Le Creatif Linen

Founded by Angela Page Hawkins, Le Creatif Linen is here for your sleeping needs. They offer a beautiful selection of bedding, which includes French linen and sleek bamboo sheets, sleepwear, and a luxurious line of sprays so you can have a divine sleep. https://lecreatiflinen.com/

Darlyng & Co

BAABS Beauty

BAABS Beauty provides cruelty-free, hypoallergenic beauty products.

Founded by Necia Baabs Boston, their top tier beauty line consists of highly pigmented and long-lasting makeup.

If you are located in the Greenville, North Carolina area, check out their beauty bar where they provide a range of services such as waxing, facials, and lash extensions. https://www.baabsbeauty.com/

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Do you have kids or a baby on the way?

Then Darlyng & Co is your saving grace when it comes to all things baby supplies from adorable mittens, toys, clothes, and teethers. Founded by Carl and Tara Darnley, the company cares about the parents and understands how stressful it is to take care of a child. All of their products are eco-friendly and have received praise across the country, including being featured on sites like Essence and Black Enterprise. https://www.darlyngandco.com/

Sassy Jones

Founded by Charis Jones, Sassy Jones is the brand for women looking to celebrate their personality and confidence with beautifully crafted accessories and jewelry.

You can never sparkle too much and her brand will have you walking in and turning heads with her vibrant, eclectic pieces! https://www.shopsassyjones.com/

If you’re ready to throw your dollars at a few new businesses in 2019, make sure you have a few black-owned businesses in there! Don’t walk around minding your business. Mind your black-owned businesses.

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New Year, New You

Playlist Happy New Year ladies! Time to let go of the oldness that is 2018 and embrace what 2019 has in store for you. What is great about New Years is that it allows us to officially reinvent ourselves. Maybe you’ve taken inventory and you want to change up your style, start a new workout routine, or get rid of old habits. Whatever it is you want to switch up, here is our New Year, New You Playlist that is sure to motivate you to have the best year of your life: • At Last – Etta James • 1999 - Prince • New Year’s Resolution – Otis Redding and Carla Thomas • Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ – Michael Jackson • Finesse (Remix) – Bruno Mars Feat. Cardi B. • Bodak Yellow – Cardi B. • Humble – Kendrick Lamar • I Feel Love – Donna Summer • I Gotta Feeling – Black Eyed Peas • Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye • Respect – Aretha Franklin • Happy – Pharrell • Best To You – Blood Orange • I Ain’t Too Proud To Beg – TLC • Bootylicious – Destiny’s Child • ApeSh*t – The Carters • Celebration – Kool & The Gang • Know Yourself – Drake • Countdown – Beyonce • Work It – Missy Elliot

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WITH THE BROWN SUGAR CLIQUE Ready to find a Brown Sugar Box clique in your corner of the country? Our Brown Sugar Babes are international with women all over the world receiving their box each month.

Now we are making it easier than ever before to both register your meetup and find meet ups near you.

1. SUBMIT YOUR MEETUP FOR APPROVAL If you want to post your meetup on our website and within the Brown Sugar Lounge, registering your event is now MANDATORY. But don’t worry – it’s easy!

2. CREATE YOUR MEETUP EVENT PAGE 3. ANNOUNCE YOUR APPROVED EVENT IN THE BROWN SUGAR LOUNGE ON FACEBOOK Ready to register your meetup? Want to find an event near you? Visit bit.ly/BSBMeetups

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Paulette Gibson March 19, 1953 – November 29, 2018

Izzy & Liv is a sisterhood and the Brown Sugar Box has given subscribers the chance to connect with one another “beyond the box,” becoming real life sister-friends. Through our Brown Sugar Lounge on Facebook, we have gotten to know countless women who hold a strong presence in the Lounge and in our hearts. One such woman was our “Silver Fox,” Ms. Paulette.

Paulette was a loving and refreshing presence in the lounge and with every release of a new box, we could expect Ms. “Silver Fox” to post a picture slaying in her new t-shirt or her showing off a favorite accessory. As much of a blessing as she was to our group, we can imagine those who knew her personally were blessed tenfold. Our thoughts and prayers remain with her friends and family as they mourn her loss. While we will miss Paulette’s presence in our Brown Sugar Lounge, we won’t forget the love, support and sass she continuously brought us. Rest In Peace.

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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beauties Brown Sugar Box

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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 the past few months.

Congratulations to last month’s WINNER! Undra Grant was randomly selected from among everyone who shared their January 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.

BONUS: Join our Facebook Group: The Brown Sugar Lounge, for a SECOND CHANCE to win a free box.

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Magical Things Are happening in our Facebook Group

YOU SHOULD BE THERE… MEMBERS ONLY LOUNGE https://www.facebook.com/groups/izzyandliv