June 2017 Brown Sugar Mini Mag

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Brown Sugar Box IZZY&LIV’S

JUNE 2017

$121 VALUE STYLES FROM THE 90’S WE’D ROCK TODAY BE NOSTALGIC

5 THINGS WE CAN LEARN FROM MARTIN & GINA’S RELATIONSHIP

5 Ways to Style Headwraps BE CONFIDENT

SELF CARE

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BROWN SUGAR BEAUTIES

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4 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER TRAVELING ALONE

TREAT YO’SELF! 4 THINGS YOU SHOULD DO FOR YOU

IZZY & LIV’S BROWN SUGAR BOX SUBSCRIBER SHOUT-OUTS

BONUS! EXCLUSIVE

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THIS MONTH!

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SAVE EVEN MORE!

OFFERS FROM BLACK WOMEN OWNED BUSINESSES WE LOVE!

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What’s Inside This Month’s Box? CAST OF MARTIN T-SHIRT RETAIL: $28

Paying homage to one of the greatest shows in black culture.

Debate us later. If you were a fan of Marty Mar and Gina, laughed at Cole’s jokes, ain’t have no job like Tommy, or threw shade before it was a thing like Pam, rep your favorite TV crew with this Martin cast tee. * Heathered premium jersey cotton * Machine wash cold

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MOTHER EARTH LEATHERETTE CLUTCH W/ STRAP RETAIL: $40 The right accessories are all you need to give your style a quick upgrade. And when that accessory is versatile? Issa win. Take your makeup bag from simple to chic or dress up a plain outfit with this regal Mother Earth clutch. * 9.4”x7.5” * Made of PU leather *Single side design *Lined with polyester cotton * Zipper closure

MOTHER EARTH LEATHERETTE COMPACT MIRROR RETAIL: $18 When a lady’s gotta check her makeup, she should do it in style. This chic compact mirror is the perfect choice to touch up your lipstick or to check the crown after a long day. * 2”x3” * Design printed on PU leather * Double-sided design * ABS plastic frame * 2 inside mirrors: 1X1 & 1X2 magnification

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SKIRTSY’S MINI HEADWRAP (ASSORTED PATTERNS) RETAIL: $15 Bad hair day where? Head wrap season is on the way and we got your back. Go ‘head and give your hair a break with this vibrant ankara head wrap. Twist it up into a turban or wrap it around and let your hair peek through. Brought to you by www.theskirtsybox.com

SKIRTY’S FABRIC WRAP HOOP EARRINGS (ASSORTED PATTERNS) RETAIL: $10 Hoop earrings will always hold a place in black girl fashion. Take this iconic accessory up a notch with ankara print, speaking to both your inner around the way girl and nubian queen. Love them?

Find more at www.skirtsybox.com (PS: Don’t forget to check out the VIP offers the people at Skirtsy included in your box! )

SHENEHNEH “OH MY GOOOODNESS” ENAMEL KEYCHAIN RETAIL: $10 Carry your love for everyone’s favorite neighbor wherever you go with this Shenenah keychain. Cute, funny, and gives you the chance to unapologetically drop all your favorite quotes: “Oh my goooddness!”

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5 Things We Can Learn From Martin & Gina’s Relationship

by Valerie Edwards

The 90s hit TV show Martin has earned its place in television hall of fame.

It was not hard to fall in love with Martin’s hijinks and the playful banter between him and “Pam”. It was the endearing relationship between Martin and “Gina” that gives meaning to the term #blacklove back then. Let’s go back in time and explore how their relationship was able to stand the test time. Maybe we can all learn a thing or two about how to maintain a longterm relationship from our favorite fictional television couple.

1

THEY DIDN’T TAKE THEMSELVES TOO SERIOUSLY. There’s nothing worse than being in a relationship where all you do is analyze each other all the time. Most of us know at least one couple like this; they’re constantly arguing and bickering over petty things.

While Martin & Gina had their share of (hilarios) spats, one of the most refreshing things about their relationship was that they were always laughing together. They truly enjoyed each other’s company and it resonated through the television screen. Their relationship was what having a best friend as a mate should be like.

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2 THEY HUNG OUT WITH A TIGHT GROUP OF FRIENDS

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THEY WERE GOOD AT COMMUNICATING THEIR FEELINGS

While there’s nothing wrong with spending the majority of your time with your mate after getting into a relationship, it is always nice to see a couple who knows how to have fun with other people as well.

Martin and Gina were the life of the party and they enjoyed entertaining their friends in their home. This created a healthy dynamic between them where they weren’t solely dependent on each other. Now, when it came time for them to have some alone time together, Martin wasn’t afraid to tell them to get the heck out; and we loved him for it.

Sure their relationship was

fun and crazy at times, but they knew how to bring it down and talk to each other. Whenever there was an issue in their relationship they made sure to address it at the right time. I’m sure we all remember those episodes where they would lay in bed at the end of the day and talk about their relationship. This is where the true substance of their bond came from. Let’s take a few notes from this fictional reality and try talking things out with our mates when we have concerns.

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THEIR FOCUS WAS ON EACH OTHER AND NOT ON THEIR CAREERS. I think this part is self-explanatory, but it’s so necessary to cover. I don’t think I remember watching a single episode where they had arguments that centered around money and careers. The only episode that I could think of that came remotely close to that was when Gina got jealous over some girl that Martin was working with at the studio (that hussy). Anyway, correct me if I’m wrong, but all of their issues were either too small to turn into an argument or were much deeper than money. Nowadays, for many people, a person’s career matters more than being loyal. Martin and Gina didn’t care about appearances or materialistic things. They cared about each other.1

5 THEY NEVER STOPPED SAYING “I LOVE YOU”.

Throughout the series the love between Martin and Gina was everpresent. Despite the controversy that was happening behind the scenes, Tisha Cambell and Martin’s characters radiated true chemistry. It was always apparent that the love between them was genuine and they truly had an affinity towards one another.

Martin and Gina’s relationship will always be one we love to love they had a connection to strive to for in our own relationships..

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Did you know that 15% of businesses are controlled by Black women? Come through, boss ladies! Black women are now the fastest-growing segment of entrepreneurs in the nation and Black women CEO’s are on the map as well. I think that deserves a shout out to the boss women wifing business! When I started Izzy & Liv one of my main goals was to create a brand that celebrates women of color and the things we love, as well as supporting and uplifting one another. This includes my fellow sisters in the entrepreneurial struggle, working hard to run their own businesses.

This month, a few such women businesses owners have been generous enough to provide exclusive discounts to Izzy & Liv Brown Sugar Box subscribers! That’s right, ya’ll are that special.

Check out the offers spread out across the next few pages, and be sure to visit their websites to show them some love! If you see something you like, don’t forget to use the exclusive discount code they have provided for you!

As always, drop me a line at nicole@izzyandliv.com to let me know what you think of this month’s box and of these bonus offers! Are bonus offers from other brands something you’d like to see as a regular feature? My inquiring mind wants to know! :-)

Nicole W. Brown

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IZZY & LIV’S BROWN SUGAR BOX

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5 Ways to Style Headwraps The season of headwraps is upon us! Whether you’re a proud kinky queen, need to keep your relaxed edges in check, or can rock protective styles for days, head wraps are a black girls best friend in the hot spring/summer months.

We wear them to give our hair a break, add some style to a simple outfit, or just give your hair a little extra yaasss. So if you’re ready to pull out your favorite wraps or are itching to grab some new ones, we’ve got 5 simple styles you’ll want to rock this season.

1. TURBAN WRAP

2. STYLISH WRAP While I like to think of the turban as a chic way to wear your headwrap, if you’re going for a more playful, fun, look, wearing your wrap tied loosely around with some hair peeking out is definitely the style to try. This headwrap style works well on pretty much any length of hair and you have much more freedom to play with the styling of the front of the wrap. Tie it in a bow, tuck under the ends, or leave them out. The options are endless.

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This is one of the most popular and my personal favorite headwrap style. This style is perfect for ladies with shorter hair or hair that is braided or twisted down underneath. Depending how big your wrap is, you can adjust the size of your turban to make it as big or small as you want and you can adjust how far back or pushed front you want to wear it. Pair this style with some shades and hoop earrings and you are good to go!

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by Tyshia Ingram

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3. LOW WRAP Is it just me or do the low wrap styles not get enough love?

We’re always gushing over the wraps piled high to the sky, but an elegant wrap tied low, is a style you just might love if you try it. This one is perfect for ladies looking for a more sophisticated headwrap style and so easy to achieve. Simply tie around your head at the base of your neck. Leave the ends out like or wrap them around into a low turban look.

4. HEADBAND WRAP So I know most of us are grabbing our headwraps when we don’t have time to be dealing with our hair for the day, but some of us just want to add a little spice to our hairstyle. Wearing your headwrap as a headband is the perfect style to give you the flavor your looking for while still letting your hairstyle shine through. The best part of this headwrap style is you can make the headband as thick or slim, neat or messy, as you like. It’s versatile sis!

4. TOP KNOT WRAP For my long hair don’t care ladies and protective style divas, this one is for you. So many times women with long hair styles think they can’t rock head wraps but that’s fake news. There are so many ways to style your head wrap on top of your marley twists, box braids, or 22” weave. Simply let your hair fall straight down and tie your wrap around your head keeping the ends in the front. Style the front of you head wrap however you’d like.

Whether you tie it in bow, an intricate twist, or even a mini turban, you get the best of both worlds with this style.

How are you planning to rock your headwraps this summer?

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S tyl es Fr om t h e 9 0s We ’d Roc k Today

BY NEENAH MARI

CROPPED SWEATERS Janet was known to show off her rock hard abs in a very classy way. In the 90’s you could find Miss Jackson in a pair of jeans and a sweater short enough to show some skin. Cropped tops have been in for a few years now; many women pair them with leggings or skinny jeans to show off their curves.

This year add some elegance to your cropped top by pairing with a skirt or wide-legged pant.

ALL JEAN ERRTHANG There is nothing like a pair of blue jeans from the 90’s; the fabric is thick and plush making them perfect for fraying. Denim is a classic fabric that isn’t going to disappear anytime soon so it’s time to get on board.

These days it is easy to find denim dresses and shirts, so you aren’t limited to pants and a jacket. Instead of spending your life in spandex, why not cover yourself in jean?.

BABY HAIR & DARK LIPSTICK Ever since Americans became obsessed with bloodsuckers and werewolves, vamp inspired makeup made its way back to the top. And of course, every girl knows that whether you like it or not, your edges have to be on fleek!

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HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED WHERE FASHION TRENDS STEM FROM? TYPICALLY NEW LOOKS ARE EXTRACTED FROM A STYLE THAT HAS ALREADY EXISTED, WITH A FEW UPDATED FEATURES. TODAY THE BULK OF OUR LOOKS COME FROM THE LATE 80’S AND EARLY 90’S, AND SO MANY OF US WERE ALIVE TO SEE THEM TWICE. IF YOU LOVE 90’S LIKE I DO, TRY BRINGING THESE OLD SCHOOL STYLES TO THE 2000’S!

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Treat Yo’self! 4 Things You ShouldbyDoJulieFor YOU! Thomas

by Julie Thomas

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No one can look out for you the way you can look out for yourself; . We have to show up for ourselves ladies! Here are four things that you should do for yourself to keep your mood bright and your spirits up.

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1. Take Yourself on A Date

A CUT UNDERNEATH THE BUTT The buns are now the most praised body part on the human body, and everyone wants to show what they’re working with.

If you aren’t bold enough to wear itty bitty shorts try ripping a few holes in some jeans right below your bottom. You may be able to find jeans that are manufactured in this style but if you are going to do it yourself ensure to jeans aren’t too tight; your skin will bust through the holes.

MONOCHROMATIC MANIA Do you have a favorite color? If so, don’t be afraid to commit to it 100 percent.

Sometimes an outfit makes the most noise when you pair pieces that are the same color. Many monochromatic looks today consist of spandex, cropped tops, and short skirts but if that doesn’t float your boat, try a classy suit like Solange.

Your happiness should not rely on someone being right beside you. Go for a walk in town and find a new coffee shop to unwind with a book, treat yourself to a matinee movie and eat all the popcorn, slide into that art show on your solo dolo, or finally check out that new burger spot you’ve been dying to try on your lonesome. Everyone needs a little ‘me time’ here and there; get used to doing somethings alone. You’ll find out more about yourself along the way.

2. Treat Yourself to Small Gifts We’ve all had that time where we tried to convince ourselves we deserved that thing we absolutely didn’t need becausewe work hard. That inner voice cries, “girl Treat Yo’Self!” While this doesn’t mean go shop ‘till you drop and max out your credit cards. If there things that will brighten up your day/week/month, make a plan to gift yourself once in awhile. I started buying myself fresh cut flowers weekly. It brightens my mood plus adds a little joy to my home.

3. Pamper Yourself When you look good, you feel good. Take some time to pamper yourself. Whether it’s a standing appointment at the nail salon or locking your kids out of the room to relax with a 20 minute at-home facial; pampering yourself makes all the difference in you feeling your best. It’s the time where you can de-stress and rejuvenate yourself.

4. Practice the Power of Saying No Being a ‘Yes Woman’ can be draining and ain’t nobody got time for that! While it can be empowering to check everything off your to-do list and take on additional tasks to crush, you have the power to say nope, not today. There’s no reason you should run yourself down to the ground. If you aren’t good to yourself, you can’t be of any good to others. Don’t shy away from saying no every now and again to take the time that you need to reset. You will be glad you did.

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Brown Sugar Box

Beauties!

A few highlights from social media shares of last month’s box.

THANK YOU to ALL of our fabulous and supportive customers! We love you all! (#brownsugarbox #izzyandliv)

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JEWELRY Earunt expel escillam quunte $623

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IZZY & LIV’S BROWN SUGAR BOX

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share the love for the chance to win your next box free!

Snap a photo or make an unboxing video and tag #brownsugarbox #izzyandliv. One winner will be randomly chosen on the 25th to WIN next month’s box free!

Congrats to Nailah D. , winner of this month’s free box for sharing her unboxing video!

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IZZY & LIV’S BROWN SUGAR BOX

I believe that everyone should travel at least once in their lifetime. There’s so much you can learn from visiting a new place and immersing yourself in their culture. While traveling in any capacity is a great experience to have, what I want to do at some point in my life is to take trips by myself. I had a long distance friend of mine who enjoyed taking trips in and out of California. He loved it!

Initially, I was shocked to learn he would take trips by himself with no family or friends. He would do this just to take a break from the hustle and bustle of life. After hearing about his experiences, I‘m interested in doing the same.

If you’re thinking about taking a solo getaway yourself, here are a few benefits to look forward to: 1. You Will Be More Focused The Present We can get so caught up in the past and the future.

But when you are traveling by yourself, you are taking in every moment. Traveling

alone can teach you to stay in the present. It forces you to take in life’s little moments.

Staying present is a mindset you can take anywhere you travel.

2. You Will Become More Self-Reliant When you are traveling with others, there is a chance drama will crop up because you are all trying to figure out what to do. Solo traveling forces you to figure things out on your own. If you are stuck, you have no choice but to ask a stranger. That is perfectly fine because it’s part of the experience. Learning things out for yourself will help you become more confident and independent.

3. Meeting New Eating New Food

People/

Solo traveling means you have no choice but to make friends.

You have new opportunities to meet new people you may have never met in your hometown.

You could land a new travel

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4 Reasons Why You Traveling

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You Should Consider eling Alone

BY ALEXANDRIA DANIELS

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buddy or gain a pen pal. Let’s say you are single and you decide to take a getaway. You could meet someone special while on your travels. You also get to discover new, delicious food from different cultures.

People will recommend various kinds of foods for you to try. Who knows? You may come back home with a long list of new recipes.

4. You Will Discover Yourself Traveling by yourself means that you will be alone with your inner thoughts. For some people, being alone is terrifying, especially while traveling. But after hearing about my friend’s experience, I learned that solo traveling can help you discover who you are. Maybe you learn that you want to travel solo more often. Maybe you realize you never want to travel again! Either way, you will discover something new about yourself from traveling alone which is a benefit that is worthwhile.

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