by Leina Ussin
You’ve got your going out song blasting in the background as you do one last check in the mirror! The perfect dress, matching shoes, hair is on point, and face beat for the gawds!
You and your girls are ready to hit the club and make the night yours! Music’s on point, drinks are flowing, and ya’ll are having a great time!
Four hours later. . .
Where are your keys? Did you close out your tab at the bar? Do you have your purse? Where’s your best friend? Did she try and drive, or call an Uber? Should you try and drive? Maybe these shoes weren’t the best selection; your feet are killing you! And you know for sure you’ll have a hangover in the morning!
Sound familiar?
Some of you ladies are nodding in agreement at the common stages of leaving the club. Your feet hurt like crazy, you’re mad you parked so far away, and your hair/make up look like you’ve gotten into a bar fight! And lost! It’s almost enough to make you want to ditch the club life altogether and become an introvert!
Or, maybe not!
Growing up, slumber parties were always a thing! A group of girls getting together, with good food, good movies, and good company! And now that some of us are over 21, we can throw in some good drinks! But is this still a thing? Can grown women really decide they’d rather ditch the club scene and spend the night inside?
“I’d prefer a night in with the girls,” 32-year-old Ashley DeJuan states. “I’d enjoy some nice food, great wine and good conversation over loud music and pricey watered down drinks any day. I like more personal settings where we can laugh, or cry if needed, without any judgment!”
And surprisingly, she wasn’t the only one who felt that way! I conducted a Facebook survey to see how many women would actually prefer staying in with their girls, versus going out. 13 out of 20 women, ranging from 20 to 40 years old, stated they’d actually prefer a slumber party with their girls as opposed to going out to a club. All 13 women said they favored this based upon safety, comfort, and they wouldn’t have to concern themselves with unnecessary attention or drama!
Bianca Oscar, 30 years old, says, “Girls night indefinitely! Free-flowing, intimate nights with the girls! The drinks are safe, the mood is just what we make it; food, music, games, girl talk . . . no unnecessary drama or being pushed on by the unwanted company. It’s the perfect kickback with your squad, allowing everyone to be comfortable and still have a damn good time!”
But don’t think our fun is just limited to snacks and good movies inside someone’s home, ladies! Different party ideas are popping up all over for women who want to have a good night out, but still, be away from the club!
Pole parties, for example, consists of a bunch of women getting together, with a pole/dance instructor, and learning sexy dance routines. Poise Dance Studio, located in New Orleans, La, runs and instructed by Shantell Jenkins who loves what she does and the empowerment it gives other women! It’s another place women can go, judgment-free, and express themselves through dance. “If you want to be sexy, you have to do sexy things,” Shantell says. “Of course it’s great to learn new moves for your spouse, but it’s so much better when you can just attend a class to excite and impress yourself!”
No crowds, no drama, and no harassment! Just a group of women in, dressed in comfortable attire, dancing and enhancing their confidence!
Now, this doesn’t mean retiring your heels and trade in your “get it girl” dress for some pajama pants! Not at all! The club scene can be just as enjoyable for some of us, as staying in! “It’s a way to put on a little black dress and get out on the town to have fun with the girls in a different environment,” says Rain Warren, 33 years old. And as women, we all love that little black dress hanging up somewhere in our closet, and sometimes you just want to party! Wanting to unwind after a long week at a bar or a club can definitely be a form of relaxation, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that!
Let’s be clear, there’s no right or wrong way to have fun, ladies! Some of us want to stay in and jam in our underwear, while others want to strut their stuff in the club! Both are perfectly ok, and nothing to feel bad about! Regardless of how you decide to spend your night, remember to always drink responsibly! If you’re out with your friends, establish who the designated driver will be, or make sure someone is sober enough to contact an Uber!
If you’re partying inside, be mindful of your neighbors! Especially if you’re in an apartment complex! The last thing you want to become is “those neighbors!”
And most importantly, remember to always have BC and water on hand! Because whether you’re in or out with your girls, if these ladies are your besties, you’ll have a hangover regardless of where you guys end up!
Wanna add a little Southern hospitality to your slumber party? Try this easy-to-make Seafood Etoufee recipe by Tryshell Robertson, owner and private traveling chef of Munched Out:
Seafood Etouffee
What you’ll need:
- Butter or Vegetable Oil
- Flour
- Seafood of Choice (crawfish tails, shrimps, scallops. . . etc)
- Thyme (Fresh or Dried)
- Bay Leaf
- Canned Tomatoes
- The stock of Choice (seafood, shrimp, or simply water)
- Cajun Seasoning of Choice ( you can make it with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, olé bay, and paprika )
- Worcestershire
- Holy Trinity ( this is a New Orleans staple used in most of the food to add a delicious flavor and aroma to every meal)
- Bell Peppers
- Onions
- Celery
- Green onions and Hot Sauce is optional for garnish
Usually served with a side of steamed white rice
How to get it done, Baby:
Dice your Holy Trinity and put it aside until ready to use. Heat butter or oil in a saucepan until hot/melted, then add flour and mix until you get a smooth paste. Once your paste turns a peanut butter color, add your Holy Trinity, Bay Leaves, and thyme; cook until the onions are translucent. Then add the canned tomatoes, Worcestershire & Cajun seasoning. Mix everything together well with your stock or water and allow everything to simmer for 20-25 mins on med-high. Don’t forget to keep mixing your Etouffee so nothing sticks to the bottom of the pan. If it’s not thick enough add a Cornstarch and water slurry. If it’s too thick add water, 1/3 cups at a time. Remove your Etouffee from the heat and add your seafood of choice. Cover pot until ready to serve! Enjoy!
