#HEYGRRRLFRENNNS This month has been a wild ride, and I mean that in the best way possible. There’s been so much going on lately, and honestly? I’m feeling a little stressed, but also incredibly grateful and I genuinely mean that with all of my heart. Between juggling work and all the cool new opportunities that have come my way, it’s been hard to catch my breath! I really am not used to all of this umm attention? That sounds really bad but I don’t really have another word for it. In my head I am imagining like the moments right before the caterpillar becomes a butterfly like she can kinda see the world around her and feel the blowing breeze on her eyeball and she is excited but it’s just new! There is soo much for the caterpillar to get used to like attending events, networking with new content creators, making new friends, tearing her closet apart trying to find the perfect outfit to do all of this in. Wait, are we still talking about caterpillars?? All of this to say that my life has been an overwhelming kind of busy, but a beautiful one. We are still moving forward and becoming our greatest and highest selves, but if I don’t go home and see my family soon my head is going to pop off like a little barbie doll! There’s just something about this time of year that just makes me want to wrap up in a blanket, recharge, reflect, and tell my mom about everything that’s happened. Just thinking about this makes me ready to pack my suitcase but there is one thing that I am going to miss while I’m away.

As we all know, during last month’s #GrrrlsNightIn live on Instagram I had some good news and some bad news, and the bad news was that October was going to be the last month for our Instagram lives so that we could all take the well deserved break for the holidays. #GrrrldNightIn has become such a special ritual for us, and I know a lot of you love that we get to connect, laugh, and motivate each other to keep going. So, before we go on our hot grrrl hiatus for the holidays, I wanted to leave you with something that’ll help you carry the energy of our nights together forward into your own homes. For my ten month anniversary present to you, I sat down with the hostess with the mostess, blogger extraordinaire, and certified grrrlfren Jayah Washington to give you all tips on how to throw your own grrrls night in! Just because we won’t be meeting doesn’t mean the fun or the radical self-care has to stop! So, here’s our guide to throwing your own grrrls night in, so you can keep the good vibes flowing, even while we’re apart. Ready for us to spill the tea? Keep reading grrrlfrennn!

Stay In And Go All Out

Let’s talk about setting the mood, because a GNO is so much more than just hanging out. It’s about creating an experience that feels intentional and special. You know that feeling when you’ve got big plans to go out, and the excitement builds as you get ready? That’s the energy we’re bringing to this night in. Just because you’re not going out doesn’t mean you shouldn’t treat it like an event. The idea is to make the night feel different and elevated from a typical hangout, like you’re celebrating even though you’re staying in. This isn’t about going through the motions; it’s about creating something that feels unique and memorable. And when everyone looks back on that night, they’ll remember how much fun it was to get dressed up just because, even if no one else saw it but your grrrls. For example, you could throw a “fashionably late” themed GNI where everyone shows up in their finest, most dramatic outfits instead of everyone showing up at the same time, create staggered “arrival” times based on how late each person would typically be to a party. Talk about making an entrance! Think of it as a mini runway moment right at your door, and give each other all the praise. Make it a real fashion show, with walks, poses, and over the top interviews like you’re all arriving at a red carpet event. And yes, I know what you’re thinking. “Isn’t the point of staying in to relax and not worry about all that?” The answer is yes… but here’s the thing! Fashion is a form of self-expression and self-love and so dressing up is open to interpretation. You’re doing this for you, not for anyone else. So, if you want to come in your pajamas and call it sleeping beauty chic who is anybody question you?? Just rock your sleeping mask with confidence and try not to drool on your matching pillow- I mean “hand bag”.

Please Don’t Stop The Music

If you know me, you know that a perfectly curated playlist is a non-negotiable! Music has this magical way of amplifying the vibe of any given moment, and GNI is no exception. The last thing you want is running the risk of creating an extended dull moment at your first GNI. That level of embarrassment will at least take thirty minutes to recover from and you want to enjoy every moment spent with your grrrls! At least if there is music playing in the background you can break the awkward silence with singing along, turning the music up, or even just saying “Ayyyye!” It doesn’t matter what the song is, the topic of conversation just went from “Did anyone hear that pin drop?” to “Grrrl, that’s my jam!” and BOOM you’re back in business! Your playlist is also your opportunity to subconsciously control the vibe all night long, like some sort of jedi mind trick. May the force be with you. Please note however, this is not going to stop the mood being completely destroyed after a major party foul. If someone busts something up in your house…. yea, party’s over and they gotta go. This is more for smaller situations like keeping the mood light and fun! Start with some low-key, chilled-out tunes while everyone’s settling in and getting comfy. This is the moment when you catch up, chit chat, and ease into the night. But when the energy shifts, so should the playlist. As the night picks up, you’re going to want to throw in some bops that make everyone want to get up and dance, even if it’s just a quick kitchen dance-off.

A Night To Remember

Now, for the pièce de résistance—the main event. You know how we’re all about going beyond the basics around here? This is where your creativity can really shine. If you’ve been to enough GNIs, you know how easy it is to fall into the same patterns—movie nights, wine nights, maybe a game or two. And while those things can be fun, I want to challenge you to go a little deeper with your GNI. Let’s create an experience that will stick with everyone. And convince them to come again! You know what would actually be really fun? A top chef style cook off! I feel like we see potlucks all the time but you know what tastes better than your besties’ brownie recipe that has been passed down for the past three generations? VICTORY! (and bragging rights of course). Here’s how it works: Split into teams (or go solo, if you’re feeling confident!) and compete in a tournament-style cook-off. Each round could focus on different courses—appetizer, main dish, dessert—or get even more creative with mystery ingredients or themed challenges like “breakfast for dinner” or “vegan surprise.” The twist? Each team gets a limited time to whip up their dish, and the results are judged based on taste, presentation, and creativity. As the host, you don’t have to worry about food or entertainment—this is both! Everyone’s involved, and the competition keeps the energy high all night. To make things even more fun, have an award ceremony at the end, where you hand out quirky prizes (like “Best Use of Spices” or “Most Instagramable Dish”) and crown the ultimate Top Chef. And just to keep it spicy, the losing team has to wash the dishes, because what’s a competition without a little extra motivation?

Whether you’re planning an extravagant grrrls night in or keepin it lowkey, the most crucial thing is that you’re taking time for you. These nights aren’t just for laughs, they’re about making space for yourself in a world that constantly asks you to pour into others. Don’t forget grrrls, your energy is precious! You deserve to refill your own cup with joy, love, and connection however that looks like to you. There’s power in these moments when you carve out time for yourself and the people who lift you up. You’re not just hosting a grrrls night in, you’re creating a safe space where you can be your full, authentic self! You can be silly, competitive, or even reflective without judgment. And that’s what true self-care is about. It’s not always bubble baths and quiet time, but it’s about showing up for yourself, prioritizing your well-being, and making time to connect with the people who remind you how powerful and worthy you are. As the holidays approach and life gets even busier, I want you to carry this energy with you. Whether it’s throwing a GNI, taking a few extra moments for yourself in the morning, or giving yourself permission to step back when things feel overwhelming you owe it to yourself to make space for the things and people that bring you joy. You deserve to feel celebrated and centered no matter what’s going on around you. If you want more tips on how to throw the best GNI ever, check out our guided list below and join the conversation between Grrrl, Get Real and Jayah Washington TONIGHT on our monthly #GrrrlsNightIn Instagram live at 7PM! We are going to talk all about party planning, hosting, and creating memories with your grrrls that you will never forget. Now go and be great you lil grrrly pop! TTYL!