by Sheryl Berk
KEEP ’EM BUSY!
You want your partygoers to have lots of things to do over the course of the evening. Here are a few fun ideas:
Blind Makeovers: Set up a station with assorted cosmetics: eye shadows, lipsticks, blushers, etc. One girl is blindfolded and attempts to do makeup on another girl without being able to see how/where she’s applying it. After the big reveal (guaranteed to cause giggles), take a selfie!
DIY Pillowcases: For this activity, you’ll need a bunch of Sharpie markers, white cotton pillowcases for each guest, and (if you want to get fancy), a computer and printer. You can find some fun images online and print them out on Jet-Pro Heat Transfer Paper. (You iron on the image.) The girls can then color in the images with Sharpies. If you intend to use the cases to sleep on that night, simply toss them in the washer/dryer for a quick spin.
Freddy’s Deep Freeze: Inspired by the yummilicious ice cream shoppe in Ask Emma: Boy Trouble, set up a station of assorted ice creams and toppings and let your friends make their own sundaes. Or serve up a giant treat for sharing with your entire crew.
JAX AND EMMA’S “KITCHEN SINK SPLIT”
Depending on how many guests are sharing the sundae, you will want to add more ice cream and toppings. This version serves four to six people.
INGREDIENTS
• 2 scoops Cookies and Cream ice cream
• 2 scoops Rocky Road ice cream
• 2 scoops Pistachio ice cream
• 2 scoops Strawberry ice cream
• 2 scoops Banana ice cream
Place all of the above in a large chilled bowl. Top with:
• Hot fudge topping
• Whipped cream
• Chocolate sprinkles
• Rainbow sprinkles
Hand everyone a spoon and dig in!
MAKE YOUR OWN FACE MASKS
Using just a few ingredients you can find in the kitchen, your guests can indulge in some relaxing facials you mix up yourselves. NOTE: Please make sure to ask your friends if they have any allergies before applying masks.
• THE BYE-BYE-OIL BANANA MASK: For this soothing mask that minimizes shine, mash up one ripe banana in a small mixing bowl and add in two tablespoons of honey. Add a few drops of lemon juice and stir until all ingredients are combined. Apply on face for ten to fifteen minutes and then rinse with warm water.
• THE YOGURT-AND-EGG-WHITE MOISTURE MASK: This one has only two ingredients and makes skin feel oh-so-soft: Combine two egg whites in a small mixing bowl with two tablespoons of plain yogurt. Apply for a few minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
• A BERRY-FINE MASK FOR CLEAR SKIN: Lemon juice is a natural astringent—awesome for banishing breakouts! Mash two to three strawberries (stems removed) in a small mixing bowl. Add one teaspoon of lemon juice and apply to face, allowing to sit for ten to fifteen minutes. Rinse off with warm water.
BREAK OUT THE TUNES!
Create a playlist of your fave songs and have a dance party. Like Izzy says, “Wave your hands in the air like you just don’t care!” A few of my faves to get you on your feet:
“Girls Just Want to Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper
“Run the World (Girls)” by Beyoncé
“Happy” by Pharrell Williams
“Firework” by Katy Perry
“I Gotta Feeling” by The Black Eyed Peas
“Party in the USA” by Miley Cyrus
“Dancing Queen” by ABBA
“Can’t Stop the Feeling!” by Justin Timberlake
SNUGGLE UP FOR A SCREAM-FEST
Turn out the lights, zip up your sleeping bag, and screen a marathon of scary movies! I’d recommend these PG-13 flicks for a fun freak-out: The Others, The Ring, The Sixth Sense, Poltergeist.
PLAY A GAME
“Messy Twister” is a fun “twist” on the popular party game. If you’ve got the outdoor space, you gotta try it!
YOU’LL NEED:
• 3 cans shaving cream
• Box of assorted food coloring
• 4 large mixing bowls
1. Squirt enough shaving cream into a bowl so it’s two-thirds full, then add a couple of drops of food coloring and mix to achieve the colors of the Twister board: red, yellow, green, and blue.
2. Lay out your Twister mat some place you can make a mess: ideally outside on the grass since there will be a lot of slipping and sliding involved and you want a nice, cushy landing. Also, it should be somewhere you can hose or mop down easily afterward (and make sure you have your parents’ permission). Ask your girls to bring a T-shirt and shorts or a bathing suit that they won’t mind getting “tie-dyed” with colorful stains.
3. Now here comes the messy part: Get your guests in position and begin the game. Everyone will be covered in colorful foam and have the best time ever! Make sure to take pics before you shower off.
AND THE PARTY GOES ON . . .
In the morning, if you have the energy to do so (maybe some shut-eye is a good thing?), gather your buds and make your own pancakes (ask an adult to supervise the stovetop). You could even use some leftover candy/toppings from your Freddie’s Freeze Shoppe to dress up your breakfast!
Once your friends leave, be sure to clean up your home so that no traces of your slumber party remain. That way, your parents see you’re responsible enough to host a sleepover and will allow you to do so again in the future. Trust me: After this epic event, you’re going to want to plan your next slumber party ASAP.
A New York Times–bestselling author several times over, Sheryl Berk is most proud of the dozens of books she has cowritten with her daughter, Carrie, including The Cupcake Club and Fashion Academy series. The Ask Emma series is their third collaboration.
A renowned celebrity ghostwriter, Sheryl has worked with Maddie and Mackenzie Ziegler, Jack & Jack, Matthew Espinosa, Zendaya, Britney Spears, and others. Her number-one bestseller, Soul Surfer with Bethany Hamilton, was adapted into a major motion picture.
At only sixteen years old, Carrie Berk is already a bestselling children’s book author, fashion journalist, playwright, influencer, and creator of the style empowerment website, Carrie’s Chronicles. She’s also proud to serve as a teen ambassador for No Bully.
carrieschronicles.com