I’ve kept a framed photo of Snooki on my desk for years. Last Friday, she called me her coworker while enjoying a slushie.
They say not to meet your heroes. I say do.
Last week, my brother visited from New Jersey. He’d been to my old place, but my current location is new to him. He was amazed by my office, a sunroom with thriving plants. I was glad to let him explore. It’s a space I’m proud of. He noticed a framed photo on my desk. It showcases Snooki, alongside Jenni “JWoww” Farley, composing “The Note” at an internet café in Miami. He asked simply, “Why?”
My reply was easy: “Working from home gets lonely. Snooki is my coworker.”
A few hours later, I received an email titled, “Interview opp: Snooki available Friday.” I’ve never clicked faster.
Snooki and JWoww have partnered again, not as roommates in Jersey City, but with Ninja to launch a limited-edition SLUSHi Sundays kit. First 100 buyers of the Ninja SLUSHi Twist on May 24 get exclusive recipes from Snooki and JWoww, with extras like hats and cups. Ideal for moms, party girls, slushie fans, and aging dudes writing next to Snooki’s photo.
Growing up, I thought Slurpees were exclusive to a 7-Eleven in Point Pleasant. My current go-to is frozé at Sidetrack in Chicago. Naturally, I accepted the interview.
Released May 19, the Ninja SLUSHi Twist is a two-in-one machine, reminiscent of Snooki and JWoww in Seaside circa 2009. It features two 48-ounce containers, making over 10 drinks per batch. Mashable reviewed it in 2024, rated it 4.6 out of 5, and awarded it a Mashable Choice. Great for families, one side can be spiked, the other not. Retailing at $399.99.
Ninja offers an XL version too, double the size and speed of the original, with a 128-ounce capacity, making 10+ drinks per batch, priced at $349.99.
After Jersey Shore: Family Vacation’s last season premiere, I video-called my idol. I entered the Zoom nervously, positioning the camera so Snooki wouldn’t notice. She appeared onscreen, sipping a hangover-curing slushie, having partied with Jenni the previous night. She shared her unconventional concoction: pickles and mango with multiple liquors.
I contemplated my boozy slushie choice: frozé. Snooki proposed lemonade, vodka, and separately, vodka with fountain Diet Coke—ideal for boating.
Kids get their alcohol-free drinks first to avoid confusion. Her kids are as thrilled about the collab as she is. Talking about her kids lit up her eyes through my unkempt laptop screen. Her eldest turned 13 last August; she joked about enjoying the SLUSHi machine to cope.
She recounted staying at “gross, roach-ridden hotels,” not having her husband’s shore house privilege, but now cherishes giving her kids those rich experiences she missed. A shore house full of family and lasting memories.
I advised her to secure her shore house. My teenage friends and I once snuck into unattended shore homes during winter. A SLUSHi machine adds more allure. Her house is heavily monitored; alarms deter mischievous teens.
I wrapped the call by inviting her to my upcoming 30th birthday in Nutley, New Jersey. She can’t make it, being understandably busy with slushie duties. However, she proposed a future meet-up in New Jersey for a joint slushie creation.
After showing her the desk photo, she exclaimed, “Oh my God, we’re like coworkers!”
Ending the call, I faced my brother lounging in the living room. “You’re sweating,” he noted. I acknowledged, then changed my shirt. We headed out for Slurpees at 7-Eleven.