Forever35 Mini-Episode 451: Party City – July 9, 2025

In Mini-Episode 451 titled "Party City," hosts Doree Shafrir and Elise Hu delve into personal anecdotes, listener interactions, and insightful discussions around self-care, relationships, and workplace dynamics. This episode, infused with humor and authenticity, offers a blend of lighthearted stories and meaningful advice, embodying the essence of Forever35.

1. Recapping Recent Adventures

Milk Makeup Event: Doree and Elise share their experiences attending a Milk Makeup event hosted in collaboration with Amazon Beauty. The event, held at Milk's unique photography studio, featured interactive elements like a claw machine dispensing the popular Cooling Water Jelly Tint.

• Doree Shafrir [05:00]: "It was fun to, like, check out Milk makeup. They had a claw machine where you could, like, get a little blush lip combo."

• Elise Hu [06:00]: "My daughter Issa was like, don't come home without a cooling water jelly tint."

The event also provided networking opportunities, including a chance encounter with Justin Theroux’s new wife, adding a touch of celebrity to their evening.

Elise’s Trip to Zion National Park: Elise recounts her rejuvenating trip to Zion National Park, highlighting the awe-inspiring experience of exploring the park on E-Bikes. The shift to device-free days aimed to foster deeper connections and mindfulness.

• Elise Hu [08:28]: "The freedom and the beauty and like the vastness of just seeing the park on bike was incredible."

Elise emphasizes the mental and emotional recharge gained from immersing in nature, aligning with Forever35’s focus on self-care and personal growth.

2. Listener Questions and Community Insights

Cleaning a Tutu: A listener named Liz, an expert from a nonprofit dance organization, provides practical advice on cleaning tutus using a vodka and water solution to eliminate odors and bacteria.

• Liz's Advice [11:00]: "To properly clean a tutu, create a vodka and water solution in a spray bottle... Let it dry thoroughly before storing."

Doree and Elise express their gratitude for such specialized listener contributions, showcasing the supportive Forever35 community.

Managing Charging Cords: Another listener seeks solutions for preventing the theft of charging cords by establishing designated charging stations in shared living spaces.

• Liz's Solution [12:06]: "Instead of having personal charging cords, chargers belong to a location... It helps cut down on charger theft and being suddenly caught powerless with no charger."

Elise connects with Liz over their shared alma mater, Mizzou, reinforcing the podcast’s community-driven approach.

3. Workplace Dilemmas: Advice and Reflections

Relocating vs. Taking Severance: A long-time listener faces a challenging decision between relocating for her job or taking a generous severance package to move closer to family in Southern California as she prepares for motherhood.

• Elise Hu [19:44]: "Given the uncertain economy, I'd probably take security over relationships."

• Doree Shafrir [21:33]: "If you're not pregnant yet, I'd try to find another position at the company and save up enough money while working that you can get pregnant and move and have a cushion."

The hosts weigh the pros and cons, ultimately advocating for securing financial stability while also considering long-term personal goals.

Dealing with a Distracting Coworker/Friend: Another listener, Tori, seeks advice on managing a coworker who is also a friend, whose behavior has become increasingly distracting and negatively impactful at work.

• Doree Shafrir [27:02]: "This is when you involve your manager. I think you need to tell your manager you want to move to a different office."

• Elise Hu [28:26]: "She's already had a conversation or a series of them where she was like, this isn't cool."

The hosts recommend professional intervention and setting clear boundaries to maintain a productive work environment.

4. Product Recommendations and Community Shoutouts

Block UV Clothing: Listeners are introduced to Block UV's range of UV-protective clothing, suitable for both humans and pets. The discussion highlights the importance of sun protection, extending care to furry friends.

• Doree Shafrir [33:16]: "They also have a bark UV section and they have a sun shirt for dogs."

• Elise Hu [34:05]: "We know how adorable Oscar looked in his Kirkland brand hoodie."

UV Protection for Pets: The hosts emphasize the practical benefits of UV-protective attire for dogs, especially post-surgery, ensuring pets remain safe and comfortable during outdoor activities.

5. Closing Thoughts and Community Engagement

As the episode wraps up, Doree and Elise encourage listeners to reach out via call, text, or email with their questions and thoughts. They foster a sense of community by highlighting listener contributions and expressing appreciation for the shared knowledge and support within the Forever35 family.

Notable Quotes:

• Elise Hu [08:26]: "It was incredible... Everything's large and vast and everything's gonna be okay."

• Doree Shafrir [11:55]: "I had no idea this is how you're supposed to clean a tutu."

• Elise Hu [12:25]: "I'm excited about, and lucky for my daughters, I have some vodka around."

Conclusion: Mini-Episode 451: "Party City" offers a heartfelt blend of personal stories, practical advice, and community interactions. Doree and Elise’s candid conversations not only entertain but also provide valuable insights into everyday challenges and triumphs, staying true to Forever35’s mission of exploring self-care and personal growth with humor and self-awareness.