Forever35 Podcast - Mini Episode 456: “Towels, Rags, and Wipes, Oh My!”

Release Date: August 13, 2025
Hosts: Doree Shafrir & Elise Hu

Introduction to the Mini Episode

In this special mini-episode of Forever35, hosts Doree Shafrir and Elise Hu engage directly with their listeners, sharing comments, answering questions, and discussing practical life hacks. This episode marks a transition as Elise notes it’s the last mini-episode recorded while her children are home for the summer, promising fewer interruptions once school resumes.

Meeting a Listener in Aspen

Elise shares a delightful encounter with a listener named Kristen, whom she met unexpectedly at a lunch table in Aspen. The conversation revolved around parenting and the fleeting nature of time with young children.

Elise Hu [03:49]: "And she was one of our longtime listeners, and it was so rad that we were both like, yes."

This serendipitous meeting highlights the podcast’s strong community connection and the shared experiences of their audience.

Household Anecdotes: Throw Pillows and Pets

Doree recounts returning from a trip to find their home freshly cleaned, much to their dog Rob's confusion over the abundance of throw pillows on the couch.

Doree Shafrir [04:27]: "And he’s trying to throw."

Elise humorously discusses her different pillow preferences compared to Doree and their partner Matt, highlighting the challenges of accommodating everyone’s comfort needs.

Elise Hu [05:35]: "I have more pillows because I need my head to be lifted to avoid post nasal drip."

Listener Messages: Towels, Rags, and Wipes

The core of this episode focuses on listener-submitted queries about managing household cleaning tools, particularly dish towels, rags, and wipes. The hosts provide a variety of practical solutions, drawing from both personal experiences and listener recommendations.

• Quantity Over Quality:
  Doree emphasizes having a sufficient supply of basic cotton towels for versatile use around the house.

  Doree Shafrir [13:09]: "I have two big stacks of towels on a shelf... Basic cotton ones work well."

• Color-Coded Washcloths:
  A listener from New Hampshire shares her effective system for managing dishcloths through color-coding, ensuring hygiene and organization.

  Bethany [20:51]: "We use color-coded regular old washcloths for all purposes."

  Elise appreciates this method, noting its practicality for households with multiple children.

  Elise Hu [20:59]: "I love color coding your kids’ stuff. I wish I would have thought of this..."

• Microfiber and Reusable Alternatives:
  Recommendations include durable microfiber towels from Sam’s Club and the use of cloth napkins as eco-friendly substitutes for paper towels.

  Doree Shafrir [14:27]: "We keep Them under the sink... amazing for replacing paper towels."

• Wipes for Busy Families:
  A listener discusses using large boxes of wipes, stored in accessible dispensers like OXO pop-ups, to efficiently clean up after active children.

  Listener 5 [17:18]: "...four huge boxes and I put those in little Oxo pop up things around the house..."

Skincare Recommendations

Responding to a listener's query about hyaluronic acid products, Elise and Doree share their top picks, emphasizing quality and affordability.

• Elise’s Pick: Toridan Dive-In Serum
  A favorite from the K-beauty realm, praised for its efficacy.

  Elise Hu [23:09]: "I am really into K beauty products so I'm gonna recommend the Toridan Dive-In Serum."

• Doree’s Suggestion: Timeless Skincare
  Lauded for offering high-quality, cost-effective hyaluronic acid options.

  Doree Shafrir [23:44]: "I would recommend Timeless Skincare... just a straight up 100% pure hyaluronic acid."

Micro Joys: Simple Pleasures and Self-Care

The hosts delve into the concept of “micro joys” — small, deliberate actions that enhance daily happiness.

• Creating Personalized Mugs:
  Inspired by a listener’s pottery experience, Doree discusses the joy of making or choosing meaningful mugs.

  Doree Shafrir [24:55]: "...making your own mug or getting a meaningful mug for yourself... I like this a lot."

• Lighting Candles:
  Elise shares her passion for candles, highlighting their ability to transform her environment and mood.

  Jessica [26:02]: "I've been enjoying just lighting my candles... it really helps and there's no point in saving it because we need micro joys every day."

• Revisiting Old TV Shows:
  Watching nostalgic TV episodes serves as a comforting background activity for relaxed moments.

  Jessica [26:02]: "...watching old episodes of the Coffee show, Living Single, Family Guy... just to have something in the background."

Elise also promotes Quince candles, encouraging listeners to explore their candle offerings for enhanced home ambiance.

Elise Hu [27:11]: "I got the Neroli Yuzu candle at Quince for $24 and it's awesome."

Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Listener Engagement

As the episode wraps up, Doree and Elise encourage listeners to continue sharing their hacks and joys, fostering an ongoing dialogue within the community. They tease upcoming topics, including kitchen organization and skincare, promising more listener-focused content in future episodes.

Doree Shafrir [21:03]: "If you have dish towel or hacks rag... color coded hacks, write in. Colin, let us know."

Conclusion

Mini Episode 456 of Forever35 offers a heartfelt and practical exploration of everyday household management and personal well-being. Through engaging anecdotes, listener interactions, and actionable tips, Doree Shafrir and Elise Hu create a relatable and supportive environment for their audience. The episode underscores the importance of small adjustments and mindful practices in enhancing daily life and self-care routines.

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