Forever35 – Mini-Ep 486: Burrito Moments and More
April 1, 2026
Hosts: Doree Shafrir & Elise Hu

Episode Overview

In this refreshingly candid mini-episode, Doree and Elise dive into community listener questions and personal experiences about self-care rituals, micro joys, closet decluttering, and travel tips, all peppered with their signature humor and relatability. Topics range from the joy of a solo breakfast burrito to advice on gardening, fashion, beauty routines, international living, and embracing gratitude.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Micro Joys & "Burrito Moments" (00:45–06:45)

• Elise’s Micro Joys:

  • Ran a few miles, took a Pilates class, then savored a solo breakfast burrito as a post-workout treat.

    “It’s that post workout meal that I love — that, I’m considering my micro joy.” (01:21, Elise)

  • Received a FaceTime call from Kat, a close friend who feels like a sister, and discussed books and caught up.

    “Just receiving a nice, random afternoon call from a friend who feels like the closest thing I have to a sister—such a treat and warmed my heart.” (03:18, Elise)

  • Successfully organized an event at the Lighthouse with her dog, Oscar.

• Doree’s Take:

  • Had lunch with former co-host Kate Spencer, noting the intentionality now needed to stay in touch.
  • They both enjoyed avocado toast at Clark Street Diner, revisiting a pre-pandemic haunt.

    “It looked exactly the same. Like, I don’t think they changed one thing... but it was nice to be there again.” (05:37, Doree)

• Listener Micro Joy:

  • Elizabeth from Decatur, GA, shares a story about seeing a quirky woman in a fuzzy coat, open mug, and ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ tote, bringing her unexpected happiness on a regular day. (07:42)

    “I loved her, and it made me think of you and gave me a little micro moment of joy.” (07:34, Elizabeth)

• “Burrito Moment” Coined:

  • Elise and Doree officially declare these small, fulfilling experiences as “burrito moments.”

    “A burrito moment, yes. We’re changing the nomenclature.” (04:07, Elise)

2. Decluttering & The Joy of Closet Editing (06:45–11:49)

• Doree’s Decluttering:

  • Shares her ongoing project of cleaning out her office, unearthing old treasures like a notepad from The Wing.

    “It’s been kind of fun to, like, find these random artifacts just, like, you know, in my office.” (07:42, Doree)

• Listener Voicemail:

  • A listener describes hiring a stylist for a full closet edit before turning 40, resulting in feeling more organized and less likely to overshop.

    “Now my closet is organized, I can see everything, and it genuinely feels like a store I want to shop in.” (09:55, Listener)

• Hosts’ Reactions:

  • Elise highlights the value of “shopping your closet” with a stylist, even if it’s just a trusted friend.

    “If there were a stylist nearby that could do that, I feel like that would be totally worth it.” (10:25, Elise) “If you have a trusted friend, this could be something that they help you with, if they have time, and maybe you could do it reciprocally.” (11:12, Doree)

3. Living Abroad as a Family – A Listener’s Perspective (13:07–15:41)

• Mara from Santa Barbara’s Story:

  • Reflects on moving to Istanbul, Turkey, with her mom right before 9/11 and the challenges and rewards of representing America abroad.

    “Absolutely. As an eighth grader there, it was… one of the most difficult years of my life. …I would not ever change it for anything.” (14:21, Mara)

    • Emphasizes that international moves don’t have to be permanent.

    “Nothing has to be forever… you can always come back.” (14:42, Mara)

• Hosts Affirm:

  • Doree and Elise agree wholeheartedly with trying life abroad and appreciating the broadened perspective it brings.

    “Just go for it.” (15:30, Elise)

4. Requesting Silence During Beauty Treatments (15:41–17:28)

• Listener Voicemail Suggestion:

  • Proposes salons adopt an “Uber Comfort”-style preference option (e.g., silence, music, temperature) for treatments.

    “Wouldn’t it be great if you could just be, like, silence preferred?” (16:42, Listener)

• Hosts’ Reflections:

  • Both support the idea, discussing how small social interactions in salons can feel draining, and stress the value of nonverbal signals to indicate preferences.

    “There should be some sort of, you know, token or something...to indicate [silence].” (17:29, Doree)

5. Southern California Family Travel Recommendations (18:19–23:27)

• Listener Request:

  • Question about planning a spring break trip in Orange County/LA with both practical family needs and “Hollywood” sightseeing.

• Elise’s Tips:

  • Plan by neighborhood; avoid crossing LA in a single day due to traffic.
  • For studios, pick tours based on kids’ favorite shows (Warner Bros. for “Gilmore Girls,” Sony for “Breaking Bad/Seinfeld,” Universal for rides).
  • Food highlights: Koreatown for diverse cuisines, including Oaxacan and Taiwanese.
  • Other must-see spots: The Grove and Farmer’s Market, Academy Museum, Hollywood Blvd.

    “The overall tip for Los Angeles is...when you pick a place for the day, stay in that place, like that part of town.” (19:43, Elise)

• Doree’s Notes on Orange County:

  • Counters assumptions about “MAGA vibes,” emphasizing Orange County’s diversity and recommending Laguna Beach for its beauty.

6. Gardening Tips for Beginners (24:10–28:20)

• Listener Advice:

  • Start slow—begin with one garden bed and focus on plants that excite you.
  • Use resources like local libraries, university extension master gardener programs, and online communities (Epic Gardening, Joe Gardener, PNW gardening subreddit).

    “Free classes from your local university extension master gardener program…Epic Gardening on Instagram and YouTube.” (25:05, Listener Text)

  • Recommendations for easy plants: cabbage, broccoli, lettuces, berries, snap peas, beans, tomatoes, squash, native flowers.

• Hosts’ Interest:

  • Both share a desire for hands-on, personalized plant diagnostics (“plant doctor”) and muse about getting help via Reddit or local clubs.

    “What I really feel I need is kind of a plant doctor or a plant RX.” (26:40, Elise)

Memorable Quotes

• “A burrito moment, yes. We’re changing the nomenclature.” — Elise (04:07)
• “It genuinely feels like a store I want to shop in. I love getting dressed again.” — Listener on closet editing (09:57)
• “Nothing has to be forever… you can always come back.” — Mara (14:42)
• “The overall tip…when you pick a place for the day, stay in that place.” — Elise (19:43)
• “Pacific Northwest is like a gardening paradise. They are kind and gentle and extremely wise.” — Listener (26:14)
• “What I really feel I need is kind of a plant doctor or a plant RX.” — Elise (26:40)

Notable Timestamps

• 00:45 – Micro joys and life updates from Elise and Doree
• 07:42 – Listener shares a micro moment (“fuzzy brown coat” story)
• 09:08 – Listener voicemail about transformative closet editing
• 13:07 – Mara's story about living abroad as a teen after 9/11
• 15:41 – Silence preference for salons and beauty treatments
• 18:19 – Listener asks for Southern California travel tips
• 24:10 – Gardening and beginner tips from listeners

Tone & Style

As always, Doree and Elise keep the conversation light, relatable, and filled with laughter (and a few poignant moments), maintaining their hallmark “friend chat” rapport even when responding to deeper questions. The “burrito moment” framing becomes a fun symbol for everyday contentment and self-care, perfectly encapsulating the episode’s optimistic, grateful undertone.

Summary Prepared For:
Listeners seeking actionable self-care tips, inspiration for small joys, and practical advice on travel, decluttering, and gardening — all delivered with the warmth and wit distinctive to Forever35.