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Winter Sucks. These Things Don’t.

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An image of a plant and fuzzy stool next to a fireplace.

You know the title of this blog? That’s what we keep hearing. Well, we’re here to tell you winter does not suck. We live in Michigan and we’re kinda over everyone complaining about the lack of sunshine, the snow or the cold. Um…y’all can move, ya know. In an effort to put a smile on your face and to remind you that you chose to live here, these are our favorite things about winter. There will be an accompanying video to follow when we have a gosh darn minute.

The Physical

Some of us (Bri and Ric) think physical activity is fun. Contrary to what most Michiganders have to say, our great state has some great outdoor fun. Here’s a few ideas: skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, hiking, sledding, snowmobiling, building a snow-person, exploring our frozen lake or just watch people do this while you sit inside by a fire. The rest of us are quite happy with lying around, watching movies, sipping hot cocoa and eating junk food.

The Cozy

Dropping temperatures and falling snow is all the excuse we need to avoid the shit we agreed to do but really don’t want to do. Repeat after us: “I would love to see you, but I’m a nervous nelly driving in this weather. Let’s reschedule when the roads are clear.” Turn on Netflix, start a fire (preferably in a fireplace), slip on the slippers and oversized chunky sweater, pop some popcorn and cozy up with your furry friends with a minimum of 9,000 blankets for an evening in…all to yourself. Let’s gain that winter weight together, shall we?

The Entertainment

Did we mention Netflix? Some people like to Netflix and Chill, we like to Netflix and Coze…it’s a thing, and it’s totally gonna catch on. We also have an obsession in our office with The Bachelor. We mean, “Like oh my God, like who will Brad or Chad or Brock choose? I just cannot even.” This sentence was brought to you by Valley Girls, totes. Oh, we’re also obsessed with InstaPots. Kim takes credit for that. In conclusion, winter in Michigan is amazeballs. Come to our Nothing Party.

Sincerely,
The stir-crazy group at 8THIRTYFOUR

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FUN FACT FRIDAY: It’s only fitting for us to own a building where a trailblazing female operated her businesses in 1906. The Phillips family represented one of the longest-running retail tenures in Grand Rapids history; L.E. Phillips Jewelry in the 1365 Plainfield Ave. building from 1906 until 1973. 
Dr. Eva Phillips, a certified and licensed optometrist ran her practice out of the jewelry store’s secondary parlor and was an equal partner in the jewelry store. 

Together, they offered a unique one-stop shot which expanded to include appliances, record players, and more. The couple operated the shop through two World Wars and the Great Depression, acting as the neighborhood matriarch and patriarch. 

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Have you tuned into The Happy Hour Hustle Podcast yet?
If not, a) you’re missing out and b) you need to follow immediately. Hosted by @bodespeaks, episodes drop every other week, and feature some pretty bada$$ guests if we do say so ourselves.

This week, Kim sits down with @kelsey_orchard , VP of Marketing and Communications at @fifthwheelfreight to chat building a personal brand, Gen Z entering the workforce, misconceptions about logistics, spotting fake LinkedIn profiles – oh and why your GPA doesn’t matter anymore.

Grab a watermelon margarita, sit back and enjoy for lots of laughs and real talk.

Listen now at the link in bio.
National Perimenopause Month starts today. We have a LOT to say, and we’re not going to be quiet about it, especially this month, so buckle up.

We were not prepared for perimenopause, much like our periods, sex, or anything else to do with our bodies. God forbid we talk about it openly.

We were taught to be ashamed, keep quiet, and to accept that it is just part of being a woman. We reject that narrative. In fact, like @bodespeaks, we want to bring it up in every conversation. 

When we normalize perimenopause and the conversation around it, we stop isolating, and we’re all more prepared.
Join us for Uncomfortable Conversations: The Pause on September 24th — a powerful conversation hosted alongside the @smallbusinessassocofmichigan 
Women’s Business Council, featuring some kicka$$ experts who will give you the real talk on perimenopause (more to come on them later).

Register at the link in bio.
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Applications due October 1. Apply now at the link in bio.
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