Category Archives: Food & Drink

My Favorite TV Shows of 2020 (Part 1): Comedies & Competition Shows

Posted in Arts Events, Food & Drink, Staying in by

by Keridwyn Deller

I’m sliding into early February to share with you some TV shows (& a few Movies) I watched in 2020. This is “Part 1: Comedies and Competition Shows.” (To be clear, these are shows I personally WATCHED in 2020 that I recommend.)

Some of these titles might feel familiar and some might be new to you! Since I haven’t linked to streaming platforms, you can use justwatch.com to find where they are streaming. The majority of these shows are on Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, and Disney+.

COMEDIES (or at least made ME laugh)

Flo and Joan. I want everyone to watch this comedy special! They’re goofy and witty and playful and sometimes acerbic. Comedy song writers. Like Garfunkle and Oats or Flight of the Concords, but different because they are different people. I’m already ready to rewatch this special. (It’s on Amazon Prime). It might be a bit over the top for some audiences (some adult content) but I’m guessing most of you will like it.

The Good Place. One of the best comedic shows ever! It took a few episodes for me to bite but this show gets better and better. Goofy, quirky, heartfelt, and a very satisfying series end. This show feels like a hug from a close friend.

Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist. Clever concept. Characters burst into (awesome) song and dance. The “tech” writing is bad but the character of Zoey’s neighbor Mo (played by Alex Newell) is SO good. Some tear-jerker moments but it still falls under comedy in my mind. I’ll likely go back and watch some of the group dance numbers again – a nice variety of cover songs and great choreography!

I’m Sorry. I share this show with a strong “not for the easily offended” disclaimer. I mean it! That said, I have rarely laughed out loud so much at a show. I had seen this show before but watched it again in 2020 (done via netflixparty/teleparty with a friend) and it was just as funny a second time. I’m wrecked that the third season was written and ready for production but was canceled due to Covid. Andrea Savage is one of the funniest people I have ever watched and the supporting cast is phenomenal. Hulu or Netflix would be smart to pick up season 3. But if you are offended by the show, you didn’t hear about it from me.

Palm Springs. A very funny and sweet movie. Rom Com with a focus on the Com.

The Great. This period piece (18th century Russia)’s tag line is “An occasionally true story.” I don’t usually like raunchy comedies but I like period pieces so I’m guessing that’s part of what swayed me on this one. Not for the easily offended.

Middleditch & Schwartz. Clever and unique long form improv show featuring two dudes. Self-referential. Wacky. Fast paced. I’m a big fan.

Some Good News. I sure was disappointed when this show was sold-and-then-pretty-much-cancelled. It’s likely the episodes don’t hold up now but they were really helpful for those of us who watched them while going through the early days of the Covid19 Pandemic. They came back for a 2020 Holiday special. I would totally forgive them for pausing for so long if they came back this year! 🙂

Dead to Me. Wow these ladies have great chemistry together. The writing, the timing, the weirdness of this show. I was sad when we ran out of episodes!

Upload. This was lighthearted, cute, and a cool concept. While I wasn’t super happy with how it ended (no spoilers, I promise), it was still a fun watch. I’d like a season 2!

Nate Bargatze, The Tennesee Kid. I remember liking this comedy special more than I expected to. I don’t remember details but I marked a star next to it in my journal which means I’m recommending it to you now. Maybe I’ll rewatch it and laugh all over again? 🙂

Douglas by Hannah Gadsby. Her work is amazing. Watch Nanette (her other special) first. It’s BEYOND comedy and she’s one of the best writer/performers of our time. I have watched Nanette twice and will likely watch both Nanette and Douglas again. WOW.

Noelle. This relatively new holiday movie was absolutely charming. I expected it to be bearable and was delighted. I am already planning on watching it again Dec 2021.

The Lovebirds. Cute and clever romcom movie. I liked it more than I thought I would. The actors were fun to watch together.

Frozen 2. Might be better than Frozen. There are two scenes in this movie I just adored and the rest of the movie was very good.

COMPETITION SHOWS

Sing On. Just pure, silly fun with pop and rock songs. If you like watching really good karaoke performers, this is a good show for you. No snarky judges, fun sportsmanship, some very talented singers. Fun escapism.

Win the Wilderness. I did not expect to get wrapped up in this show! BBC competition show with very little repetitive shots. Couples face Alaskan wilderness challenges – the prize is the deed to a beautiful house and property deep in Alaska (you FLY in to get there!). Loved the nature shots, the problem solving, and the personalities of the current owners and many of the contestants. It’s a very light watch for being a “wilderness competition show” – likely as it has UK not US origins.

Taskmaster. I rarely laugh so much at any show. Watch this on youtube (be sure to watch the UK version). I think the first few seasons are the best but I’m still making my way through the later seasons. Comedians compete in silly challenges. The co-hosts are hilarious, the challenges are goofy (and sometimes result in very clever solutions from the contestants). Super fun!

Making It! Oh boy, Nick Offerman & Amy Poehler are full of goofy dad jokes in this competition show for makers and crafters. The challenges are fun and the vibe is very Great British Bake Off but with glue guns instead of frosting. Some really awesome crafters are featured, including Jamie from Portland, OR who is part of the duo behind 20leagues.com. They make some of the cutest diorama kits for house plants EVER and I might have geeked out a bit when I met the two of them at a recent Urban Craft Uprising.

Great British Bake Off. You likely know it. You likely love it.

The Final Table. Supportive, interesting food challenge show. I would watch every season if they do more.

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There you have it! I’ll be back in a future blog post with my favorite dramedies, dramas, and other categories.

I LOVE to chat and message about shared love of shows, so share what shows / movies YOU liked in 2020, which on my list resonated with you, or what you’re excited to check out. You can also connect w me at fb.com/keridwyn , twitter.com/keridwyn , or instagram.com/keridwyn.


If you’d like to check out my favorite fiction and non-fiction books (and audiobooks) from what I read in 2020, you can see my full post HERE.


Weekly Roundup: approachable neuroscience, chickpea smash, scattergories, good shows, and more (9/12/2020)

Posted in Food & Drink, Health & Wellness, Miscellaneous Awesome, Staying in by

Hey there, it’s been a bit. Turns out some hobbies are harder during this stage of pandemic. You finding that too? Oof.

Let’s jump in. Here’s what I’ve been up to lately:

My friend and colleague Lori Hammond recently introduced me to Stanford professor and neuroscientist Andrew Huberman. I’m now going down a youtube rabbit hole, finding videos from podcasts he’s appeared on this summer. He makes neuroscience approachable and is right up my alley, in connection to my work as a Hypnotherapist. He posts on Instagram at instagram.com/hubermanlab (you can view IG posts online even if you don’t sign up for instagram). For more from him, search his name on your podcast app and of course youtube.

Andrew Huberman, (approachable and charismatic Neuroscientist and Standford Professor)

I would love Andrew to be a guest on Brene Brown’s podcast, Unlocking Us (my favorite podcast right now).

Unlocking Us is recently back with more episodes, as is another podcast favorite, the funny and interesting pod By the Book with hosts Jolenta Greenberg and Kristen Meinzer. Funny enough, pre-pandemic they planned this season to have many home-self-help books. AND they just released an episode on one of my favorite books, So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo (follow her on FB and IG). Everyone in the United States should read this book.

Ijeoma Oluo, bestselling author and rad thought leader

I’m in the middle of reading Kindred (a book written in the 1970s about a black woman who travels back in time to the 1800s during slavery in the United States). It’s good, powerful, interesting writing. You can listen to the audiobook on Scribd, which is like netflix for audiobooks/ebooks/sheet music – use my link HERE to get 2 months free. You can cancel before your trial is up if you don’t love it and you won’t be charged but I personally LOVE this app and use it a bunch. When you get 2 months free, I get a month free, and that makes me really giddy, so thanks!

I’ve also enjoyed the YA books/audiobooks from Angie Thomas, The Hate U Give and On the Come Up. Highly recommended. Check out links to all the books I’ve read this year so far, here. I love Goodreads and following friends on there is a great way to find new-to-you books to love. My most recent online bookclubs were for the books The Power and Circe and I recommend both of those books (though if your nervous system is on overload right now, you may want to skip The Power for now.)

Another thing that’s brought me joy lately, that I think you might like knowing about is: chickpea toast. Out of avocados? Open a can of garbanzo beans, rinse them, add a splash of water, some mayo and mustard, za’atar spice and a dash of salt. You can mix up some chopped bell pepper or add tomato or arugula on top, and put it on toast. Done! My favorite snack.

Some movies I’ve enjoyed lately include:

Eurovision (super goofy, I’m not always a fan of comedies like this but I imagined my dear friend with an infectious laugh next to me and thoroughly enjoyed it)

Moana (rewatch – one of Disney’s best movies ever)

The King of Staten Island (not sure if I would have watched this if I hadn’t heard Judd Apatow’s interview on Unlocking Us, glad I did. It’s heavy but carthartic and also has good laughs)

The King of Staten Island

Hamilton (of course)

Shows I’ve enjoyed lately:

(besides Youtube podcast videos featuring Andrew Huberman)

Love on the Spectrum (I’d love to hear what you thought of this if you are on the autism spectrum or are close with someone who is)

Padma Lakshmi Taste the Nation

There are a few shows I recommend if you are ok with humor that goes way past the line (not for the easily offended or younger watchers). If that interests you, message me on FB or my contact form and I’ll fill you in. 🙂

To find where a show or movie is streaming, visit the terrific website or app, Just Watch. Cool cool cool. Thanks to the folks who created this, you make my life easier.

Oh, and a great website in case you’re curious if a show or movie is appropriate for a younger watcher or a squeamish or easily offended watcher: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/

Games:

I’ve enjoyed revisiting Scattergories recently. Great for the whole family or a group of friends and works well via zoom (Send a text of the list you’re using to everyone before you start the timer. If you don’t have a letter dice you can use a site like random.org with the numbers 1 to 26. Or just pick a letter. FYI, the original game’s dice doesn’t include the letters Q, U, V, X, Y, and Z.

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So, friend, reader, what have you been reading, watching, playing, listening to, making (simple recipes only, please), supporting?

Sending you love and wishing you moments of ease.

Love, Keridwyn

Me, enjoying a sunscreen-and-shade sunny Seattle day…before the smoke

Call for submission: experiences and products in Seattle

Posted in Arts Events, Charities & Benefits, Food & Drink, Free Events, Health & Wellness, Inside Pockets, Kid Friendly, Miscellaneous Awesome, Networking Events, Organizing & Decluttering, Pick Pockets, Shopping, Staying in, Travel by

Thanks for being a Seattle Pockets reader! I’m so glad you enjoy following along with my blog.

I’m going to start a weekly round up series, listing a mix of events, experiences (both in Seattle area and things to do at home like books and podcasts), and products.

If YOU have something you want me to consider sharing in a future round up, let me know!

Maybe you’re associated with the org or shop providing the experience or product, or maybe you’re just a big fan and want to spread the word!

Drop me a line via my contact form, message me on Facebook, or post in the comments below.

max-anderson-VIF1-szxZlQ-unsplashPhoto by Max Anderson (thanks for sharing, Max!) 

Give Back: Fun event at Garage benefits Project Access Northwest (helping people get more access to healthcare)

Posted in Charities & Benefits, Food & Drink, Health & Wellness by

by Keridwyn Deller

Join Project Access Northwest for a night of fun and games at The Garage on Capitol Hill in Seattle on October 15th, 2019 to bring health care to our neighbors in need.
Project Access Northwest is a local non-profit organization that partners with our region’s major health care systems and more than 1700 volunteer providers to provide life-changing care to low-income and uninsured patients.
Their “STRIKE! Down Barriers to Health Care” event is an annual fundraising party open to anyone interested in supporting this good cause.
Come on out on Tuesday, October 15, 2019, at The Garage at 1130 Broadway, Seattle. The event will run from 5:30–8:30 pm and feature heavy appetizers, hosted beer and wine, and an opportunity to spend time with health care leaders in our community.
Last year’s event (see story here), 165 guests and sponsored helped Project Access Northwest raise $93,600, and they are aiming even higher this year.
Buy tickets in advance at https://projectaccessnw.org/strike
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Giveaway: Bubble Ball: Disco Dance & Champagne Tasting at Century Ballroom

Posted in Arts Events, Food & Drink, Giveaways & Special Offers, Miscellaneous Awesome by

By Keridwyn Deller

Century Ballroom is bringing back the Bubble Ball (Champagne Tasting and Disco Dance) on September 27! Facebook event page here.

Read on to learn more about this event, then keep reading to learn how to enter to win.

“One night only! Join us Friday, September 27 for a special champagne tasting and disco dance.

– 7:30-9:30pm Champagne Tasting
– 9:30pm Hustle Lesson
– 10:30pm-1am Disco Dance w/DJ Dana Dub

Tickets on sale now: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4325592.
21+”

Note: tickets in advance are for the whole night (Champagne tasting, hustle lesson, and disco dance). Tickets available at the door for just the dance or the lesson and dance.

 

Want to enter to win tickets to the dance?

Simple!

First: 

Make sure you’re signed up to receive SeattlePockets.com emails. See the “Sign Up for Blog Emails” box  – on the right at seattlepockets.com on a computer or after scrolling down past this post on your mobile device. (If it says “Thanks for Following” you’ve already signed up to get emails. Just make sure they aren’t going to your spam folder.)

Then:

you can enter via Facebook (or on this blog post if you don’t have Facebook):

To enter via Facebook, RSVP “Interested” or “Going” to the Facebook event page here. Then tag a friend in the comments on the event wall. Tag multiple friends (up to 8) on the event wall for up to 8 entries (Same comment for all friends is fine).

You’ll also want to comment on this blog post and let me know your name on Facebook, to finalize your entry.

Good luck! If you win, or not, I hope to see you on the dance floor for this fun evening!

bubble

Enter by 9/20/19 at 11:59pm Pacific Time. Winner will be contacted the next day. All local, state, and federal rules apply.

GIVEAWAY: Wine event this Saturday 3-7pm for a GREAT cause! It’s the Belltown Crush Block Party.

Posted in Food & Drink, Giveaways & Special Offers, Miscellaneous Awesome by

By Keridwyn Deller

There’s a fun wine event in the streets of Belltown, Seattle this Saturday, August 24, 2019, complete with live music and a grape stomp, and now is your chance to enter to win 2 tickets.

The event benefits Plymouth Housing, which does great work in our community in their mission to end homelessness.

Buy tickets here.

Facebook event page here.

More about the event, in their own words:

“Support Plymouth’s mission to end homelessness during a fun Saturday afternoon with friends and neighbors at our annual beer and wine festival. We’ll have a wine and beer garden, grape stomping competition, live music, and noshes from local eateries to celebrate the final stretch of summer!

Entertainment:

3 – 4:15 p.m. The Seattle Women’s Steel Pan Project
4:30 – 5 p.m. Grape Stomping Competition
5 – 7 p.m. CafĂ© com Leite

3 – 7 p.m. DJ EPop
Chalk art by Raziah Roushan, Artist

Wine from Cascadian Outfitters, Cadence Winery, Ambassador Wines Of Washington, Basel Cellars, The Woodhouse Wine Estates, Michael Florentino Cellars, Drum Roll Wine, Abbe Vineyard and Winery, Rooted Souls Winery, The Princess & The Bear Wines, Willamette Valley Vineyards, Gard Vintners, Lawrelin Wines, Patterson Cellars, and J Bookwalter Wines.

Beer from Watts Brewing Company, Optimism Brewing Company, and Tin Dog Brewing. Cider from Pear Up Cider.”

Buy your tickets here. 

Check out their Facebook page here.

To enter to win:

First: Make sure you’re signed up to receive SeattlePockets.com emails (see the “Sign Up for Blog Emails” box on the right at seattlepockets.com – if it says “Thanks for Following” you’ve already signed up to get emails. Just make sure they aren’t going to your spam folder.)

THEN you can do all or some of the following:

Comment on the giveaway post at fb.com/seattlepockets. Tag a friend (or multiple friends – one per comment) & be sure to RSVP interested or going on the Facebook event page.

Tag a friend on the Instagram giveaway post at instagram.com/keridwyn. Tag multiple friends for multiple entries – one per comment

Comment on this blog post!

That’s it!

crush

That’s it! Giveaway ends at 11:59pm Pacific Time 8/22/19. All local, state & federal rules apply. Winner will be contacted before noon 8/23/19.

 

GIVEAWAY: Find your favorite ciders at Cider Summit SEA at Lake Union Park in Seattle (September 6 & 7)

Posted in Charities & Benefits, Food & Drink, Giveaways & Special Offers, Miscellaneous Awesome by

Cider Summit SEA is back for its TENTH annual event. Read on to learn how you can enter to win two tickets!

This delicious event takes place over two days in Seattle. This year, the event will have beautiful views of the water at Lake Union Park (adjacent to The Museum of History & Industry). Which means, pick out shoes that work on grassy lawns!

This year, the event, presented by locally-and-woman-owned Capitol Cider, will offer tasting flights in addition to 2oz pours.

How many options will you have to choose from? Great question! Over 150 ciders, meads, and cider cocktails will be offered, including regional favorites and international classics.  The event is Friday, September 6 from 3pm – 8pm (VIP session 2-3pm) and Saturday, September 7 from noon to 5pm.  Tickets are on sale now at https://www.cidersummitnw.com/tickets.

This event is a benefit for NW Cider Association, Seattle Humane, and The Institute of Myeloma & Bone Cancer Research.

To enter to win two tickets:

1. Make sure you’re signed up to receive SeattlePockets.com emails (see the “Sign Up for Blog Emails” box on the right at seattlepockets.com)

then

2.  Enter on Facebook by RSVP’ing on the Facebook Event Page, liking fb.com/cidersummit and fb.com/seattlepockets and commenting on Seattle Pockets FB page “I want to win #CiderSummitSEA tickets.”

and/or

Enter on Instagram – details at instagram.com/keridwyn.

You can enter on Facebook or Instagram or both. You can also get an entry into the giveaway by commenting on this blog post.

That’s it! I look forward to seeing you at #CiderSummitSEA!

image002

Enter by 8/25/19 at 11:59pm. All local, state, and federal rules apply.

 

 

 

 

 

For the Love of Bubbles! “The Champagne Widow” plays now through July 7 at CafĂ© Nordo

Posted in Arts Events, Food & Drink by

Review by Paul Levy

Pop some bubbly, sit back and enjoy CafĂ© Nordo’s “The Champagne Widow,” a historical journey through Champagne’s bottled up history, and the strong women who made this beloved beverage so delicious.

Café Nordo doesn’t disappoint with this sparkly, romp of a cabaret experience. The music, food, and story are overflowing with creativity and delight. Walking into Cafe Nordo’s Pioneer Square theatre/restaurant, you’re whisked away into an abandoned wine cellar, which makes sense since in this show you’re a young bottle of champagne eating your way into a fully finished bottle of Champagne’s golden bubbles. The servers, who are also the performers, serve up food inspired by the ingredients and process of becoming a bottle of bubbly.

Screenshot 2019-06-25 at 3.47.38 PM.png


Between each of the multiple courses, “The Champagne Widow” tells thoughtful stories on some of Champagne’s unsung heroines. As you sip on your Brut Royal the echoes of its history surround you in the form of ghosts from Champagne’s past. The lovely ensemble of performers, led by the charming and talented Opal Peachey, dance, sing and portray the fascinating female characters who helped to create champagne. 

If you enjoy Champagne, this experience is a must see. Treat yourself to one of the flights and celebrate your love of bubbles. The show runs until Sunday, July 7th, 2019 (extended dates!) and tickets are only available for some of the remaining shows (some performances are sold out). Tickets include dinner – but not the champagne. Be sure to budget for some glasses of bubbly. In my opinion, this show requires a class of sparkling in your hand. Tickets and more information, here.

Photo by Bruce Clayton Tom

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More about our guest blogger, Paul Levy:

Paul Levy is always on the hunt for stories brought to life in immersive formats. He is the Creative Director at TPN, an agency that creates small and large live-events and experiences for fortune 500 companies, including Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing.

 

“Love, Chaos & Dinner” New show at Teatro Zinzanni is a feast of laughter and jaw-dropping acts

Posted in Arts Events, Food & Drink by

Review by Nora McLellan

Teatro Zinzanni is no stranger to putting together dinner and a show, but their latest show, “Love, Chaos, & Dinner” in Woodinville, Washington takes the experience to a new level. From the sparkling rosĂ© wine flight to the gorgeous costumes, your senses will be delighted all evening.

It would be easy to just talk about the acts, but the food is worth looking forward to. Like magic, Chef Jason Wilson orchestrates a room full of delicious meals artfully served at the same time. I happily tried both the fish and steak entrees, and my companion splurged by adding perfectly cooked lobster. The sparkling wine flight was a particular favorite. Everything was flavorful and delicious.


It really is the performers that are the most memorable parts of the evening. With a cast of stars who has performed and trained all over the world, there’s an amazing amount of talent there to keep you entertained all night. You might blush a bit, but you will definitely laugh as Lady Rizo’s powerful voice sings bawdy tunes. (And her costume changes? Rhinestones! Feathers! Sequins! Oh my!) The Anastasini brothers defy gravity and juggle each other in the air with their feet! But it is the Duo Rose that will leave your jaw on the floor. Their unique combination of graceful trapeze and twisted contortion is impossible to look away from. Every moment of the show there’s someone dynamic and charming to watch, even as waiters and performers roles blend throughout the evening.

The show will keep you entertained every minute and can take on a life of its own with audience participation. Teatro’s founder and the director of this show describes it as a playful interpretation on the art of flirtation, and it is a perfect date night. Don’t miss this show in Woodinville, WA now through June 30, 2019. Tickets here. 

Screenshot 2019-05-22 at 4.21.24 PM

 

Screenshot 2019-05-22 at 4.20.42 PM

Photos via Teatro Zinzanni

Watch the trailer here.

Giveaway! Seattle Scotch & Beer Fest (April 19 & 20 – benefits Seattle Humane)

Posted in Charities & Benefits, Food & Drink, Giveaways & Special Offers by
Love beer, scotch & whiskey? Well, you’re in luck because April 19 & 20 the Seattle Scotch & Beer Fest is taking over Fremont Studios for a delicious event benefitting Seattle Humane.
You can get your tickets here (as of publishing, there’s a discount on their website for advance tickets!)
Want to enter a pair of tickets? Here’s how:
Comment on this blog post for one entry. Then enter on either Facebook or Instagram (or both!)
Enter on my Facebook giveaway post here.
Enter on my Instagram giveaway post here.
It’s going to be one very tasty weekend. Prize includes 2 “Beer + Cocktails + 1 Spirit Flight” tickets. 
About the event:
Screenshot 2019-04-15 at 12.38.22 PM

Enjoy 50 craft beers and ciders on tap, hand-crafted cocktails featuring Jameson Irish Whiskey, The Glenlivet Scotch Whisky, Avion Tequila and more.  In the Spirit Room, guests will discover two flight options – the Scotch Flight and the Whiskey-Inspired Flight. The Seattle Scotch & Beer Fest Bottle Shop, sponsored by Celebrity Cruises will offer bottles of the spirits sampled will be available for purchase (tax free).

Tickets to Seattle Scotch & Beer Fest are still available. Guests can choose from three admission types and have the option to purchase admission to limited-seating Top Shelf  Seminars. But hurry because ticket prices increase at midnight on April 18! For more information and to purchase tickets, visit http://www.scotchbeerfest.com.

 #SSBF