Category Archives: Giveaways & Special Offers

Seattle Pockets is back! Weekly round-up: Netflix Parties, Sarahs, Scribd, and a Seattleite I’m inspired by

Posted in Free in Seattle, Giveaways & Special Offers, Health, Miscellaneous Awesome, Staying in by

Half-way through July! I’m finding ways to keep myself active, learning, and content during this stage of the pandemic. I had a bit of a pause on the blog but I’m back now!

Today, I share some ways I’ve been spending my down time, in case you want to join me:


Yoga: you gotta start somewhere

After decades of declaring I wanted to “get into yoga,” the time is finally here. Thanks to the “Yoga & Movement Encouragement Group” I started on Facebook, I can finally say I have a personal yoga practice. I’ve been enjoying Sarah Beth Yoga on Youtube (she’s got a nice list of Beginner yoga videos that are just 10-15 minutes, which is right for me at this time). 

I did 21 days in a row then thought I would go to 2-3 days a week and increase the time I spent on my mat on those days. Well, unfortunately that plan didn’t work out: I ended up doing ZERO yoga for nine days in a row. So, now I am back to the mat with a “daily yoga routine.” Even in just nine days without yoga after 21 days with yoga, I noticed my body was a bit more achy and tight, so I’m excited to be back to the mat. This time around, I’m using the mindset of “I do yoga every day” rather than counting days.

Arm Workout: 5 minutes a day

My pal Samantha Lamb, who is part of my movement encouragement group, shared the daily arm workout program she liked . . . now I’m hooked! I’m already noticing a difference. While I’m not a fan of the title of the course (and guessing the site named it, not the teacher, as Sarah Rector has zero body-shaming in her program), the DailyOm 14 day arm challenge offers arm workouts using small weights at just 5 minutes a day. I did the 14 days and the restarted the program and plan on continuing this for the days to come. Being just 5 minutes a day makes it easy to do it and get through it.

What I’ve been watching

Thank you to the creators of Netflix Party! I’ve enjoyed watching shows with friends while staying home and staying safe during the pandemic (connecting via the chat feature while we watch the show together). Some of the shows I’ve enjoyed watching via NP include

  • Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat – travel to Italy, Japan, Mexico, and California with the charming and approachable chef and author Samin Nosrat.
  • Self-Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker “The inspiring story of trailblazing African American entrepreneur Madam C.J. Walker who built a haircare empire that made her America’s first female self-made millionaire.” – IMDB
  • Hollywood Not for the faint of heart. A wild ride with delightful casting.
  • Dead To Me (Season 2) Dark, twisty, funny.
  • When They See Us Intense and based on a true story. This mini-series was recommended to me by multiple antiracist mvoies/shows to watch lists.

Other shows I’m watching or recently have watched that I recommend include:

  • Dear White People (the series) “At a predominantly white Ivy League college, a group of black students navigate various forms of racial and other types of discrimination.” – IMBD
  • Hannah Gadsby: Douglas (if you haven’t seen Hannah Gadsby: Nanette yet, watch that first). One of the best solo performers of our time, maybe ever.
  • The Morning Show. Great casting. An inside look at a morning tv show, centering around #MeToo plot lines.
  • Upload Goofy sci-fi with a fun concept. “A man is able to choose his own afterlife after his untimely death by having his consciousness uploaded into a virtual world.” -IMBD
  • Palm Springs It’s not often I laugh out loud at movies and shows but this comedy is so good!
Um, who has a pool I can socially distance hang in soon? I’ll bring my own floaties!

Curling up with some good books

I discovered Scribd this year (basically the “netflix” of books/audiobooks/magazines/sheetmusic). I’m hooked! They normally just give 2 weeks for free but if you sign up with my link you get TWO MONTHS free (and if you’re on a budget you can cancel before your two months runs out and you won’t be charged). I love being able to read and listen to my hearts content, rather than subscription plans that allow just one audiobook a month or charge you if you want more. Sign up with my link here: https://www.scribd.com/g/8gjtsr (You get two months free of Scribd and I get one month free!)

I just finished The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas (WOW so good!) on Scribd and am now enjoying Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb. My mom (Seattle Pockets blogger Jeanne Deller) and dad recently listened to The Murmur of Bees by Sofia Segovia and The Dutch House by Ann Patchett (narrated by national treasure Tom Hanks). They recommend both of these books.

Seattleite I’m inspired by

Journalist Omari Salisbury has been doing an incredible job covering the protests in Seattle, including the experiences at CHOP. His livestreams and replays are an excellent source of news of what is truly happening in Seattle. Check out his links, here.

I’ll be back to blog again soon. Sending love to you, reader! Drop me a line or send me a message if you have suggestions of (safe) entertainment in the coming weeks and months. More about me: linktr.ee/keridwyn – Keridwyn

Virtual entertainment for you this week

Posted in Arts Events, Free in Seattle, Giveaways & Special Offers, Staying in by

“In solidarity, we distance,” my friend Angelica Kushi shared in her Facebook Live video today. While we’re physically distancing, this is an opportunity for us to socially connect  – online.  We’re staying in (unless we are one of the heroes working a front line job to keep the community alive). We’re keeping ourselves 6 feet or more away from others in the necessary times we do go out. We’re discovering new ways to experience life from indoors. We are voicing and naming our feelings, mitigating our stress and anxiety, and finding the “bright spots” where we can.

It is imperative for our wellbeing, for our own self-care and for our ability to show up for others, that we do things to relax and recharge when we can. Reach out to others and offer support. Be a helper. And prioritize your own self-care too. Take time to breathe deep throughout the day. And find ways to play, explore, and experience delight. Your brain needs you to keep these healthy, play-seeking, gratitude-seeking neuropathways going now more than ever.

I wanted to share a few free virtual events and experiences with you today:

Ebooks and Audiobooks from the Library

Got a library card? Download the Libby app and sign up with your card – you’ll be able to check out ebooks and audiobooks for free. If you need help with the technology, reach out to a friend to walk you through it over the phone (or message me if you don’t have someone to turn to and I’ll pair you with a helper).

See what the Sea Otters are up to

The Seattle Aquarium offers webcams of the Sea Otters and Harbor Seals!

CJ Casson Sea otter at Seattle Aquarium

We Heart “The Stranger” 

The Stranger has collected an awesome list of virtual events for us – check out their full list. This page shares virtual events for tonight/Friday/Saturday/Sunday and ongoing dates. You’ll want to subscribe to get future updates from them.

Free Hypnosis Session

Join me Sunday as I host a free hypnosis session online “Mindful Hands: keep your hands comfortably away from your face.” If you can’t make it Sunday, you’ll be able to watch the replay. Join my free Reframe Your Brain Facebook group here for details. (If you aren’t on FB and want access to this recording, drop me a message at keridwyn.com/contact)

Dance it out 

Dance Church is offering their next fab-energy dance workout event on March 22 at 10am. Free (donations welcome). Live stream will be here. Learn more about Dance Church here. (I’m going to be in an online class at that time but hope to make the next one – not sure what the dates are yet.) If you attend, I want to hear about it!

Reach out to others

Reach out to friends and even acquaintances that may need more connection. Think about which friends who are “distancing in solidarity” and living solo (or with a roommate situation that is tricky for them). Consider what folks of older ages you know and see how they’re doing (maybe ask if they need any support with learning how to video chat or other tech needs you can walk them through on the phone).  Seeing each other’s faces gives us more feelings of connection than just texts or even phone calls. This is the time to connect, as we distance in solidarity.

Angelica Kushi’s Online Yoga Class

My lovely friend Angelica (who I quoted at the top of this post) is hosting a yoga class ($9 suggested or pay what you can) on 3/20 and 3/23 at 9am Pacific Time on Zoom. She’s also offering great rates if you prefer a one-on-one session with her. Details here.

Movie & Airbnb Giveaway + books, songs & parties (Weekly Pocket Roundup)

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

It’s time for a Weekly Pocket Roundup. This is a potpourri of events, experiences, giveaways, things to do while staying in, and other content you can enjoy.

GIVEAWAY! Movie passes and an Airbnb gift card:

Enter to win two tickets to Blumhouse’s Fantasy Island (for any Regal movie theatre in the Seattle area during the run-of-engagement) and a $50 travel gift card for Airbnb. About the movie: From the producer of Get Out and Halloween, Blumhouse’s Fantasy Island stars Michael Pena, Maggie Q, and Lucy Hale. I hear that this movie turns the idea of “be careful what you wish for” on its head. Will the movie’s vacation winners uncover the island’s secrets? Only in theatres, starting February 14, 2020. Enter to win, here.

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FICTION book I read recently:

 

I love the feeling of being obsessed with a good book/audiobook. “The Power” by Naomi Alderman likely bumped something out of my Top 20 Fiction Booklist. It is not for the faint of heart (violent scenes are described in detail) but if you can handle that, I highly recommend it: fans of The Handmaid’s Tale, science fiction, and/or dystopian novels will likely enjoy this book).  The audiobook reader, Adjoa Andoh, is a perfect match for this story. It. Is. Intense. And good enough to make me skip watching TV or listening to podcasts during my downtime because I just wanted to dive back into the story. Check out the book description on Goodreads and my full review on Instagram.

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Photo (used with permission) by @booksonblue

NON-FICTION book I read recently:

 

“Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle” is written by twins Emily & Amelia Nagoski. Like most self-help books, this is packed with lots of story examples (I’m more of a get-to-the-point-and-give-me-some-tools sort of reader, but I understand other folks love more storytelling as they learn). There are many concepts in this book that I look forward to applying to my life and sharing with my clients and the Reframe Your Brain group. Some of the book was review for me (re-learning is also an important part of my personal journey) and some of the concepts and advice were new to me. While I wasn’t blown away by every section – or rather, I should say, not every section was about something I could relate to –  as a whole I found reading this book incredibly valuable and am grateful to the authors for writing it. I’ve already started to change some habits and add some new practices in my life based on advice from this book. Check out the book on Goodreads. 

PARTY at the museum this Friday at Burke NiteLife: EARTH

 

This Friday, Jan 23, 2020, in their own words: “Get a close-up look at our planet at this rockin’ after-hours party!  Chat with Burke experts about minerals that sparkle and shine, mushrooms that make our soils, spiders that burrow, and more. Feel the ground move under your feet with live music from DJ Phenohype. Enjoy a cocktail by Westland Distillery (on the rocks of course).  Mingle with and see performances by drag artists Cranberry, Kylie Mooncake, Noona Kween, Rylee Raw, and Sir Killer Bunny. Make an EARTH-inspired woven ring with CHamoru artist Roquin Siongco. and more! Enjoy themed cocktails (on the rocks – get it?) by Westland Distillery, beer by Two Beers Brewing Co., cider from Seattle Cider Company, and hard seltzer from Sound Seltzer.” Tickets here.

New SONG I’m listening to:

 

“Seams” by Peitho. A lovely local friend has launched her first single, “Seams.”  I’m so thrilled and inspired by Peitho for achieving this goal! The single is available on Spotify, Deezer, iHeartradio, Google Play, Youtube, Amazon Music, and will soon be on iTunes.

More about Peitho: “Peitho is an artist native to the Pacific Northwest. She was classically trained to perform on stage at the University of Washington, has performed in several operas, and toured in Hungary and Latvia. Eventually, she was seduced by electronic music, drawn to trip-hop and dream pop aesthetics. She is excited to begin this new project and share it with you.”

 

Peitho

What else I’m up to:

If you haven’t checked out my free Reframe Your Brain group on Facebook, join us today! I share articles and advice to support you on your journey as you improve your mindset and mental and emotional wellness. Not on Facebook (or trying to use it less)? Contact me at keridwyn.com/contact and I’ll hook you up with a non-social-media option to access the content.

Wishing you a week full of pockets of joy,

Keridwyn

P.S. Let me know with a comment, message, or Facebook message what you think about the Weekly Roundup Pocket format for posts! I also accept submissions if you have content you want me to consider sharing in a future roundup. I love hearing from you.

GIVEAWAY: The fabulous Lady Rizo at The Triple Door – one night only!

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

By Keridwyn Deller

One of my all-time favorite performers to see live is coming back to Seattle for just one night on February 5, 2020 to perform at The Triple Door!
Lady Rizo – the enchanting, offbeat, comedic, weirdo seductress with an amazing voice is back in Seattle for just one night. I POUNCE on any opportunity to see her live, especially when she’s running the show. I’ll be taking Brandon for a date night and invite ALL of you to join us!
There was a rumor last week that the show is sold out. I was thrilled to find out that there are indeed some tickets left (though not for long, we expect this show will sell out soon, especially as the show is only $20 in advance). And I’m giving away a pair of tickets! Read on to find out how to enter to win.
Show description: “Seductively peeling back layers of alter-ego, Grammy winner Rizo explores the delight and trappings of our shadow selves through her own songs along with the tunes of Sasha Fierce (Beyoncé), the Thin White Duke (David Bowie), and Camille (Prince).“
 
Want to enter to win two tickets? Of course you do. Here’s how:
 
1) RSVP Interested or Going to the Facebook Event Page
2) Tag a friend on my Facebook post at fb.com/seattlepockets (you can tag up to 5 friends for 5 entries)
 
That’s it! If you’re not on Facebook, you can let me know by posting a comment on this blog post and you’ll be entered in the giveaway.
 
All local, state, and federal rules apply.
 
More about Lady Rizo from the FB event page:

” “An anarchist streak still runs through me,” says Rizo, the singer-sophisticate who was once a teenage punk rocker. “I love the idea of claiming something that’s uncool and making it authentic.” To that end, the NYC-based artist has earned a name for herself by transforming nightclub-pop into experiences that are more soulful, more theatrical. A provocateur with an electric wit, Rizo is a vessel for the spirits of Edith Piaf and Freddie Mercury.

The New York Times once referred to Rizo (né Amelia Zirin-Brown) as “a formidable belter who can sustain phrases and notes even when sprawled on her back on a piano and scissoring her legs.” They’re not alone in that enthusiasm. Rizo — who released Indigo, her second album, in 2017 — has collaborated with Moby, Reggie Watts, and Yo-Yo Ma, the latter on his Songs of Joy & Peace album, which won a Grammy Award.

Taking a cue from Piaf, Rizo fully embraces the role of chanteuse. In recordings, she is a mysterious figure, a siren ushering you through tableaus of heartbreak, lust, and the murkiness in between. Live, she is an eyeful. “Freddie Mercury embodied songs with his voice and body,” she says, admiringly. Like the Queen singer, she too can make even the simplest sentiment feel voluminous.”

Tickets (and a video clip of Rizo) here.
 
 
rizo art
 

Giveaway: Toast of Seattle networking event on Capitol Hill this January

Posted in Giveaways & Special Offers, Networking Events by

By Keridwyn Deller

The Toast of Seattle is back on January 17, 2020. If you’re a regular reader of Seattle Pockets blog, you know that this is my favorite networking event in town, because of the cleverly designed structure that allows you to connect comfortably and easily with at least other 20 attendees.

This time around, Toast will be at the Silver Cloud Hotel on Broadway on Capitol Hill on January 17th. You’ll get breakfast with the event along with those good feelings of satisfaction and accomplishment that comes with effective and fun networking.

Be sure to bring at least 20 business cards with you!

Read on for your chance to get a free ticket for this wonderfully formatted networking morning event.

Why is Toast of Seattle so special? The format. You start by finding a table to sit at while you enjoy breakfast. Then, after some opening remarks, you will network in a sort-of “speed-dating” inspired way (though it doesn’t feel rushed. Each person has 2 minutes to talk about their business. At the end of the round, everyone changes tables (you open up an envelope that shows you what table to go to next, no decision making required) and starts again. They guarantee you meet over 20 people in 2 hours. The structure makes networking efficient, productive, fun, and easy. It’s introduced me to some great people and I have learned a lot about other wonderful organizations in this great city of ours.

Early-bird priced tickets are available now.

To enter to win a ticket to attend this great event follow these easy steps:

 

1) Comment on this blog post

2) Comment on my Facebook post at fb.com/seattlepockets  (tag friends and/or tell me why you’re excited to network more this month)

2)  RSVP interested or going on the Facebook event page 

That’s it! If you aren’t on Facebook, you can still enter by leaving a comment on this blog post and signing up to get emails when future posts are published.

toast.jpg

 

Giveaway ends 1/7/2020 at 11:59pm Pacific Time. All local, state, and federal rules apply.

Giveaway: Light up your nights with this perfect gift from Lumio Designs

Posted in Fashion, Giveaways & Special Offers, Kid Friendly, Miscellaneous Awesome, Shopping Pockets by

By Keridwyn Deller

It’s the perfect time for a giveaway from local Seattle business, Lumio Designs! It’s been such a joy to see this local business grow, helping to bring joy to so many. Lumio Designs owner Liz Larsen has a sparkling personality, so it seems so natural that she would create a line of reusable wearables and accessories that light up the night and encourage others to shine. While Lumio Designs are fun to wear year-round, they are extra delightful this time of year when it gets dark so early.

Read on to learn more about the company (including how they work with Refugee Artisan Initiative, helping to empower women refugees in Washington State). You’ll have the chance to enter to win one of Lumio Design’s fun light-up accessories.

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My favorite accessories from Lumio designs include:

Their light-up scarf/boa. I treated myself to one of these beauties earlier this year and it kept me warm at night at my favorite festivals. I was delighted to find out that the scarf is washable and you can put different types of lights in the scarf for different looks. One of the things I love most about Lumio Designs is that they are reuseable lighted gifts (just change out the batteries when you need to). It’s been a lot of fun to wear this warm and cute scarf around Seattle. You can imagine that people smile and make eye contact a lot more when you’re glowing! I love seeing smiles on other people’s faces as they walk by when I’m wearing this scarf.

The Lumio Designs accessory that is the most recent addition to my collection is the darling feather collar. This collar comes in white or pink. I’m going to be sporting mine this weekend at a holiday party and look forward to wearing it out dancing in the coming months as well. I think it may be a great addition to my traditional New Year’s eve outfit too.

Check out the light-up hats, scarves, gloves, cat ears, and much more on Lumio Designs website or Amazon Prime page. Use code LumioHolidays for free shipping on their website right now.  You can also visit the Lumio Designs booth at Enchant Christmas in T-Mobile Park now through December 29th, 2019.

These unique holiday gifts will be sure to delight many folks on your wish list (I fully support getting yourself something too). Not only are you supporting a local business (one that reduces waste with rechargeable battery packs), you’re also supporting the work of Refugee Artisan Initiative, a Washington State organization that creates jobs that pay a living wage.  The feather collars are specifically created by women through RAI! And I’m giving one away now!

To enter to win a Lumio Designs Feather Collar:

  • Post a comment on this blog post
  • To enter via Facebook, check out the giveaway post on my Seattle Pockets Facebook page at fb.com/seattlepockets.
  • To enter via Instagram, check out the giveaway post at instagram.com/keridwyn.

You can enter via Facebook or Instagram or both. If you don’t have social media, that’s ok – your comment will enter you into the giveaway.

In the meantime, the holidays are coming so be sure to buy those Lumio Designs gifts now for everyone on your list.

Lumio at Cascadia-9

 

Screenshot 2019-12-16 at 12.35.55 PM.png

 

Photos via Lumio Designs.

2 Giveaways! Enter to win tickets to a movie AND live burlesque/drag show in Seattle!

Posted in Arts Events, Giveaways & Special Offers by

File this under: I can’t enter to win but YOU can!

First:

Swink Style Bar is giving away movie passes to see the new “Charlie’s Angels” movie at Pacific Place in downtown Seattle. You can enter via their Instagram @swinkstylebar here and via their Facebook post here.

charlies.jpg

Second:

“Kitten N’ Lou Present CREAM! A Spanksgiving feast of decadently sickening burlesque, drag, and cabaret” at The Triple Door for two nights (four shows) in November. This show stars Love Connie of RuPaul’s Drag Race and The Atomic Bombshells. You can enter to win tickets on their Instagram post here and their Facebook post here.

Let me know in the comments which you entered: the movie, the show, or both!

 

Giveaway: Live Stand-Up Comedy in Seattle this November

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

by Keridwyn Deller

Wow! This week I posted on my Facebook page asking what friends wanted to join me for live stand-up shows this fall and the response was astounding! So, let’s do a giveaway!

I love live comedy and have started making it a yearly tradition to add more live comedy into my social life as the days grow shorter and colder. (Even the Mayo Clinic agrees laughter is truly good for us – not only does it act as a quick mood lifter but it also can help us improve our immune system, relieve pain, and make it easier to cope with difficult situations, among other benefits.)

So let’s add a bit more self-care into our November!

My friends at Unexpected Productions have given me a pair of tickets to give away for one of their upcoming nights of stand-up comedy! The Seattle International Comedy Competition returns to Seattle this November and Unexpected Productions (the fab little Seattle theatre in Pike Place Market next to the gum wall) is hosting two nights of the competition on November 7 and 14. The winner of this giveaway gets their choice of what night they want to attend.

Each night at Unexpected Productions will feature different comedians, so if you attend both nights, you’ll see ALL the comedians competing in this year’s competition. If I could attend both nights, I would (the very funny Bo Johnson will be hosting the event on the 7th – he was a hit at a recent Don’t Tell Comedy event).  I’ll be attending with a friend on November 14, 2019. All are welcome!

SO, ready to enter to win 2 tickets to Seattle International Comedy Competition at Unexpected Productions in Seattle? Here’s how

1:  Sign 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 the emails aren’t going to your spam folder.)

2: Comment on my Facebook post here and tag a friend.

3:  RSVP interested or going on the Facebook event page.   That’s it!

—

Ready to get tickets now? Buy your tickets here.  

(you can gift your extra tickets if you win)

siccweek1siccweek2

More about Seattle International Comedy Competition in their own words:

“Laugh your night away at the real Last Comic Standing, the 40th Annual Seattle International Comedy Competition! UP Improv hosts America’s biggest touring comedy festival, the Seattle International Comedy Competition.

33 comedians from the U.S., Canada, UK, Europe, Australia, and Africa compete for top honors and a shot at over $15,000 in cash prizes.” 26 days with 22 Shows at 18 venues across Washington from Tacoma to Bellingham.

Learn more about Unexpected Productions here.

Giveaway ends 11/1/19 at 11:59pm Pacific Time. Winner will be messaged directly. All local, federal, and state rules apply.

Free: Self-Care Quickies Guide for busy days

Posted in Giveaways & Special Offers, Kid Friendly, Miscellaneous Awesome, Staying in by

By Keridwyn Deller

I often hear from friends and clients that it’s tricky to include self-care into their busy lives, so I was inspired to create this “7 Self-Care Quickies” guide as a free gift for everyone! This PDF guide shares 7 self-care “quickies” that can be done by even the busiest of people on the busiest of days.

The guide is short (just like you need it to be!) and many of the tips may surprise you! Discover how easily and naturally you can add some self-care into your busy day.

Get the free guide here.

Which tips are your favorites? What self-care quick tips do you have to add? Share in the comments on this post or in my Facebook group!

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