Category Archives: Miscellaneous Awesome

My niece is hosting a Blood Drive – please donate at one of the many locations!

Posted in Miscellaneous Awesome by

My niece Nara (who is heading into her senior year of high school) is organizing a two-week virtual blood drive this summer to help recruit blood donors for Bloodworks Northwest and is looking for people to commit to donating. Donating blood is one of the quickest and easiest ways to save lives. With just an hour of your time, you could save three lives.

She will have a designated two week period (likely sometime in late August) when you can donate at ANY Bloodworks donor center or pop-up location (using her specific 4-digit code). She needs at least 25 committed donors before she can schedule the donation period. Message me (Keridwyn) via private message at fb.com/keridwyn or keridwyn.com/contact if you are interested in donating blood.

If you would like more information on donating blood visit https://www.bloodworksnw.org/ or I can connect you to Nara to answer questions. There is an urgent need for blood donations this summer and donating blood is essential for the health of our community. Go to https://www.bloodworksnw.org/about/news/coronavirus to learn how Bloodworks is working to keep blood donors safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Donating blood is a direct way to help patients in need and have a positive impact in your community. Your single donation could help three people. Let’s see how many donations we can get!

(Note: I used most of the copy she wrote, with her permission, to help her get the word out to more people. Feel free to share this post to help us spread the word. Thank you!)

Giveaway: Enter to win $50 to spend at the local biz or non-profit of your choice

Posted in Miscellaneous Awesome by

by Keridwyn Deller

Want $50 to spend?

Hey there! I’ve created a short poll to help guide me in my next video offering. Will you take a quick minute and fill it out? You’ll be entered to win $50 to spend at ANY small business or non-profit of your choice. And it will be a great help to me!

Click here to take the poll.

Thanks so much! I really appreciate it.

If you want to give a shout out to your favorite non-profit or local business, share it in the comments below.

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

Giveaway: Like comedy? Enter to win an All-Access Pass to the online “Coast to Coast Roast”

Posted in Miscellaneous Awesome by

What’s that? You say it’s been too long since I hosted a giveaway? I agree, friend. Here’s your chance to enter to win a prize that will add more laughter to your life in the coming weeks. We all need that!

Today, I’m giving away an All-Access Pass to the online “Coast to Coast Roast” presented by Helium Comedy Club. I’ll pick the winner tonight!

Learn more on the website here.

Read on to learn how to enter to win.

Helium Comedy Club has partnered with 24 cities and 48 local comedians to bring more laughter to folks – watch from the comfort of your own home The roast began May 7 and continues until May 22. You can purchase tickets for an individual roast or get an All-Access Pass to see all of the shows.

The roast will be hosted by Joe List (Season 2 of Netflix’s The Stand Ups) and Mark Normand (Inside Amy Schumer).

To enter to win:

  1. Comment on this blog post or on the Giveaway Facebook post
  2. Click this link to visit their website.

For more info and tickets for the roast, click here. The net proceeds are going to Mental Health America.

Giveaway ends 5/9/2020. Winner will be contacted via email or Facebook messenger. All local, state, and federal rules apply.

“What should I watch next?” Keridwyn’s TV show recommendations

Posted in Miscellaneous Awesome, Staying in by

I often see friends ask on Facebook “What should I watch next?”

Here’s a list of shows I have enjoyed. I’ll  come back and update this from time to time. Tell me in the comments what you recommend I check out that’s not on this list, please!

5/24/2020 additions:

The Lovebirds (movie – funny/goofy/cute movie with silly action movie plot line)

Salt Fat Acid Heat (the host is so delightful – I wish there were more than 4 episodes but every one is a delicious treat.)

Hollywood (Netflix)

The Hunters (Takes place in 1977 of people hunting Nazis living in disguise in America)

The MAIN List:
I LOVED:
Hannah Gadsby – Nanette (stand up show / one person show but deals with heavy subjects also funny and incredible)
The Good Place (Give it a few episodes)
Neal Brennan – 3 mics  (stand up show/one person show but deals with depression. Excellent)
Fleabag (not for the easily offended)
—
Historical/Historical Fiction:
The Crown
Downton Abbey
Self Made
Funny:
Marvelous Mrs Maisel
Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist
Upload
The Kominski Method
Mike Birbiglia – The New One (stand up – his other stand up is good too)
Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee
Grace & Frankie
I’m Sorry (not for the easily offended – love her)
The comedy central yotube channel is also great and they offer some full standup specials at cc.com
Dry bar standup on YouTube
Onward (Pixar – on Disney+)
Muppet Moments (very short clips – on disney+ and youtube)
Sweet:
Kindness Diaries
Great British Bake Off
Modern Love Season 1 Episode 2 (each of the episodes are their own stories.This is the one I really liked)
Making It (crafting competition show)
Glee
Queer Eye
Zoey’s Infinite Playlist (dance numbers – yay!)
Some Good News (youtube)
Guilty Pleasures:
Grey’s Anatomy
Million Little Things (a bit soap operay at times – deals with suicide)
Law and Order SVU
Drama:
This is Us
Law and Order SVU
Black Mirror (not for the easily offended)
Broadchurch
Dramedy – not for the easily offended:
This Way Up
Russian Doll
Orange is the New Black
Jenny Slate : Stage Fright
Orphan Black
Action / Suspense:
The Boys
Sherlock
Mindhunter
Killing Eve (not for the easily offended)
Have been out for a while but I enjoyed:
Rome
Parenthood
Six Feet Under
The Sopranos
Deadwood
West World (season 1 and 3)
United States of Tara
Mad Men
BONUS! Podcasts I like:
Unlocking Us (Brene Brown)
Sawbones
By the Book
The Hilarious World of Depression
Good Job Brain (they don’t release new episodes but their old ones are fun – trivia show)
NPR Life Kit
—
Based on what you see here, let me know if there are shows you recommend I check out!
wang-john-CZ6PG4ozU9c-unsplash
Photo by Wang John, used with permission

Staying In: share your favorite books, shows, podcasts, games, and more

Posted in Health, Inside Pockets, Miscellaneous Awesome, Staying in by

By Keridwyn Deller

As we protect ourselves and our community,  the next few Seattle Pockets blog posts will focus on a “Staying In” theme.

Got a favorite show, movie, book, game, podcast, craft project, local artist, a local restaurant or shop that offers delivery, fun idea for connecting with friends virtually, or other “Staying In” experience you want to be featured on Seattle Pockets?

Share your ideas or short reviews with me by either:

I’m also looking for a few guest bloggers – if you want to write short review (a paragraph or a few sentences), let me know. I’m going to be creating a few round-ups with suggestions from fellow Seattleites. I’ve got a lot of ideas for this and would love you to share yours as well!

I look forward to hearing from you!

priscilla-du-preez-WWD93Icc30Y-unsplash

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez

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.

blum

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.

Screenshot 2020-01-23 at 5.29.15 PM

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.

Call for submission: experiences and products in Seattle

Posted in Arts Events, Charity / Benefit, Fashion, Food & Drink, Free in Seattle, Health, Inside Pockets, Kid Friendly, Miscellaneous Awesome, Networking Events, Organizing & Decluttering, Pick Pockets, Shopping Pockets, Staying in, Travel Pockets 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!) 

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
 

Please share: Seattle to open Severe Weather Shelter for those in need Jan 12 – 19, 2020 at Exhibition Hall in Seattle Center

Posted in Charity / Benefit, Health, Miscellaneous Awesome by

Original post at seattle.gov Thank you, Seattle, for making this shelter available to the growing number of people who are experiencing homelessness in our city.

Please spread the word by sharing this post and/or posting the flyer (flyer available at the link).

In their own words:

Severe Weather Shelter will open SUNDAY NIGHT JAN 12th through SUNDAY NIGHT JAN 19th

 by 

HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!

In anticipation of forecasted snow and extreme temperatures, the City of Seattle will open a severe weather shelter for adults (all genders) starting Sunday night, January 12th through Sunday night, January 19th at the Exhibition Hall at the Seattle Center – 301 Mercer Street – Seattle, WA 98109. The shelter will open at 8pm each night and will close at 7am.

For more shelter options, please call 211 for help and follow @SeattleHSD for updates.

The Severe Weather Shelter is operated by The Salvation Army, and people may use the lower level entrance to enter the Hall. Referral forms are NOT required.

Bus routes to Seattle Center include: #1, #2, #3, #4, #8, #13, #32, and Rapid Ride D Line; and service is also provided by The Seattle Center Monorail running from Westlake Center, accessible by stairs and elevator from Downtown and the Westlake light rail station.

 

Please spread the word. If you would like to print the flyer, you can do so here.

Thank you, Seattle.

SeattleCenterExHall2.jpg

Photo via discoverslu.com