Category Archives: Miscellaneous Awesome

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!
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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!

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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.

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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.

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.

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Photo via discoverslu.com

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

 

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Photos via Lumio Designs.

Don’t miss these makers at Seattle’s Urban Craft Uprising indie craft event this weekend

Posted in Kid Friendly, Miscellaneous Awesome, Shopping Pockets by

By Keridwyn Deller

The largest indie craft event in Seattle returns this weekend, December 6 – 8, 2019! Urban Craft Uprising “was founded in 2005 to showcase the work of independent crafters, artists and designers — to provide a unique, high quality, hand-crafted alternative to “big box” stores and mass-produced goods.”
Going to #urbancraftuprising at Seattle Center is one of my favorite holiday traditions. I always find great gifts for people on my list (and take home something extra special to keep for myself). Bring a friend or two and enjoy marveling at all the spectacular items as you pick up gifts for everyone on your list.

Admission is free ($1 suggested donation) on Saturday and Sunday (if you want to attend the preview night on Friday, it’s $10.). This truly is one of the most wonderful shopping experiences you’ll have in Seattle.

Here’s a few makers I think you will want to check out:

 

The earring maker I am most excited to check out is Light Razor Design. Gorgeous earrings and wearables handcrafted from hand-dyed leather, finished hardwoods, and engraved acrylics caught my eye online and I am looking forward to seeing them in person. Ryan (who is based in West Seattle) also crafts wall hangings and planters that would also make great gifts for those on your list who don’t wear jewelry. Check out their Instagram and Etsy shop. Ryan writes: “Every piece is custom conceptualized, designed, cut, engraved, hand-dyed, finished, & assembled by me alone. I utilize computer software and a laser as tools to create each piece, which are then crafted, finished, assembled, and handled one at a time. There is intention, focus, time and special care invested into every item I create.” Light Razor Design wearables are crafted from hand-dyed leather, a variety of acrylics, and hardwoods that Ryan sands and finishes by hands. A few photos:

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Another crafter I’m excited to see in person is an artist whose work graces one of the walls in my guest room/office at home! Collectanea, by Sarah Frost, features a collection of fiber, wood, and paper goods with a fantastic mid-century vibe. I mean, truly, how cute is this mountain wall hanging?

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I have a triangle-shaped wall hanging (also white) that adds a perfect amount of texture to its area of the room. Check out her instagram to check out more of her work.

Another booth I’m looking to check out is Saku Tea (from Bellingham, WA – my college town)! These “superfood latte blends” can be mixed with your favorite milk and served iced or hot and the flavors really intrigue me. From Ruby Cocoa (cocoa, beetroot, cinnamon, and more) to Golden Chai (with tumeric and cardamom and more) to Vanilla Maple Jade (with matcha, vanilla, and more), all these blends really intrigue me. I really enjoy finding non-alcoholic options to mark the end of a long day and I’m excited to add some of their blends to my pantry. You can find them on Instagram here.

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RSVP to the FB event page here.

Have you been to UCU in previous years? Are you going this year? What makers are YOU excited to see in person?

Check out the full vendor list here.

 

Friends & strangers come together to get a woman and her son to safety

Posted in Charity / Benefit, Inside Pockets, Miscellaneous Awesome, Staying in by

This is a thank you letter for all of you who gave to a stranger to help her and her son find safety this year.

A couple months ago, a Facebook friend of mine messaged me. It brought a smile to my face to see her name pop up in my messages box and we began catching up. She had reached out to me because she had a feeling I could help her with the terrible situation she found herself in. We came up with a plan to raise money so that she and her son could find a permanent, safe solution and used GoFundMe as a tool to raise these much-needed funds for her.

Here’s the original post that she and I crafted together:

Please join me in helping support a wonderful woman and her son move out of her abuser’s home. Her relationship with her now-ex (not the child’s father) became physically abusive recently, having escalated from verbal, emotional, and financial abuse that had built up slowly over time. When she discovered guns in the house that were not even locked up, she immediately got her son out of the house for both of their safety. She has done a remarkable job shielding her son from being aware of the abuse that has happened. This amazing woman, who works in the wellness industry and helps others, needs to stay anonymous to protect her grade-school aged child.

The dynamic between her and her now-ex changed when she moved in with him. He coerced her to quit her job (encouraging her to embrace stay-at-home mom responsibilities to then use that against her with verbal and emotional attacks and financial dependence). She has recently gone back to work and is taking additional steps to empower herself and keep herself and her son safe. She is inspiring and needs help now. She has been connecting with local DV services to explore additional ways of getting support but her options and local resources are limited and she has no extended family to turn to. Currently, she is staying at a friend’s house on a short term basis.

Because of the abuser’s insistence that she become financially dependent on him, she’s in need of some financial support right now. She is working again but needs to remove her child and herself from the home immediately. Let’s help her and her son get safe and secure.

Please join me in donating to her cause. The funds will be used for first-month rent, last-month rent, and a security deposit on a two-bedroom one-bath apartment in Seattle so her son can stay in his same school. The funds would also be used towards a moving service to help get her things out efficiently and safely.  If she raises more money than she needs for these specific costs, she will pay it forward and donate to another family with a similar need or a Local Domestic Violence Program.

Trust me in this, she is a kind, generous, and hard-working woman who gives back to her community and is taking all the steps she needs to empower herself and keep her and her son safe and protected. She is worthy of your love and support. If you can donate and share this with others, it would be so appreciated. We are so grateful for your support.

—

Today is a day we get to celebrate together! I received this update from her and shared it on the GoFundMe Page:

 “Thank you friends and strangers alike! By the generosity of all of you donors, as well as a multitude of private donations, I was able to successfully flee the situation. Between community resources and the kind words and donations, I nearly reached my goal and was able to get to a safe living arrangement for me and my son. I feel like the second I got the keys to my new place that my entire life changed. For the first time in a year, I felt hopeful and alive. Good fortune has come my way and I’m excited about this new chapter of my life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping this to happen. I have already began donating time to a few of the organizations that were essential in helping me get back on my feet. I will never forget this experience and am overwhelmed at the kindness and generosity that still exists in this world. I will do my best daily to pay it forward in every way I am able. Thank you!!”

So thank you, friends, for all your generosity to help this wonderful woman and her son find a safe living arrangement. We are so grateful to all of you.

And to this woman, and all people out there reaching out for support to find safety for themselves and their children, I am so inspired by you. You are worthy of love and safety and support. Thank you, friend, for being brave enough to ask for support. We are so glad that you are now safe.

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