Pushing for Progress, No Matter the Circumstance

Coy Graham and Eddie Purpose have plenty of motivation behind the work they do at Progress Pushers; not too long ago, they were in the same shoes as their youth mentees.

AirBnb for Dog Parks? SniffSpot lets you rent safe, private yards in your area

SniffSpot connects dog owners with the owners of unused yards and properties in order to provide a safe, off-leash space for dogs to exercise.

Photos: Luxury pop-up picnics for date nights, anniversaries, birthdays & more

Started by Hannah Fuchigami as a passion project, Picnic Party is a way to build community and relationships in the Seattle/ Eastside area and is even more valuable and important when pandemic hit, giving people a way to STILL celebrate special occasion

National Dog Show: Kam the poodle from Seattle comes up short in annual canine competition

A poodle named Kam who hails from Seattle and is the namesake of a former Seattle Seahawks player was named the winner of this year's Non-Sporting Group at the annual National Dog Show but Kam -- the dog -- came up short when a Scottish deerhound took the Best in Show prize. The hosts of the show, canine expert David Frei and actor John O’Hurley, identified Kam's owner as Deborah Ferguson-Jones and said the lovable pet pooch poodle hails from the Emerald City.

12 STEAM Gifts For Kids

These science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) gifts are not your run of the mill popular toys. They may not be the things on your kids’ wish list, but they are the things they will delve into, love, AND learn from.

Joy in Challenging Times: Donate to KOMO's annual Toy Drive

It's time for the KOMO Toy Drive - a great way to bring joy in a challenging time. Help put toys under the tree and hope in the hearts of local kids in need this holiday season. Here's how you can join KOMO to help make a difference: Donate new unwrapped toys or donate money to benefit Salvation Army Toy and Joy program. (Image: KOMO 4) Online Now: Make an online monetary donation HERE. Shop from the Salvation Army Wish List HERE and send toys directly to Toy and Joy. In Stores Now:

Review: Glenn Close and Amy Adams are the heart of 'Hillbilly Elegy'

How do you escape your upbringing? For many, it is America's version of "tale as old as time".

Photos: A rare snowy owl has appeared in Queen Anne

Residents of Seattle's Queen Anne neighborhood have a new, exciting neighbor!

Shannon Lee honors life, teachings of dad Bruce Lee in 'Be Water, My Friend'

Refined caught up with his daughter Shannon Lee to chat about his legacy and the new book she recently released titled "Be Water, My Friend: The Teachings of Bruce Lee."

'Jeopardy' champ and Seattle native Ken Jennings to guest host when show returns

Following the death earlier this month of host Alex Trebek, the television production company that produces "Jeopardy! " announced Monday that Ken Jennings will be the first of several guest hosts when the trivia game show returns to production. Jennings, a Seattle native who is a record-setting contestant who won on 74 straight shows and took last year's “Jeopardy!

Photos: Visiting Lake Wilderness Park, a 42 acre arboretum in Maple Valley

Lake Wilderness Arboretum in Maple Valley is a non-profit consisting of 42 acres, a rich history - and is run fully by dedicated volunteers

Instead of This, Do That: Camping & Gift Giving Edition

So in the spirit of reinvention, we thought it would be nice to present you with a few of our "Instead of This, do That" ideas.

RUFFined Spotlight: Miss Dottie the Tuxedo

Captain Little: The most precious toy shop this side of the Mississippi

Thanks to a team of hardworking team members and endless community support Captain Little has embraced both the old and new generation of toy lovers.

Photos: Seattle's new Market to MOHAI Corridor connects SLU to the Waterfront

The recently completed corridor invites us to see the city through new eyes.

Review: 'Run' is not one to miss, thanks to the always enjoyable Sarah Paulson

Oh this one is fun. It's very, very fun.

TEDxSeattle: Meet the speakers for the virtual 2020 event

Movers & Shakers: Sukie Jefferson's organic approach to her candle business sets her apart

Welcome to Movers & Shakers; a series where we look deep into PNW life for people who are making moves, doing big things, and who are just - in general - being rad. Seattle is full of multi-talented and multi-faceted people, many at the intersection of technology and the arts. How do they find the time? What's their secret? Well friends, we're here to find out. Meet Movers & Shakers; aka Seattle Refined attempting to capture the not-so-secret lives of impressive locals.

Photos: Explore 19 of Seattle's Most Historic Buildings

Explore the city’s most historic buildings, from art deco beauties to iconic skyscrapers.

Sanctuary & farm outside Olympia provides healing for unwanted, unloved animals

Black Dawg Farm & Sanctuary received accreditation in June through the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, one of five in Washington state to receive the honor.

Photos: New sculpture forest opens on Whidbey Island

RUFFined Spotlight: Miss Luna Bear the Nebelung

Luna Bear Branch is a grey, sassy, fluffy ball of love!

PNW author's book on neurodivergent teen was inspired by her own child

"I set out to create something where the neurodivergent child is the heroine because of the way she thinks—not in spite of it."

Review: 'The Life Ahead' belongs to Sophia Loren

After taking off a decade from the industry and nearly 60 years after "Two Women" premiered, Loren regains her leading lady status in "The Life Ahead", a story of suffering and understanding that says nothing new about unusual friendships or the power of

Keep Music Live WA fights for the future of our venues

Manny Cawaling, Keep Music Live Board President and Executive Director for Inspire Washington, reflects on those days early in the pandemic when venues learned they might have to limit venue capacity to 250 or 500 patrons, an option that seemed unfathomable at that time. Now, many months later, music venues have had to accept the sobering fact that they were among the first businesses to close —and will likely be among the last to open.

Review: 'Come Away' mixes Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland and a lot of whimsy

"Come Away", a sweet, innocuous film that was seemingly written to include as many obvious allusions to children's literature as possible, is marketed as an origin story for two such iconic leads: Peter Pan and Alice of Wonderland fame.

Sheraton's annual Gingerbread Village canceled

This calls for the loudest "bah humbug" ever.

Documenting Love: Kristin & Steve's Story

Like many couples these days, Steve and I met online.

'Dirt Therapy': WA nonprofit Growing Veterans breaks stigma of mental illness thru farming

Sean Dalgarn steps away from the Zoom meeting momentarily to grab a postcard. He holds it up to the camera; across the top, "Air Force" is typed in bold black lettering; when he flips it over to show the back, there's a handwritten note from an old volunteer. "She's been through a lot," he said. "She's a rockstar. " (Image:Tonneli Gruetter) Dalgarn quickly scans the card and places it back on the shelf.

Emerald City Comic Con postponed to Dec. 2021

Fans will have to wait longer to experienceEmerald City Comic Con (ECCC) in-person again. After a series of cancelations and postponements this year, ECCC announced Tuesdaythat the 2021 event will now be taking place Dec. 2-5, 2021 — originally slated for early March next year. When COVID-19 hit Seattle this past March (when the original 2020 convention was supposed to happen), ECCC postponed it to August.

WA State Fair to host drive-thru 'Holiday Magic' experience

Halloween has come and gone, and slowly but surely, Washington is transitioning into full holiday mode. Like the Washington State Fair, which announced Tuesday the grounds are transforming into "Holiday Magic," a drive-thru festive experience.

Photos: Inside Beecher's Loft, one of Seattle's most unique locales

It's a one-bedroom suite perched above Beecher's Handmade Cheese in Pike Place Market, boasting incredible views of the Market itself, and Elliott Bay.

Prioritizing your community during a pandemic, according to Soft Spot

Soft Spot is running on borrowed time, and not because of the coronavirus pandemic. That's according to its three co-facilitators — Rain Sissel and siblings Caitlyn and Megan Edson — and it's a reference to the fact that the city plans to eventually demolish their building in Beacon Hill to make room for new construction.

Let the debate begin: Washington's top 10 colleges, ranked

Let me start by saying I absolutely disagree with the words I'm about to write — in fact as a proud Coug, it almost pains me to do so. Since that's been established, WalletHub has released its report of the best colleges and universities of 2021. Thepersonal-finance website compared more than 1,000 colleges and universities in the United States on 30 aspects, including student selectivity, cost, career outcomes, graduation rates and student to faculty ratio.

RUFFined Spotlight: McKinley the Alaskan Malamute

She's got plenty of nicknames, but this 11-month-old Alaskan Malamute's full name is Gryphon's McKinley Moon.

Expecting During a Pandemic: The Olson-Stalwick Family

Originally, the idea was to write up one article about welcoming a baby during the pandemic. We put the call out on social media hoping for two or three responses, and waaaaaaay more flooded in! We realized people were feeling alone, wanted to tell their stories, and that this may be a good weekly outlet for others going through similar circumstances, and to give hope and power (even if it's through the screen) that you're not alone!

Far From Pretentious: Capitol Hill gallery channels a vintage, cozy living room

The Halloween season may have come and gone, but for Capitol Hill's art space-slash-jewelry and curio shop Ghost Gallery, a brooding color palette and design inspiration drawn from the occult are a year-round phenomenon. "We have a little bit of a witchy vibe without being too intimidating," said owner Laurie Kearney, who has run the neighborhood staple since 2010 and relocated to Chophouse Row in 2018.

Shoreline family hits the road for special '100 Tables Project'

The Heaviland family from Shoreline just retuned from an epic nine month road trip exploring the United States. The goal? To gather around 100 different tables. Jessie Heaviland, mother of five, tells us it was a dream 14 years in the making. "My husband Mark and I were travelingabroad before we had a family of our own and we came across a family traveling with their three young children, " she said. "We knew right then and there that we wanted to do that with our own kids one day. "

Review: 'Let Him Go' will leave you biting your nails, itching with anticipation

There are few films of recent memory that give you permission to both fall in love with some of its characters and want the rest dead. Based on the novel of the same name by Larry Watson,"Let Him Go"is just that, a family drama that builds suspense slowly and peaks with a finale the size of the Rocky Mountains. Veterans of their craft, Kevin Costner and Diane Lane star as George and Margaret Blackledge, a long-married couple who lose their adult son James when he's bucked off a horse.

Seattle kitty featured in 'World's Favorite Cat Calendar'

A familiar feline is gracing the 2021 Cat 365 Page-A-Day calendar. Jake, a 9-year-oldLynx Point Siamese, will be featured on the page for Jan. 25.

Seattle's Historic Houses of Worship: Touring the area's churches, temples & more

From oldest, to tallest, to smallest - Seattle-area houses of worship are offer rich history for our region.

Review: 'Words on Bathroom Walls' takes a stab at loosening mental illness taboo

Amid the litany of adaptations of young adult novels we've seen this year alone ("Chemical Hearts", "All the Bright Places"), "Words on Bathroom Walls"is certainly a bar above the rest.

That's a Purdy brush! Made right here in the PNW

When it comes to painting walls, doors, moulding or almost anything else around the house, pros and in-the-know DIY enthusiasts trust Purdy Professional Painting Tools to get the job done right.

Review: Don't watch 'Possessor' on a full stomach

If there is a word to the wise as far as the new film "Possessor" goes it would be this: don't watch with food in front of you. Or in your stomach. Or, really, anywhere nearby that could come to mind mid-viewing. The new psychological thriller by Brandon Cronenberg, son of the famed body-horror cult filmmaker David Cronenberg (commercially best known for "The Dead Zone"and the 1986 remake of "The Fly"), is gory. Quite gory, actually. But it is more than that.

One small company brings joy to people's lives one blossom at a time

Trying to cope in this health crisis can be downright stressful. Working from home, kids virtual learning, not much social interaction - all of that can be overwhelming. But there is one small company bringing joy to people's lives one blossom at a time. It's the power of the flower. (Image: Gaard Swanson / Seattle Refined) Every day in different locations around the city you'll see Sai Yang creating beautiful bouquets he's an artists, lighting up the lives for others.

'Ageism is real': Local gallery showcases artists older than 50

Patti Curtis was pissed off. She was the executive director of marketing and product development for a major cosmetic company, traveling all over the world developing and creating unique color cosmetics. She loved everything about her job, like the creativity and the science of color composition. Then, when she turned 53, she was fired, as were 23 other employees who were older than 50.

Historian Brad Holden is preserving Seattle's past, piece by piece

Seattle's Brad Holden is keeping Seattle's history alive through the photos and keepsakes he curates and shares via Instagram. Refined checked in with Holden to get the scoop.

Space Needle Flags: The history, symbolism and how they're made

In 1961 the very first flag was raised atop the spire — a small American flag — marking the completion of the highest point.

Photos: Visiting Earth Sanctuary, Whidbey Island's Nature Retreat and Sculpture Park

The peace and tranquility found on the 72 acres of old growth forest is a welcome distraction from the hustle and bustle of every day life.

RUFFined Spotlight: 'Nutty' the Brown Tabby

Peanut "Nutty" is a semi-bossy brown tabby who's approximately 16 or 17 years old.

Local photographer's calendars raise $12k+ annually for Seattle Cancer Care Alliance

Bainbridge Island photographer Pete Saloutos recently made his annual appearance at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA) to give the calendars he designs and produces to the staff that saved his wife's life four years ago.

What's it like to see a movie in the newly re-opened theaters?

The first movie I remember seeing in theaters was “Titanic”. I'm told of other visits to the big screen - "Beauty and the Beast", "Aladdin", basically any film from the Disney Renaissance - but my memory is resolute, if not reliable. I had just turned nine, and my mom, thinking it was a historically accurate depiction of the most famous sinking ship, contemplated pulling me and my six-year-old sister from the room when Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio steamed up that car.

Artist of the Week: Jon Haaland

"I have been creating art since I was a child. I can't remember a time in my life when I was not making something."

Small But Mighty: Downtown Stanwood may be just one block, but boasts amazing shops & rest

Stanwood’s one block downtown isn’t big or bustling, but it does hold a fair amount of charm and boasts a number of amazing shops and places to dine.

Movers & Shakers: Süreyya Gökeri brings a taste of her heritage to Café Turko

Süreyya Gökeri, co-owner and chef extraordinaire at Café Turko, had an early epicurean start in life. Born and raised in Gaziantep, a charming Ottoman Empire town and the culinary center of Turkey, her formative years were all about food.

Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe share engagement photo on social media

SEATTLE – Seattle’s power couple are engaged. Seattle Storm’s Sue Bird posted a picture on Instagram Friday that appears to show her girlfriend Seattle Reign’s Megan Rapinoe proposing to Bird. The couple became the first openly gay couple in ESPN's 2018 Body Issue. They started dating shortly after meeting each other during the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio.

Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery is the Latinx/Chicanx arts hub of Seattle

Nepantla is a term meaning "the space in the middle" and often refers to marginalized communities, cultures, or gender identifying groups who otherwise feel overlooked.

1000 Cuts: One man making a difference, one conversation at a time

“So, what sports do you play? ” “My, aren’t you smart? ” “I'm making a rap song. You got some ideas? " These might sound like innocent statements, but given the full context of their situations, they mean something more. They're called microaggressions: defined by psychologists as "brief, everyday exchanges that send denigrating messages to certain individuals because of their group membership. " In the cases of the above comments, they were made towards Black people:

Photos: A Fall Hike Through Railroad History on the Iron Goat Trail

A little over an hour from Seattle the Iron Goat Trail gradually winds through thick forests, beautiful fall foliage and along abandoned tunnels and bridges once used by the Great Northern Railway.

Ultimate Seahawks fan Mama Blue is fighting pancreatic cancer

2020, we've had ENOUGH! 89-year old Seahawks fanPatti Hammond, also known as 'Mama Blue' - is battling pancreatic cancer. But in true 'Mama Blue' style, she's not going down without a fight. "She’s raring to go, she hates the waiting," said friend and fellow 12 Norb Caoili. "She still has her signature sense of humor. If anyone has the mental toughness to get through this, it’s her. "

Your future starts with a solid retirement plan

Does thinking of retirement planning bring thoughts of fear and uncertainty? It doesn't have to be that way! The Retirement Solution works with people who are nearing retirement to help bring clarity to their dreams and equip them with the knowledge to transition with confidence. If you're thinking about retiring, your vision can become a reality when The Retirement Solution shows you how to navigate the planning process.

Russell Wilson, Ciara & Amazon give home makeover to Seattle Children's nurse

It's no secret healthcare professionals are heroes — an especially poignant fact during this pandemic. Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, Ciara and Amazon Home have come together to give back to one "extraordinary" local nurse, Marc Sellier, in honor of him and others in the industry who have gone above and beyond this year. Marc and Mona Sellier during the Zoom reveal with Ciara. (Image: Mark Malijan / Side Road Media)

Pioneer Square D&E welcomes diners in for fried chicken and community

To adapt with the times, Jonathan Fleming and wife Libby Aker have scaled back at their restaurantPioneer Square D&E. The venue now places a delicious emphasis on fried chicken offerings - although they previously served a well-loved fried chicken sandwich, they've decided to play up that theme, keeping in mind what foods travel best for takeout customers. Fleming has been working in restaurants since he got out of the Army in 2001.

Puget Sound Goat Rescue has rescued, rehabilitated 3,500 goats and counting

Nestled in Maple Valley, there's a picturesque paradise. But it's not for people - this place is totes for goats!

Photos: Eating out? Try 'Le Igloo' at Maximilien in Pike Place

Introducing 'Le Igloo'!

Meet Bunny, the talking dog in Tacoma who's captured the world's attention

Alexis Devine of Tacoma no longer has to wonder what her Sheepadoodle, Bunny, is thinking. Bunny just tells her herself. From the day she brought Bunny home in September of 2019, Devine was determined to cement their bond and immediately began working on basic obedience and connection. She started following dog trainers on Instagram, joined Facebook groups, binge-watched YouTube videos, and read books on dog behavior to learn and put the motions into practice.

RUFFined Spotlight: Cosmo the Keeshond

Keeshonds are nicknamed the "Smiling Dutchman," and one glance at Cosmo explains why!

Review: 'On the Rocks' has Bill Murray in the most Bill Murray role he's ever played

Sofia Coppola has an unmistakable eye for unconventional relationships. Typically - for at least two of the seven feature films she's written - one of the players is Bill Murray and the other is a pretty, young woman drowning in a relationship. Much like "Lost in Translation", the film that won Coppola an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, "On the Rocks"presents us with the next chapter in the writer-director's unofficial (semi-)autobiographical anthology (of sorts).

Artist of the Week: Lori Twiggs

Seattle might be notorious for niche coffee shops and scenic waterways, but locals know it's also home to an array of people who love to create. This city is chock-full of artists who we love to feature weekly on Seattle Refined! If you have a local artist in mind that you would like to see featured, let us know at hello@seattlerefined. com. And if you're wondering just what constitutes art, that's the beauty of it; it's up to you!

What's Washington's most popular Halloween costume, you ask?

Wait... you're not dressing up for Halloween this year? Just because the CDC advises against tradition trick-or-treating and your favorite bar won't be throwing a crowded costume party?! Lame! Dress up anyways — we've been doing everything else from our homes this year, anyways. We recently posted about Washington's favorite Halloween candy, but what about our state's "most popular" costume?

Seattle couple's 'Shower Art' goes TikTok viral

Husband and wife team Rosalie and Doug Gale are the owners of the unique Seattle stores Ugly Baby in Pike Place Market and Monster in Ballard. These shops feature artwork from independent artists — but that's not what they are known for. It's their shower art. They've been perfecting the shower art process for 15 years, and believe it or not, it takes a lot of work. They may look innocent, but some of the shower art has a bit of a potty mouth. (Image: Courtesy ofRosalie and Doug Gale)

Review: 'Borat Subsequent Moviefilm' will rile up some, alienate others

For those of us that were lucky (and old) enough to see the original "Borat" film in theaters, it is hard to forget the surprising way it made us laugh. Sure, the gags were hyperbolic and... well, gaggy. But there was such a sincerity to Sacha Baron Cohen's character and an innate truth to the points he was making, however ridiculously, that it was near-impossible to leave without feeling somewhere in the range of authentic amusement and laugh-crying inconsolability.

Photos: A Dinosaur Drive-Thru takes over WA State Fairgrounds

80 life-size dinosaurs have been set up along the route for a prehistoric tour the whole family can enjoy right from the car.

Photos: 'Say Their Names' Memorial in Kirkland honors Black lives lost

The 'Say Their Names Memorial' was installed in Kirkland this week, and is an exhibit honoring Black lives lost to systemic racism and will be open to the public through November outside St. John's Episcopal Church on State St.

'A-Part': Seattle docuseries touches on connections during COVID

Like many, David Llama and Autumn Lerner found themselves with a lot of free time this year. When COVID-19 hit Seattle, the married couple decided to use this time to be creative.

Mariners & Tito's join to give away 18,000 bottles of hand sanitizer

Hand sanitizer and 2020 go hand in hand, and the Seattle Mariners and Tito's Handmade Vodka have teamed up to give away 18,000 bottles of it Wednesday, Oct. 21. The Mariners and Tito's worked with the United Service Organizations Northwest to distribute all those 375 ml sanitizer bottles to the public, available for contactless pickup at T-Mobile Park from 10 a. m. to 6 p. m. (Image:Tito’s Handmade Vodka.

Spokane Story Coach shares tips for memory keeping during COVID

The Covid-19 pandemic has been going on for more than six months now. From the beginning, Seattle Refined has been dedicated to helping you get through it. We've shared tips from a life coach on navigating the difficult days as well as strategies for homeschooling. Bottom line - we are all experiencing unprecedented times. Stacy Julian grew up in Bothell and is now living in the Spokane area, working as a story coach.

A COVID beach trip with my baby reminded me of all I've missed as a new mom

My husband stands at the motel room door, holding a backpack and his car keys. “Are you sure you’re going to be okay? ” He asks for the seventeenth time. It’s the first time he and I have been separated since our thirteen-month old was born. In fact, COVID has meant that we’re the opposite of separated - stuck together, piled on top of each other, always a shout away. I wave to him casually from the motel bed. “We’re fine! Don’t worry about us.

Photos: A visit to WA's Northern State Ghost Town, and its historic asylum

RUFFined Spotlight: Thor the Spider Monkey (not really)

Grief in a Pandemic: Pregnancy + Infant Loss Awareness Month

If you've been following this series, you know we have been profiling families who have given birth during this pandemic, are expecting, or have had to halt or adjust their fertility and/or adoption proceedings due to the coronavirus.

Artist of the Week: Olivia Patrick

"I've been creating ever since I could hold a pencil, but I started exploring more as an artist in high school."

Review: 'Kajillionaire' is a true master class on quirk

The characters in 'Kajillionaire' are anything but wealthy elite. They are con artists, a strange familial threesome who rob parcels from the post office and live in an abandoned office space next to a bubble factory. They are supposed to pay rent, but they don't, and instead duck as they enter and exit the building to avoid their landlord.

Review: 'The War with Grandpa' is dated, fails to make a connection

Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, Cheech Marin and Jane Seymour walk into a trampoline park. Unfortunately, that isn't the set-up. It's the punchline of "The War with Grandpa", a kid-friendly comedy that skates by with gags that find De Niro, the grandpa of the title, slipping on marbles (obviously, accompanied by the line, "He's lost his marbles! ") and pretend punching himself in the bathroom when his shaving cream is replaced with foam sealant. And those are some of the better parts.

Review: 'The Trial of the Chicago 7' is, above all else, timely

Timely. Aaron Sorkin's latest film - though written just before the 2008 writers strike, then shelf-strewn until it finally went into production ten years later - is, above all else, timely. Writer-director Sorkin is known for his fast dialogue, witty banter and the momentum both of those bring to his films, and in this sense, "The Trial of the Chicago 7" fits the mold.

'Color Me Important' connects kids and teachers with inclusive supplies

At Seattle Refined we are constantly inspired by people in the community who are making a difference in the lives of others. From the local teen who put his 3D skills to use to help a cardiologist keep his face mask on safelyto the high school student in Bellevue who built a website to help restaurants during the Pandemic. Marnie Gray works in the Lake Stevens School District.

'Cancer Cartel' helps those battling the illness pay everyday bills

They are a one, two, three punch - taking a big swing at cancer. Kerry Solmonsen beat breast cancer, thyroid cancer and skin cancer. Katy Tinney beat Non Hodgkin's lymphoma and skin cancer. Shelly Tinney-Miller beat breast cancer and skin cancer. Less than a year ago, Tinny and Tinny-Miller (sisters) along with their best friend Solmonsen started Cancer Cartel, a company dedicated to helping cancer fighters pay everyday bills.

Documenting Love: Cody & Amie's Story

Photographer/blogger/genius Alexandra Celia has devoted her career to documenting love in its purest and most original form — which you'll see in her photos. Now and then, she will share her work with couples: their love story, their commitment, their passion.... and of course, their photos. Think of her as our Love Guru. She loves love and is here to share it with the rest of us. Amie. Cody and I met at Peace Corps orientation in Philadelphia in March 2013.

Review: Blumhouse debuts more scary movies for your viewing pleasure

Did the first part of our "Welcome to the Blumhouse" review leave you hankering for more? Well hold on to your butts - there are two more films available on Amazon Prime Video beginning October 13 as part of the aforementioned curated anthology, and we have the lowdown below. Let the scary times roll.

Ex-Bachelor Jason Mesnick spills on 'The Bachelorette' & his new book

As the new season of ABC's 'The Bachelorette' is about to begin, Refined wanted to check in with one of our favorite couples from 'The Bachelor. ' First a little 'Bachelor' history. Kirkland's Jason Mesnick (a single Dad with young son Ty) and Molly Malaney met on Season 13 of the show. They fell in love, but Jason gave the final rose to a different contestant, Melissa Rycroft.

Haunted Seattle: 14 of the spookiest spots in the city

RUFFined Spotlight: Dahlia the Toy Poodle

Likes: Murder mysteries and popcorn. Dislikes: Bath time.

Step it up: Climb these iconic Seattle staircases

Seattle features hundreds of outdoor stairways tucked away in its often steep and hilly landscape, with 100 of the 600+ situated in Queen Anne.

Expecting a Baby During a Pandemic: The Sacks Family

Originally, the idea was to write up one article about welcoming a baby during the pandemic. We put the call out on social media hoping for two or three responses, and waaaaaaay more flooded in! We realized people were feeling alone, wanted to tell their stories, and that this may be a good weekly outlet for others going through similar circumstances, and to give hope and power (even if it's through the screen) that you're not alone!

Splish Splash: Open water swimming is on the rise amid COVID-19

As COVID-19 wreaked havoc on schools last spring, educator Kelly Danielson found relief from stress and uncertainty by plunging into the sea that surrounds her home on Bainbridge Island. The school-based occupational therapist undertook an epic challenge — a 45-mile swim around Bainbridge, including all its harbors and shoreline crevices.

There's an indoor Christmas tree lot at Nordstrom in Bellevue

Please don't yell at us about delivering Christmas news before Halloween — it's not our fault! Blame Nordstrom in Bellevue, because they launched a new indoor holiday tree shopping experience this week. (Image:Mat Hayward) While it may seem a bit early to start thinking about buying a holiday tree to some, for others it might just be the pick-me-up they need to smile in these tough times! (Image:Mat Hayward)