Review: 'Our Friend' is a love letter & thank you note to friends who always show up

As hard the film is to watch - particularly knowing it really happened to one unfortunate family - it still offers plenty of levity, thanks to the three leads whose chemistry is palpable.

Lake Stevens teacher & viral TikToker featured on inauguration special

Mackenzie Adams stole the hearts of many with her viral teaching TikTok videos, and Wednesday night, she got to be a part of the inauguration special, "Celebrating America. " TheGlenwood Elementary kindergarten teacher introduced Seattle's own Foo Fighters for their performance of "Times Like These" after a message from the President thanking the hardworking teachers who have gone above and beyond during the pandemic.

Photos: Thursdays are for the Burien Winter Market

Come one, come all!

Photos: Welcome Azul, the first female Malayan tiger at Woodland Park Zoo

Born in 2016 at the Bronx Zoo in New York, Azul made her way to Seattle and has spent the last month or so in quarantine under the watch of WPZ's veterinary care team.

Backyard Chicken Boom: The Eggcellent trend that's come to roost

"We have, I’m estimating now, ninety-five chickens, twenty-five quail and five ducks. We started with three when we lived in town. Chickens are the gateway farm animals, and it kind of snowballed!"

Photos: Hundreds gather in Seattle to honor life, legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

The 39th Annual Seattle MLK Jr. Day march and rally took place midday at Garfield High School in Seattle's Central District, where hundreds gathered to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

A Geek's Guide to 2021 in the Pacific Northwest

Artist of the Week: Stacey Pollard

"During this crazy time, painting has been a way for me to be normal and just try to make something instead of doomscrolling."

Review: Four icons walk into a hotel room in 'One Night in Miami'

"One Night in Miami", the directorial debut of actress Regina King, imagines what the interaction (based on a real night from the history books in 1964) would look like when four historical figures shared a hotel room.

Review: 'Promising Young Woman' is a dark comedy that both thrills & chills

Sex, drugs and... a pernicious vendetta.

Documenting Love: Jenny & Ryan's Story

"Since we've moved into our new house, our beach walks have been my favorite thing. We sometimes go late at night when the tide is down, or in the morning on the weekends with a cup of coffee."

This year, take the 1,000 Hours Outside Challenge

If you do the math, this works out to be roughly three hours per day or twenty hours per week.

Edmonds pup is a bone-afide skateboarding sensation

Darrel The Doge is skating through life and delighting everyone along the way!

New BAM exhibit focusing on 'Natural Flavor. Artificial Color'

Yellow No. 5 is a cornucopia of color, ideas and expression.

Pantone's Color of the Year expert lives on Bainbridge Island

Every year, as the calendar turns to a fresh year, folks all over the world look forward to learning what color has been chosen to represent "the color of the year. " For the past two decades, that color has been chosen by the experts at the Pantone Color Institute. But there's a very cool local tie. Bainbridge Island resident Leatrice (Lee) Eiseman has been leading the influential group since the beginning.

Movers & Shakers: Clara Veniard & Martinique Grigg carry on history with Coro by Salumi

Fun Fact: Coro by Salumi happens to be the country's only woman-owned certified salami company.

RUFFined Spotlight: Lily the Jindo Mix

We heart Lily.

Artist of the Week: Amy Lisa Anderson

"I have been creating work since the first moment I can remember."

Review: 'Herself' is a sweet drama with an imperfect ending

Clare Dunne stars as Sandra, a battered wife who finally finds the courage to leave her abuser.

KOMO Blood Drive: Donate now to keep our community supply strong

You can save a life.

Trebek urges support for COVID-19 victims in 1 of last shows

NEW YORK (AP) — In a message taped for what turned out to be his final week as "Jeopardy! " host, Alex Trebek urged the game show's viewers to honor the season of giving by helping victims of the coronavirus epidemic. Trebek's plea aired in the opening moments of the show that aired on Monday. "We're trying to build a gentler, kinder society and if we all pitch in just a little bit, we're going to get there," he said.

'The Bachelor': Meet the four PNW women from Matt James' season

Matt James' historic season of ABC's "The Bachelor" debuted Monday night, and the Pacific Northwest had some serious (and sometimes hilarious) representation. Night one saw four women from the area walk out of the limo looking for a chance at love with James — two from Washington and two from Oregon. Watching the show is a blast all on its own, but there's just something about seeing people from your area join the madness.

An old phone placed in an Olympia park is a tool for grieving, hope

The concept could not be simpler or more profound: Place a disconnected telephone in the woods, available to anyone who needs to talk to someone who cannot hear them.

RUFFined Spotlight: Olive the Cuddlebug

Cuuuuute!

Photos: Wild Lanterns at Woodland Park Zoo continues through Jan. 17

The Cura Co. in Seattle is a one stop shop for conscious living

Kiko Waters believes that style and positive social impact are not mutually exclusive. After nearly 20 years of working in the corporate world as a fashion and lifestyle designer, Waters opened The Cura Co. in 2019 to address the social and environmental exploitations found within the manufacturing and distribution industry. "Cura was founded to be a vehicle to live in alignment with our values and passions," thefounder and CEO states on her website.

Our Top 10 Photo Galleries of 2020

This year has been unlike any other in more ways than one — this list would typically be filled with images of events like Capitol Hill Block Party, Emerald City Comic Con and Seafair. Not this year. But still, we, of course, want to reminisce on the galleries we shared that resonated the deepest. Without further ado, here are the Top 10 Seattle Refined galleries of 2020. 1. Scenes from Seattle: A Ghost Town.

Movers & Shakers: Chef Kristi Brown believes 'there's no taste like home'

"Everybody's gotta eat!" — that's the mantra that chef Kristi Brown (Chef Goddess as she's fondly known), lives her life by and has been chanting since she was a young girl.

RUFFined Spotlight: Luna Lovegood the Samoyed

Named after the quirky character from Harry Potter, this Luna has a similar fun and loony personality.

Our Top 10 Stories of 2020

Without further ado, here are the Top 10 Seattle Refined stories of 2020.

Review: 'Soul' features Pixar's first Black lead, is equal parts thoughtful & inventive

With its 23rd feature film, Pixar is making its own history: featuring its first African-American protagonist with a story immersed in the Black experience, mingled with some telltale Pixar emotional, existential, intangible gobbledy goo.

Review: 'Wonder Woman 1984' is enjoyable; would be so much better on the big screen

The film still offers plenty to enjoy, but loses some of its superhero punch by being relegated to home box office.

Review: 'The Midnight Sky' has a lot of parts that don't equal a whole

If films were math, "The Midnight Sky" would add up. But...they're not.

Untraditional holiday movies for your untraditional holiday

As you social distance, why not mix up your quarantine entertainment with some geeky flicks set during the holidays?

3 outdoor winter activities you can safely do this season

Certainly, this winter looks a lot different from years past, but with the right gear, a warm drink and an adventurous spirit, there is no need to stay inside.

Photos: Bellevue's 'reimagined' Snowflake Lane is still memorable

Documenting Love: Eric + Lauren's Story

It was summer, and I remember seeing a man in dark jeans and white polo with the most beautiful muscular arms, sitting out front, playing on his phone. I was thrilled about the arms but also excited that he was there early.

RUFFined Spotlight: Spartacus the 'Miniature Panther'

A fighter from day one, but very much a lover (hence the name) and while he looks like a miniature panther, he is still very much a kitten and loooves to play

Keener's Christmas transforms one Bothell front yard into winter wonderland

If you drive by Jeff and Candice Keener's Bothell home this time of year, it's pretty common to see the couple outside checking their Christmas lights, making sure every bulb is lit.

Artist of the Week: Hilda Bordianu

"Art is my therapy, and it gives me wings following a career that did not bring me any joy."

Local artist Rudy Willingham's cutouts have propelled him to meteoric success

Rudy Willingham compares how he creates art to looking up at the sky and finding images in the clouds.

Review: Chadwick Boseman's final performance in 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom' is legendary

In his final performance, Chadwick Boseman is the thing that legends are made of.

Book a visit from the Carol Van, get holiday joy directly at your doorstep

In need of some holiday cheer this year (and aren’t we all)? Book a private Carol Van visit from LADIES, a trio of talented women determined to spread holiday joy across Seattle. Last winter, LADIES sang to a packed crowd at the Triple Door over the holidays. This year, they’re bringing the cheer straight to your door, in the form of curbside carols sung from their bedecked 2003 Eurovan, dubbed the Carol Van.

Photos: Local photographers capture family portraits, via drone

That's *so* 2020.

The Birds are Back In Town: Snow geese, swans arrive in Skagit Valley for winter

Living in the Skagit Valley has many perks - beautiful scenery, bountiful hikes, mountains, water, and every winter the return of the snow geese and trumpeter swans.

Photos: Outdoor public art experience lights up Pioneer Square

Local designer's Kamala Harris Card is a festive hit this holiday season

It's the holiday season - and that means there are plenty of talented artisans right here in the PNW who are creating amazing cards, treats and gifts. That includesChocolate Toffee Peppermint Cookies from Bell's Bakeryand all these women-owned local businesses. We caught up with local designer Stephanie Clark from Dahlia Press to get the scoop on the hottest holiday cards this season - and more! Seattle Refined: Stephanie Clarke from Dahlia Press- I’m so excited to talk to you.

Photos: Mini 'Schitt's Creek' Rosebud Motel pops up in Queen Anne

Washington's only open-air trolley is located in Friday Harbor

For those particularly concerned about the safety of public transportation options like trains, buses and planes during the pandemic, it's worth keeping in mind what is possibly the safest remaining public transit option: Washington state's only open-air

No longer a last resort, gift cards shine this year

Gift cards are typically viewed as an easy, convenient solution for the harried holiday shopper, often connoting a certain lack of imagination on a gift giver's part — but not this year.

Chimpanzee Northwest: A Sanctuary of Hope, A Home of Love

Located 90 miles east of Seattle on the outskirts of Cle Elum, CSNW sits nestled among farm and forested land at the foot of the Cascade mountains.

Movers & Shakers: Rachel Marshall, Queen of a Ginger Beer Empire

"When I moved back to Seattle in 2008, I realized very quickly that there was no ginger beer here. I thought to myself, very ambitiously - 'I'll just figure it out and make my own ginger beer.'"

Seattle's Gift Wrap Project (a holiday staple) is still offering services this season

It's been a fixture downtown for more than 25 years. If you've ever visited Pacific Place during the holiday season, you're likely familiar with theSeattle Gift Wrap Project — where volunteers wrap gifts in exchange for donations toThe Forgotten Children's Fund. This local charity delivers gifts on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, courtesy of "Santa," to underprivileged kids and families in King County.

RUFFined Spotlight: Vivi & Theo the Pekingese Pups

Vivi and Theo and six-month-old Pekingese puppies, silly and playful one minute, then chill and lazy the next!

Tattooist, Muralist, Author: Seattle's Kyler Martz redefines what being an 'artist' means

Kyler Martz may have grown up in Idaho, but even at a young age he was drawn to the coast.

12 Best Friend Gifts that Prove You're Soulmates

Bring on the weird! Holiday Shopping at Archie McPhee

Archie McPhee, Seattle's legendary joke shop, novelty emporium and rubber chicken museum has turned the holiday cheer up to twelve this year! The shelves are stocked with stocking stuffers sure make even the smuggest scrooge smile. Image: Seattle Refined. Inflatable TurkeyA true feast for the eyes with none of the hassle of cooking, calories or leftovers. This inflatable non-food turkey product is vegan, gluten-free and stays fresh for years.

Photos: 'Starlight Lane' turns Lumen Field parking garage to holiday drive-thru

A Very COVID Christmas: Families get creative with Santa pics

Photos: Driving thru Holiday Light Fest in Yakima

B.A.M! One man's superhero, villain & monster collection on display in Bellevue

The Bellevue Arts Museum currently has a magnificent collection of super-hero, super-villain and monster collectables.

Welcome Santa's Reindeer at two Washington locations

Are you ready for a safe, day’s outing to visit Santa’s #1 squad? Here’s the scoop!

Photos: New 30,000+ LED star installation lights up South Lake Union

Seattle's skyline has a new addition as of Tuesday night!

Virago Art Gallery is a much needed home for women & LGBTQ+ artists

The name Virago translates to a strong female warrior, setting the tone for the kind of art owner Tracy Cilona showcases in the gallery.

Review: 'Koko-di Koko-da' may creep you out, but it's not a true horror film

"Koko-di Koko-da", a joint Swedish-Danish psychological horror fantasy, pinpoints why I don't go camping (and have no real plans to in the future).

RUFFined Spotlight: Chloe the Cat

Chloe is an extra fluffy 8-year-old long-hair Calico kitty full of love.

The Budget-Friendly Men's Stocking Gift Guide

I'm usually quite stumped when it comes to stuffing my husband's stocking, but this year I've been collecting ideas for months. Whether you’re shopping for a husband, boyfriend, dad, or brother - let these budget-friendly men’s stocking ideas guide your

Photos: A Walking Tour of ZooLights at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

Sorry COVID, you can't take all holiday events!

Shop Local: 10 PNW Gifts for Under $100

Artists of the Week: Kenneisha & Sharita Brown of 4Twenty4 Boutique

If you're in the Pacific Northwest area, you can visit our pop-up store in Downtown Seattle at Periodic: A Pop-Up Shop. The majority of the items you see on our website are offered in the store.

Review: 'Ammonite' has great heart, despite dreariness of its setting

Are rocks an aphrodisiac? This is the primary question that flitted through my mind during "Ammonite."

Photos: Experiencing WA State Fair's 'Holiday Magic' Drive-Thru

Review: 'Sound of Metal' is a story the deaf community has not yet seen from Hollywood

A film about someone - a musician no less - who loses his hearing is an uncomfortable premise that actually compels unexpected introspection.

There's a new Pop! you can add to your Funko collection: You

Odds are you own one, or you know someone who does.

The Mint Gardener: A Seattle artist blooming with creativity

There must be something magical about the Pacific Northwest, because its beauty inspires so many creative people. From woodworking artist and designer Laura Burkhart to Kathleen Castaneda, aka Kathleen Elizabeth Adventure Photographywho specializes in taking photos of couples on their big day, in breathtaking natural settings... there are so many people who celebrate our area with their incredible talent. One of the best known may be Sarah Simon, aka The Mint Gardener.

Drive-thru holiday experience 'Starlight Lane' coming to SoDo

Seattle's SoDo neighborhood has officially joined the list of drive-thru holiday experiences in Washington!

Photos: 20+ cats & dogs arrive at PAWS on Giving Tuesday

Those plastic bag-closer doodads you see everywhere? They're made in WA

It's actually got a name - "Kwik Lok", and it wasn't just made in Washington, it was invented here too.

Gift Guide: Supporting local women-owned businesses

Looking to support the hard-working, talented, inspiring women in our community? There's never seemed a better time to do so. Here are a few favorite finds, though we know this is only a teeny fraction of all the powerhouses making our city and world a better place. Tokki's "Best Olive Oil in the World" + Aged Balsamic Vinegar Gift Set ($127) Talk about a pivot.

RUFFined Spotlight: Bandit the Mutt

Bandit Bandito Kaiser is a 5 month old mutt, who absolutely loves everyone - dogs and humans alike!

Holly Hill Orchards brightens the season while keeping a beautiful tradition alive

Holly Hill practices a long-held tradition of cutting the holly, creating the decor, and packing and shipping all on the same day.

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. Both committed crimes at 16 years old and started serving their 10+ year sentences as teenagers. Years later, they now advise at-risk youth to deter them from getting tangled in the system. “Once the system has their hooks in you, it's hard to get unraveled from that,"said Graham, VP of Progress Pushers.

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

David Adams used to walk 45 minutes each way from his apartment in Belltown in order to take his dog Soba to the nearest dog park - the only real place he could take her in the city where she could safely be off leash. Today, he simply takes her to play in a nearby stranger’s yard, made possible by SniffSpot, the business he launched in 2017. (Image: SniffSpot) Soon after adopting Soba, Adams quickly learned that cities are not made for dogs.

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.