Park Table to Worldwide Phenomenon: How two Bainbridge women created Buy Nothing

What started at a park table on Bainbridge Island in 2013 has grown to a global network of groups more than 5,000 strong.

Redmond kindergarten teacher's unique field trip goes TikTok viral

It's the virtual field trip that's taken social media by storm.

7 Seattle-area poets to help make sense of the world

According to Poets.org, the leading poet-centric website, there has been a 30% increase in people seeking a daily poem from the site during our COVID-19 year than in The Before Times.

One Year In: An update on Seattle's live music scene

Music venue owners will tell you they were the first to close when the pandemic arrived, and many will be the last to open as the world slowly returns. Yet, finally, there are glimpses of hopeful momentum. In fact, since we began investigating this story, there have been several developments. Venues like Neumosand Showbox have announced live (in-person!

RUFFined Spotlight: Tater Tot the English Bulldog

When the name perfectly matches the doggo...

Review: 'Nobody' is very macho, for macho's sake

It's a departure from your run-of-the-mill action-thrillers.

Artist of the Week: Kelly Welch

I rarely have a predetermined subject for a drawing. Generally, I will see something in everyday life that inspires me to create a piece. Notable exceptions to this would be my drawings of sports figures.

Review: 'The Courier' is a true story, and it's bonkers

The acting is divine, and the true story about how one ordinary man helped resolve the Cuban Missile Crisis is incredible.

GetMyBoat: An app like Airbnb, but for boats

Why is it that the second the weather gets even just a smidge warmer in Seattle, the urge to get on a boat increases tenfold?

Photos: A day in the life of Olaf, a canine companion at Mary Bridge Children's Hospital

Olaf is a 4-year-old yellow lab that came to Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital from Canine Companions for Independence.

Seattle Pride virtual 2021 music lineup announced

Can you believe we are only two months out from Seattle Pride?!

Lake Stevens comedian amassed 4.8 million TikTok followers by sharing life advice

"I definitely want to [...] see where this thing can go."

Movers and Shakers: Playtime Expert Patty Pearcy is the CEO of [Simply] Fun

The team at SimplyFun pride themselves in being playtime experts, all stemming from CEO Patty Pearcy.

Baby No. 3! Seattle's Macklemore & wife Tricia Davis having another baby

And that makes three...

Photos: Drive-thru, step-out hybrid WA State Spring Fair kicks off

Still including, of course - Fair Food!

Artist(s) of the Week: Kyle Armstrong & Nick Roldan of Barbara Volk

"The two of us went to grade school, high school, and college together and now still hang in our adult lives, so as you can imagine, there are too many shared experiences to count!"

Photos: Adorable baby lemurs born at Woodland Park Zoo

Look at those little guys!

Woman-Owned Businesses & Restaurants in Seattle You Can Support Right Now

Intentionalist. com is a fantastic resource for you to "Spend Like It Matters" — because it does. They compile information on small, local businesses throughout the country so you can make more informed decisions about where you eat, shop, get your hair done and generally spend your money. We used their amazing resources to compile and amplify these Woman-Owned businesses in the Seattle area.

Movers & Shakers: Lupe Flores makes music & tacos, now available at Tractor Tavern

Local musician Lupe Flores has been selling her delicious Lebanese-Mexican Situ Tacos since the second week of shutdown.

RUFFined Spotlight: Ana the Chihuahua-Yorkie

Everyone say "Hi Ana"!

Lake Stevens man runs 80 miles in 24 hours, raising +$24k for suicide prevention

Johnson started running at 7 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 20 and stopped at 7 a.m. Sunday.

Photos: Remembering Dubs, the goodest retired UW mascot

Photos: Hundreds gather for Stop Asian Hate Rally in Seattle's International District

Artist of the Week: Anita Yan Wong

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!

Review: Flashy, futuristic melodrama 'Chaos Walking' is - well, chaotic

Even eye-catching factors and a hyper talented cast don't prevent the film from turning chaos into a formulaic action-adventure that perhaps too structured for its own good.

Zac Cooper has 20/20 vision, when it comes to style & creating community

As a kid, Zac Cooper — owner ofCoopers Optique— always knew he had to do something with medicine. He remembers wanting to be a vet, a doctor and then psychiatrist. He even worked in a psychiatric ward as a nurse’s assistant for several years. “Looking at what I do now, I would say [it] feels like a natural fit. I am working in the medical field and also specializing in the fashion side, but most importantly helping people," he said.

Where Color Meets the Sky: Tulip Town Opens Today

Review: 'Godzilla vs. Kong' is a gargantuan mess of a threequal

Feeling overwhelmed by convoluted and improbable plot work? Are you experiencing symptoms of feeling lost and confused? You are not alone, and I am here to help.

Virtual Tour: 2021 Cherry Blossoms at U.W. Quad

Photos: Seattle photographer captures the stories of animals, for the people who love them

"Your pet’s story isn’t over when they leave this world. It lives on through you."

Movers & Shakers: Amy Hollinger provides a safe haven at Puget Sound Community School

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: Historic Issaquah gas station is a piece of automotive history

The vibrant, well-known red and yellow color palette attracts history buffs, antique car collectors and Instagram influencers to the roadside beauty.

Scenes from Seattle's first socially distance, outdoor concert

At the Museum of Flight, featuring the Black Tones and Payge Turner.

Artist of the Week: Nancy Romanovsky

"Most every painting of mine begins with a moment spent in the outdoors, the moment that takes my breath away."

SAM exhibit reunites Jacob Lawrence's 30-panel 'Struggle' series for first time since 1958

"Jacob Lawrence was one of the most important artists, and probably the most important African-American artist of the 20th century in America."

Seattle Sounders FC 2021 regular-season schedule released

What's that? A much-anticipated sense of normalcy?! Major League Soccer released its 2021 regular-season schedule Wednesday, which includes the Seattle Sounders FC. The season opens at Lumen Field on April 16 against the Minnesota United FC. TheSounders have 34 matches slated for the season, with 14 being televised onESPN and FOX, and the rest beingaired throughout Washington.

Mover & Shakers: Julia Nagele is an architectural icon in a male-dominated industry

The architect's latest project, The Emerald in downtown Seattle, is the 9th tallest tower in the world designed by a woman.

Georgetown Trailer Park Mall is not your average shopping experience

The Georgetown Trailer Park Mall is a one-of-a-kind city landmark, embracing the uniqueness and creativity of artists, vendors and true Emerald City charm. It's off the beaten path and a hidden gem that every Seattleite and tourist should explore.

RUFFined Spotlight: Toast the Corgi

The cutest little toaster strudel we've ever seen!

Photos: Daffodil Day at Pike Place Market celebrates the start of Spring

Seattle's first socially-distanced, outdoor concert at Museum of Flight sells out

So, we've got good (and bad) news... The good news is Seattle's first outdoor, socially-distanced live concert is happening on Sunday, March 28! Yes — LIVE. MUSIC. The bad news? It's sold out. But, this event marks the beginning of live music making its way back to the city, and we hope it's the first of many to come. This +18 event will feature performances by The Black Tones with special guestPayge Turner at The Museum of Flight.

Photos: The Fence of Doors on Vashon Island is a pop culture must-see

Vashon Island is best known for its lush agriculture and annual strawberry festival - but it might also be a portal to 16 different fictional worlds at the Fence of Doors.

Surprise! Local Katie Thurston will be one of two 'Bachelorettes' in 2021

"We're the Bachelorettes! " Bachelor Nation is getting not one but TWO Bachelorette seasons this year — and one of the leads just happens to be from Renton, Washington, right here in the Pacific Northwest. Katie Thurston, a 29-year-old bank manager, almost instantaneously took social media by storm with her NSFW limo exit on night one of Matt James' season of "The Bachelor.

Pike Place Market to celebrate spring with 24th Annual Daffodil Day

How is it already almost spring?! The weather is getting warmer, the sun is setting later and Pike Place Market's24th Annual Daffodil Day is back this Saturday. Daffodil Day at the Market celebrates the first day of spring, featuring outdoor dining, locally sourced produce and seafood, artisan products and complimentary bundles of Daffodils (available at the entrance on Pike St. & Pike Pl. )!

Photos: Wandering through Winthrop, Washington's only Western-themed town

RUFFined Spotlight: Mimi & Lucy the Little Old Ladies

Meet Mimi, a 14-year-old Chihuahua and her BFF Lucy, a 13-year-old Yorkie.

Need a good book? 5 recommendations from King County Library

Are you on the hunt for a good read? Check your local library!

Plan ahead: Skagit Valley Tulip Festival will have a few changes for COVID-19

MOUNT VERNON, Wash. -- The tulips will soon be in bloom up in Skagit County this April and crowds are expected to flock to the fields to catch a glimpse at the colorful display, especially since the fields were closed in 2020 due to the burgeoning pandemic. This year, the fields will be open at both Tulip Town and Roozengaarde, but with some COVID-19 restrictions that will require some planning ahead.

Artist of the Week: Ryan Caraveo

"I've never been more proud or excited as I am for this new album. I know it's coming soon, but I don't have an exact date. All I know is that I can't wait for it to exist forever. This one is special."

How to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Seattle during a pandemic

According to SeattleCenter.com, about 800,000 Washingtonians claim Irish to be their primary heritage, so this holiday is a big deal to many. Then again, almost everyone claims to be a little Irish around this time of year.

Photos: Visit the mysterious Vashon Island 'Bike Tree'

Vashon Island offers its residents and visitors rural beauty, miles and miles of shoreline, and a mysterious story about a young child's long-forgotten bicycle.

RUFFined Spotlight: Koopar the Mini Australian Shepherd

Koopar is a little bundle of joy, almost two years old and and LOVES playing frisbee!

Op-Ed: 'I still love living in West Seattle'

It almost felt like it was too much to bear, but with the work from home order in place it seemed like as good a time as any to live on an "Accidental Island".

Photos: Carnation, WA - home of the World's Champion Milk Cow statue

Her name was Possum Sweetheart, and in 1920 she obliterated the single cow world record for milk produced by pumping out 37,361 pounds of milk.

Review: The liveliness & energy of 'Raya and the Last Dragon' are undeniable

The world has spoken, and Disney has listened. The latest admission into the Disney vault is "Raya and the Last Dragon", a female-led, swashbuckling action-adventure set in a fictional Southeast Asian land, featuring an all-star cast of Asian voiceover actors.

Artist of the Week: Nida Ansari

"I passionately believe that you do not choose art, but art chooses you, and it is up to you to put in the work to refine your skills."

Review: 'Pixie' has us asking a loooot of questions

"Pixie" is a hard one to pinpoint

Maple Valley academy teaches anyone & everyone to be a Rock 'n' Roller

Dace & Arielle founded the non-profit music academy back in 2005. Since then they've taught thousands of students, from the young - to the young at heart.

Review: 'Land' is small in scope, enormous in emotional implications

Robin Wright stars as Edee, a woman who ditches the big city for an eerily remote cabin at the top of a mountain. Living is now about surviving and ensuring that she has enough food, cover and warmth as the seasons turn and nature runs its course.

That makes two! Second Seattle contestant Philip Murphy to appear on 'American Idol'

The new season of ABC's American Idol is underway, and while we introduced you to one PNW contestant already (Benson Boone from Monroe), guess what - there's more?! Philip Murphy is originally from Baltimore, but now lives in Seattle and travel the country playing music. Though he's had many hardships in his life, including being born half blind, he maintains a positive outlook and that came shining through in our chat with him. Seattle Refined: Thank you so much for talking to us today!

Seattle's Durandy pays homage to Duran Duran 's 40th anniversary with coffee table book

Right here in Washington, one super-fan has made it his mission to collect and preserve as much of the band's legacy as possible. And he's written a book about it.

Capitol Hill bookshop takes a novel approach to bibliotherapy

There's a shop in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood that's truly a new chapter for book lovers. Kari Ferguson is the owner of Oh Hello Again, and she literally went by the book when it came to organizing the space. "Typically, books are organized by author’s last name within sections like fiction or science fiction or fantasy YA, Romance," she said. "So we’ve kind of turned that all on it’s head here. " (Image: Malia Karlinsky / Seattle Refined)

The Colorization Collective: Seattle area teens' initiative promotes diversity in the arts

Through a mentorship program (in collaboration with Seattle's TeenTix), they aim to support teen artists of color by pairing them with adult artists of color, who provide education and resources about maintaining a career in the arts.

Movers & Shakers: Mutsuko Soma is only West Coast chef rolling traditional soba noodles

Chef Mutsuko Soma is on a quest, and a delicious one at that. Her endeavor? To put the Soba noodle on the world map.

RUFFined Spotlight: Tanner the Chow Mix

Likes: Walks. Dislikes: The sound of the answering machine.

Get those steps in! Couple sets pandemic goal to walk every street & alley in Queen Anne

The final stats are incredibly impressive: 85 walks totaling 228 miles and 21,319 feet of ascent, requiring three days 18 hours to complete.

Photos: Meet Everett's giant fiberglass Muffler Man, one of four in WA

The Stevedoring Muffler Man is one of four in Washington, though the remaining structures are either privately owned or only make special appearances during annual events.

Photos: Visiting WA's 'Little Grand Canyon' at Palouse Falls State Park

Artist of the Week: Mariah Belgrod

"I used to stand on the landing of my grandmother's stairs and steal her fancy hats to perform weekly cabarets for everyone."

Review: 'Billie Eilish: The World's a Little Blurry' is raw, unassuming & fascinating

If you're under 25, you may not know Billie Eilish, the 19-year-old musical phenom who swept the Grammys in 2020, winning five statues including Best New Artist and Song of the Year.

Tojo Commissary creates a space + community for small food-processing companies

Jody Haynes and Tomer Shneor, owners of ZIVA Mediterranean Foods, welcome other small startups into their food incubator space, Tojo Commissary.

Meet Tyrah Majors: Traffic Anchor, Author & Illustrator

Tyrah Majors is the new traffic reporter at KOMO News - but she's ALSO an author and illustrator!

Photos: #ThatNWBus is an iconic roadside attraction outside Washtucna, WA

Seattle toilet paper company gets big-name backers like Paltrow, Kutcher & more

Ryan Fritsch is the first to tell you, he didn't expect to end up in the toilet paper business. He studied political science during his undergrad days at the University of Washington. But as Fritsch and his good friend Austin Watkins looked into ways that could make a positive impact on the planet, the duo realized something as simple as T. P. could have a serious impact. That's why they founded Cloud Paper.

Movers & Shakers: Melanie Granger created a kids space for & by the South Park community

Granger's South Park Hall is used for events (before COVID), but also as an affordable indoor play space for children to learn through exploration and social interaction called We Free Hearts.

Expecting a Baby During a Pandemic: The McCain Family

Ashley has been pregnant nine out of the 11 months of the pandemic, and is due late February.

RUFFined Spotlight: Najat the Gorgeous Flop Muffin

Likes: Nose Boops. Dislikes: Puddles.

Refined Review: Cute Refillable Sanitizer Sprayer

I tested how difficult it is to attach this product to a child (mine, not some random kid) and it was pretty hard to clip the Sanikind Mini to a moving target.

'Tales of Quarantine': Initiative challenges students to submit their pandemic stories

Submit a piece of art addressing the theme for a chance to earn $1500+ in prizes!

Photos: Spokane is home to the World's Largest Radio Flyer Wagon

The structure is said to comfortably hold up to 300 children at a time.

Artist of the Week: Mike Reid

"Each month in each season draws me into nature in different directions."

Asian-Owned Businesses & Restaurants in Seattle You Can Support Right Now

Intentionalist. com is a fantastic resource for you to "Spend Like It Matters" - because it does. They compile information on small, local businesses throughout the country so you can make more informed decisions about where you eat, shop, get your hair done (when that's allowed again), and generally spend your money. We used their amazing resources to compile and amplify these Asian-owned businesses in the Seattle area.

Review: 'Nomadland' named 2020's Best Picture by Seattle Film Critics Society

The film details the life of a newly minted, modern American nomad who lives and travels the country in a van, working odd jobs and surviving thanks to the community of like-minded people.

8 things I added to my morning routine to feel a little more human

Every morning around 5:30, like clockwork, my cat gets out of bed and starts to meow — anyone who owns a cat, you know exactly what I'm talking about. At this point, I'm not sure if it's him who has conditioned me to wake up at the same time every morning, or vice versa. Regardless, every morning, I slug out of bed to feed him, or else that meow transforms into what I can only describe as a howl, and no one needs to hear that.

Six Washington castles you didn't even know existed

Castle curious after binge-watching Bridgerton?

Eddie Vedder and artist Keegan Hall raise $100k for charity - in one hour

"I’m a Pearl Jam fan and I know we’re all diehards but even that was like WHOA! That was wild."

After painting +150 healthcare worker portraits, local artist to self-publish book

It's all about the eyes. At least it is to Jayashree Krishnan when she is painting one of her portraits of a healthcare worker treating patients in a COVID unit. That's essentially the only part of them you can see through all the personal protective equipment they wear. This has been the Seattle-based artist's passion project since May of 2020 — painting portraits of the healthcare workers on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic.

Cougar Gold Candles light the way for young athletes thru Hilinski's Hope

If you're ever visited the Washington State University campus in Pullman, chances are you've stopped by the WSU Creamery, home of the 'World Famous Natural Cougar Gold'. This delicious cheese already enjoys a local cult following - and the now the secret's out. It's recently become famous outside of our state afterBon Appétit Magazinepublished a glowing review about the 'cheese in a can'. It was that iconic can itself that sparked an idea for Seattle's Christine Smithberg.

Preserving the legacy of Seattle's first Black-owned bookstore

L. E. M. S Life Enrichment Store, Seattle's first Black-owned bookstore, faced hardship after the passing of its owner, Vickie Williams, in 2017. Today, William's granddaughter Tylicia Messiah is spearheading preservation efforts of this iconic and beloved space. L. E. M. S (which stands for Learning, Education, Materials and Software) started off as a Christian bookstore that was founded by Messiah's great-grandma and great-aunt.

Photos: Seattle's Great Wheel now offers a four-course meal service

Talk about dinner with a view!

Review: 'Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar' is a tad messy

At its core, "Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar" is not the worst conceit Hollywood has inflicted on paying audiences. Coming from an SNL alum in a film that relies almost completely on a comedian's ability to play a silly, hyperbolic part, it's safe to call an Adam Sandler-audible and say we've seen far, far worse. Kristen Wiig takes on perhaps her most popular character: a hokey middle aged Midwesterner, here named Star.

This Seattleite spent months making a kinetic LEGO sculpture honoring Alex Trebek

I'll take "creativity" for $800, Alex.

Snowmageddon 2021: The Capitol Hill Scene Report

Doesn't everything just look better with snow on it?

Review: 'The Map of Tiny Perfect Things' is a tale as old as time

Then time again. Then time again. Then time again.

Review: 'Minari' is a sweet, melancholy look at the immigrant experience

"Minari" by writer-director Lee Isaac Chung is a simultaneously sweet and melancholy look at the immigrant experience, based off that of Chung's family, who immigrated to America from Korea and settled in rural Arkansas.

Open Now (or Soon): Seattle area museums, landmarks and other activities

King and six other counties were approved to relax COVID-19 restrictions earlier this month, meaning some museums, landmarks and other activities can reopen, most at 25% capacity. Here's a running list of what's opening back up. We recommend calling, checking social media and websites before visiting any of these establishments to ensure you are fully up-to-date on rules and regulations (as things are subject to change).