S.A.M.C.R.O.

Is posting about the Sons of Anarchy on this blog just a total contradiction?  I was debating this briefly and then I realized, absolutely not!   Allow me to elaborate in two words: Charlie Hunnam.

Mmm Mmm.  He plays the show's main character, Jax (a sexy name for a sexy man) and he does so, superbly.  You may recognize this pretty face from Green Street Hooligans where he was also frankly, hot as all hell too.. In a totally opposite and equally badass way. Just like the honey badger, Mr. Hunnam's characters don't give a sh*t which is EXACTLY what makes him SO FINE...  And if you weren't convinced of his appeal after my lusting, Hollywood has validated it by making him the official "Christian Grey" in the upcoming 50 Shades of Grey movie.  But alright, enough of my celeb crushing/love manifesto. 

I do want to educate you all about why this show is so gosh darn "Charming."  If that word choice seems out of place, I challenge you to watch the show to figure out why I chose it :).  The show, albeit incredibly violent, portrays a love story riddled with complications but enduring and a brotherhood bond that supersedes friendship to the level of acting as a family.  Mostly though, the show has inspired me to want to get a Harley one day and cruise up the California coast with the wind in my hair. And if that's not a compelling reason to watch, I don't know what else to tell you stubborn TV elitists ;).   

I will look exactly like that too.

For all you existing fans, you've earned your patches in my book but let me throw some show trivia at you (non-watchers can "tune out" for this next paragraph): The show was written by Katey Sagal's (reference: Married With Children wife) real life husband, Kurt Sutter.  Kurt Sutter is also in the show and plays the character Otto.  Katey Sagal plays one of the show's main characters, Gemma, who is Jax's (ahem, Charlie Hunnam's) mother.  And... Katey Sagal's real life sister-in-law, McNally Sagal, also acts in the show, playing the hospital administrator.

Fortunately for you, I've kindly prepared a collection of how to achieve that "Hot Biker Chic" look for all you patient readers:

 Clockwise from left to right:   Cooperative Bow Headwrap | Highway to Hell Fringe Jacket | Kartoos Citrine Quartz Bullet Necklace | Born to Ride Fringe Tank | Tie Dye Wideband Headband | Wildflower Fringe Kimono | Motocross Skinny Jeans | Fringe Stud Bucket Bag | Roswell Fringe Boot | Simple Black Motorcycle Handbag | American Dream Cutoff Shorts

Unfortunately for me, I've already purchased three items from this collection. 

And, I've gathered some motorcycle-inspired home décor photos in keeping with the theme of this bloggity blog:

The season 6 premiere airs tonight in just a few hours (yes, I meant to get this post out sooner) on FX and you know where I'll be: Sittin' bright eyed and bushy tailed in front of my television set, dreaming of becoming Jax's old lady. 

FEAR THE REAPER Y'ALL!

What's All That Junk In Your Trunk?

This past weekend I went to watch my alma mater's football team kick some A$$.  They did not disappoint which was QUITE the welcome sight if you knew my team.  Perhaps you have heard of them?  The University of Colorado Buffaloes (we have a live buffalo as our mascot)?  *Little known fact:  The buffalo is actually a female despite popular perception as males would be too aggressive and fast for the handlers that run the buffalo around the stadium before every home game.  But enough bragging, last year my beloved Buffs (the games of which my family has had season tickets to and of which I have been attending, since I was 7 years old) were placed on several worst college football teams lists and experienced their worst record to date (oops!)... So a win for the team nearly brought tears to my eyes.. (I only wish I was joking!).

Both of my parents and myself attended the University of Colorado at Boulder and we have all remained uber fans for years and years.  Our seats have also improved DRAMATICALLY since those old days when the biggest thing my sister and I looked forward to at the games was getting candy from the old man who always wore headphones during the game and sat next to us.  He would sneak it to us when my parents weren't looking (it wasn't creepy, I swear)!  He gave off the vibe of a grumpy old man and never spoke to us but would give us these bags he made with candy and peanuts at the beginning of the game.  We got to him, I'm sure of it!  I'm sure you're all bored of my nostalgic reminiscing, but have no fear: What I'm about to hit you all with is "The Art of Tailgating." 

I have a lot of experience in this field and am going to be selective about what I post regarding such (in an effort to appeal to the largest amount of people, of course... Come on!).  My parents plan an epic tailgate for every home game along with 15 other families that includes an organized caravan to the tailgate lot, a theme based on the visiting team's origin, fresh cut sunflowers because they are the team's colors, table cloths, custom tents and most importantly, excellent wine and choice seafood (one of the group members is a seafood distributor for crying out loud!)

I had the privilege of attending this notorious tailgate this past weekend and was impressed as per usual.  So today I thought I would share some inspirational photos and tips for throwing a "proper" tailgate.   

*Unlike most of my posts when I say that finding photos was hard, this was quite the opposite and I am still not totally pleased with my editing choices... Which means, I will probably need to do another post for when the Broncos go to the Superbowl this year and I throw a Superbowl party.

Using the actual tailgate for a tailgate... I approve!

Vintage Plaid Grill

I actually own both the above and below and have yet to use any of the elements.. But I bet they would be awesome!  Maybe one day... 

Vintage Plaid Ice Chest and Thermos

 Why GO to the bar, when you can bring the bar to you?  Props you party people!

OBVIOUSLY they're at a polo match not a football game.. but they are definitely perfecting the "art."

Some cute table "cloth" ideas:

Got to applaud the homemade tailgate tent..

And now for the main event.... The FOOD, of course! 

BEST FOOTBALL SNACK EVER.

These look bomb.  Just sayin'.. Shrimp wrapped chorizo bites. Salivating..

Football Rice Krispy Treats... Well done.

What I'm going to officially call a "smorgasbord" of football-related hors devours:

And if you're a real over-achiever and like to go above and beyond, I won't judge.. But I will demand an invitation, if you can pull off this: 

This right here is the content of my dreams.

And with that, I wish you all a Happy Tailgating.. Because that actually is a verb.

Friday Finds

You guys, I am too tired for words, literally.  Lifting, squatting, blah blah in 98 degree heat outside leaves Keeley Kraft a neglected blog.  And I feel so bad about it.  But I promise, I am going to get my biznaz together this weekend so that this blemish of a blogging week will be forgotten and hopefully forgiven.  Until then, however, since I feel completely out of words, I'm going to give you a little compilation of my favorite "finds" from the week. 

 From left, clockwise:  Black Chevron Weekender Bag | Takenaka Microwaveable Food Storage Bento Boxes | Basket Weave Heeled Sandal | Black and White Color Block Dress | Right Angles Color Woven Rug | Pointed Toe Red Chevron Flats | Geometric Black and White X-Base Ottoman | Poached Egg Pods | Polka Dot Messenger Bag | Kate Spade Spring Street Shower Curtain | Pelham Wall Light

And also, just a quick hurrah before we part ways... Did anyone see the Broncos/Ravens game last night??  Yeah boys and YEAH PEYTON!  Gonna be a good season! 

I hope you all have splendid weekends! 

Can You Dig It?

So, I came onto the scene (didn't you know that construction sites are the sceniest places of all?) starting at the ground floor (pun intended... And for future reference, almost all puns on this blog are intended although I will continue to point them out when they are made for those who are slow on the "puntake" - and because I crack myself up, obvi!).  ANYWAYZ, the building we are building is to be intended for industrial use and will be completed with three loading docks, 20,000 square feet and will be 20 feet high. No easy feat by anyone's measurements (construction pun) and not exactly glamorous either.  But fun as hell for me! 

So the crew and I have been working on digging the foundation and getting it set up for a concrete pour.  Here's a photo of me killing it on the ol' Bobcat...

Can you tell by my massive grin that I "dig" this stuff?  (Pun count: 3)

Actually I am terrible on the ol' Bobcat and only managed to pick up a quarter of a load for my max haul and killed the engine more times than I can count... leading to me being pulled from the task that I had high hopes would become part of my wheelhouse.. Sad day.  But, I suppose, one must walk before they can run.   And most importantly, enough about me and my issues.  There is no whining on the job site and subsequently there should be no whining on the blog site either! 

And here are some Instagrammed photos of the job site too.  Bet that's a first for an Instagram!

There is literally dirt for dayz if there ever was such a thing... 

Magic will soon happen in those boxes you see..

I've also created a Buzzfeed-style list for 10 interesting things I have learned about construction after day 2 on the job:  

1. A building is based upon grids, upon grids, upon grids, upon grids, upon grids... upon grids.
2. TOW stands for "Top of Wall," T.O.F. stands for "Top of Floor" and TOB stands for "Top of Base" (some construction lingo for ya that I haven't quite yet found out why it's useful to turn into an acronym - maybe time will tell?)
3. A mix of waste oil and "crap" diesel (which also happen to smell like crap) can be used to line the inside of the wood molds used for pouring concrete so that the concrete doesn't stick to the mold when the wood is removed - sort of a "Pam Cooking Spray" approach to pouring concrete   - It's really amazing how much it seems construction is like cooking and also amazing how much I do not really do cooking, like ever.. Hmm.. And don't you dare say men/women's domains.. OR ELSE.  
4. Lunch is called "lunchee" and it NEVER begins a minute past the designated lunch time.
5. Fashion is not a factor at work. At all.  
6. Men ARE actually MUCH stronger than women.  Face it, it's a fact.
7. "Getting your hands dirty" should be meant ONLY as an expression... because it does not even scratch the surface in describing the state of one's hands at all times on the job.  
8. Two showers a day actually is a thing. (My 3 showers a week can no longer cut it... Oops, did I just say that out loud?) 
9. Measure twice, cut once.  Otherwise, you could end up VERY SORRY.
10. Wear sunscreen.  Because right now, I'm VERY SORRY I didn't. 

And since most of you have probably already gone to sleep after reading about all of this stuff, I am going to follow your lead and do the same.   When we wake up tomorrow it will be Friday (or maybe it already is for you, Reader, wherever you are in the world!)

Werking Girl

Do you guys want to know what my “real” job is (since I don’t think I’m fooling anyone that Keeley Kraft isn’t quite bringing home the bacon for me just yet)?  Well, whether you do or you don't, I'ma gonna tell you:  I work at a vacation rental company with my dad and my cousin.  We rent out five-star luxury timeshare-like condo suites, called fractionals.  Not bad, eh?  (To answer your questions in advance, yes, I have had the opportunity to stay in some of them and yes, I liked it).  Our company is called Travel En Vogue and you should mos def check us out at our online address: http://travelenvogue.com.   

Everything is going grand with it EXCEPT for one little detail: my job duties have been dwindling for the past year and a half or so (which was partly the reason I went to Uganda for four months) This dwindling act is occurring mostly as a result of me helping to turn the company into a lean mean fighting machine!  (This isn't an insider trading style secret being revealed here, the company is still in peak financial health, for your information).   So, now I am at kind of a crossroads and am looking towards a new direction for my big-girl “career” life.  Curtain unveil: Real Estate Development.  Sounds all big and fancy, don’t it? 

Lurve this movie and need those glasses.

Well it certainly is, although I really don't know too much about it... yet.  But you can bet your bottom dollar that won't last long and here's why:  My dad's main profession is that of a real-live real estate contractor/developer.  Now ain't that convenient?!   And, he is currently in the process of building his last commercial industrial building before he retires from the construction game.  So, on a bit of a whim, I decided to take advantage of his VAST amount of knowledge on the subject and jump on an opportunity when I see one (that's Real Estate 101, right?)  What that means for me exactly is that I am currently in Colorado, where my dad is building his building with his crew.  Basically, I am going through a sort of "training camp."  Personal reveal:  I love building things and "getting my hands dirty" literally.  I love construction work and have found it difficult to pursue on a large scale as a “ladyfolk,” so I am very grateful and excited about this opportunity as a result.  So be prepared for more posts related to my daily training as I will be at camp for roughly 2-3 weeks per month until the building is completed in (fingers crossed) April '14 and when I will officially graduate to "handywoman" status.  (For those of you who care, I will be returning to the City of Angels during the interim weeks each month).

Hell yeah we can do it!

Quick topical tangent: I'm also hoping to be ripped by the end of this month's tenure and come back to Cali cut like a pro-athlete.  An update on that will follow if and ONLY IF that looks as if it's actually going to happen.   

So, in conclusion, add construction to the growing list of all things random that this blog delves into.  Also, the first day of my "semester" began today and after hands-down the most exhausting day of work I have had to date, I am about to log some zzz's.  Nighty night!